January's Student of the Month plans career in business education and FBLA

Jensen, a junior from Benkleman, Nebraska, has been honored as the January Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month. Jensen feels he has benefited immensely from one-on-one advice from the organization’s director, Jen Schaer, and counselor, Sonja Dressel, who have helped him with academic planning and finding internships.

“Jen and Sonja wrote letters of recommendation supporting me as an applicant for the NSCS student trustee, so I know they are confident in me, that I can represent CSC well,” Jensen said.

Another supporter of Jensen in his bid for the student trustee position is Admissions Representative Justy Bullington, who gave him a tour of campus when he was a prospective student.

“The campus tour by Justy was the deciding factor for me. Before that I really had no idea that I would enroll at CSC. The whole campus has been great. When I’m coming back to Chadron after a break in Benkleman, I say I’m going home,” he said.

A graduate of Dundy County/Stratton High School, Jensen enrolled at CSC having already earned 10 credit hours through Mid-Plains Community College. He is pursuing a 6-12 field endorsement in Business, Marketing and Information Technology. So far, he is on track to meet his goals to graduate in four years and debt-free.

While in high school, Jensen qualified for FBLA nationals in three areas but rules allowed him to compete in only two categories: business ethics and community service projects. He won the America award at nationals.

“Peggy Parker and Lisa Fox are two of the best teachers I ever had. I didn’t think I would say this, but I want to go back to Dundy County, teach business and become an FBLA adviser, coordinating and sponsoring student events and competitions. Long term, I plan to design and develop business curriculum,” he said.

Jensen, who is already a member of the professional FBLA association and familiar with many FBLA state leaders and officials, said he plans to eventually advocate at the state level until business becomes a core class in secondary education.

In preparation for future leadership roles, Jensen is quite active at CSC. He was appointed to the Student Senate in late 2015 to represent the school of Education, Human Performance, Counseling, Psychology and Social Work. As such, Jensen has been involved in discussion around a food pantry for students and is a member of the Campus Improvement Committee. He was also appointed to the campus' Education Technology Committee in January and has supported Senate’s purchase of additional recycling containers

Additionally, Jensen is the president of United, a club approved by the Campus Activities Board in December, designed to offer mutual support for LGBTQ Plus students.

“Our goal is to have support meetings and also educate the campus community and increase understanding of LGBTQ Plus issues,” Jensen said.

Outside of CSC, Jensen works 40 hours per week at a local grocery store and volunteers to support community recycling.