This week, get to know Destiny Jones, a junior at Elizabethtown College studying neuroscience and fine art.
Some who study neuroscience intend to go on to medical school to become a doctor, but Jones has a different career choice in mind: psychedelic research. “I want to do medical research on the effects of psychedelics on various mental conditions: depression, PTSD and anxiety,” Jones said.
Aside from her career goals, Jones’ overall goal in life is to be happy. “I just want to be happy and live my life on my own terms,” she said.
When she’s not studying for neuroscience, Jones is focused on her unofficial minor, fine art. She notes her appreciation for the skill and creativity required to create a meaningful piece of art. She personally enjoys expressing her creativity through craft. “My hobbies include crocheting, knitting, concerts, and hanging out with my dog,” Jones said.
Jones is accompanied on campus by her emotional support animal, Rhoda.
Seven-year-old Rhoda was gifted to Jones at just 8 weeks old with the intention of becoming her emotional support animal, although Jones noted that sometimes she is unsure of who is whose emotional support, as Rhoda also struggles with anxiety. When talking about Rhoda, Jones has nothing but love to share for her dog. “I just love her so much. She’s so cute. She’s like my child.”
Rhoda often accompanies Jones on adventures such as hiking, swimming and playing in the snow, but one of her favorite activities requires her to leave Rhoda at home. “I love going to concerts,” Jones said. “I especially love the DIY scene in Lancaster and Millersville. I actually get to see my favorite band, Babe Haven, later this month.”
Living on Etown’s campus allows Jones more freedom and opportunity to travel to these concerts, as she is originally from Mifflinburg, Pennsylvania.
Jones is able to note the positives of Etown, such as the shortened concert commute and the meaningful relationships she has built since attending. Yet, she brings up how inaccessible the campus is. “Last year, I broke my ankle,” Jones said. “I was on crutches and I had to climb the stairs multiple times a day. It was not easy for me to get in and out of my dorm.”
It proved very difficult for Jones to get from her dorm to the dining hall. “I would want someone to bring me food,” Jones said. “Most of my friends lived in different buildings so they couldn’t get in. I was hungry and felt like I had to jump through hoops just to eat.”
Jones also notes that the pathways on campus are “too treacherous for any kind of scooter,” making it difficult for those with a mobility aid to move around campus.
Inaccessibility is not the only issue Jones has with Etown. “It’s not very diverse. I mean, it’s better than my high school, but I look around and don’t see a real blend,” Jones said. Learning from other cultures is important to Jones as it allows her to expand her point of view.
Despite her contention with the inaccessibility and lack of diversity on campus, Jones enjoys her time at Etown.
