Mackenzie Veitch

Hometown: Oak Grove, AL

Major: Secondary Education, History

Most Surprising Thing About College Life:

The most surprising thing about coming to college was that I ended up having a lot of free time. I expected to be swamped with schoolwork, but I ended up having plenty of time to go to fun events on campus and things like that!

How She Knew that JSU was the Right Fit:

I grew up in a small little town outside of Birmingham, so I knew I wanted to branch out and expand my horizons a little bit. JSU ended up being the perfect mid-sized college that I was looking for. Jacksonville is 1.5 hours from my hometown, so it isn't too close but isn't too far either. I had spent a lot of time on campus prior to becoming a student, and everyone always made me feel so at home and welcomed. 

Mackenzie Veitch

Favorite Thing to Do Outside of Class:

I love the outdoors so when I don't have class and things like that, I like to enjoy some of the different outdoor areas around campus such as the Chief Ladiga trail, Cheaha Mountain, and Noccalula Falls.

Advice for New Students:

Make connections with other people on campus. Whether it be your professors, classmates, or other JSU staff, my greatest advice is to make connections with those around you. One great way to do this is to get involved on campus. We offer sports, Greek life, clubs, and so many other opportunities for students to get involved on campus and meet other students. You get out of your college experience what you put into it, so if you see that SGA is holding an event, go. If you see that a club is holding an event, go. Whatever you can do to put yourself out there and meet new people will never be a waste of time.

Favorite JSU Moment:

My favorite JSU memory was Panhellenic Bid Day in 2020. This day, I received a bid to join one of the Panhellenic Sororities that we have on campus. Being a part of Greek life has given me so many opportunities, and I am so thankful for this experience.

Favorite Class:

My favorite class so far has been my "Introduction to Government" class with Dr. Gross! He makes learning so much fun and keeps students actively involved in the lessons.

Favorite Meal in the 'Ville:

Chicken and cheese quesadillas from Gamecock Diner!