EASLEY – Easley High School senior Anna Jewell holds a top five grade point average, is active in the community, and has been accepted by both Clemson University and St. Andrews in Scotland.
“I wanted to give myself every opportunity,” Jewell said. “I didn’t want to deny myself a chance no matter how outlandish it was or where in the world the school was, so I decided to apply to St. Andrew’s in Scotland and was accepted much to the displeasure of my mother.”
Jewell said that her mother did not want to her to attend any University that far from home.
“It is $48,000 a year to go there,” Jewell said. “That sounds like a lot, but Furman University is $52,000, so relative to some in-state schools it’s cheaper. I applied for some scholarships but didn’t get them and as spring break rolled around I remembered that Clemson is one of the top 50 schools in the nation for English which will be my major.”
Clemson University has always been of interest to Jewell.
“Clemson has always intrigued me and my brother also attends the school,” Jewell said. “I have been somewhat active in Clemson through my brother and I have had the opportunity to be exposed to what Clemson is about and some of the people.”
Jewell said that it was also important to remain realistic in her collegiate goals.
“I did not want to deny myself this opportunity and wanted to be realistic about everything,” Jewell said. “Scotland and St. Andrews has been pushed off the list, and not solely because of finances, but I thought it would be better for me to go to Clemson.”
Jewell intends on pursuing an English degree from Clemson and one day teach at the college level.
“I chose English as my major because there are no limits, it is opinionated, and it is all about interpretation,” Jewell said. “A career in English is an open field and it will fulfill me personally and create a variety of career paths.”
Both of Jewell’s parents are longtime educators and have served as an inspiration.
“My dad is an art teacher at Easley High School and my mother is a fourth grade teacher at West End Elementary,” Jewell said. “My mom has a Master’s degree and my dad has his doctorate, so education is a very big thing in my family.”
Jewell said that her desire to be a college professor is less intimidating because of her parents.
“Things have become a lot more realistic because of my parents,” Jewell said. “My dad has always said that things are never as easy as they seem but they are also never as hard as they seem.”
School officials expressed their sentiments of Jewell’s dedication and her willingness to pursue her dreams.
“What I think sets Anna apart from other students is that she is not just the academic mature student, she is the all-around student,” said Counselor Lauren Blackston. “She has the best character I have seen in a student and she has really high goals. She follows through and she is responsible.”
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