Name: Jennifer Kubicki
Title: Graphic Designer and Photographer
Educational Background: BA in Graphic Design, Minor in Fine Art, Flagler College 2008.
UNF Start Date: February, 2009.
Years in Admissions: 3.5
Why did you choose to go into college admissions? What better place for a graphic designer to feel proud about what they sell than in higher ed? My background is in fine art and graphic design, yes, but it’s not all about making things look pretty. I also have a very strong background in marketing, and what makes for effective marking, at that. I can proudly tell anyone that I make my living by selling education; not a bunch of superficial products and services that do not add any real significant value to one’s life.
What do you like best about working in admissions? I love that I have a direct influence on this institution’s first impression on our prospective students – our marketing materials. Thankfully, my Director has enough confidence in my abilities to allow me to direct the design of the majority of the pieces that come from this department. And what can I say, a very close second to that is simply this: I love the people I work with!
What makes an application essay really stand out for you? If it were up to me, excellent grammar is number one, no ifs, ands, or buts. And I mean throughout the entire process of communication with your college recruiters – excellent grammar in every email, excellent grammar in every essay, excellent grammar in every single solitary Facebook comment. But I can’t be a total stickler either. Knowing your grammar, and knowing when it’s okay to take creative license and break the rules properly, is also very important if you want to communicate and express yourself as the individual that you are.
Oh, and Oxford Commas are a huge plus. 
What is the funniest thing you’ve overheard or seen while at UNF? All you gotta do is spend a little time with the Swoop Squad. Those guys really know how to ham it up!
What is your favorite place on the UNF campus? Well, if we’re talking “easy on the eyes”, there are a lot of pretty little sanctuaries for one to take in the scenery, my favorite being the Campus Green – a large grassy area in front of the Fine Arts Center, where students and faculty convene to relax, study, play Frisbee, or soak up some rays. But because I enjoy being in the thick of life on campus, I have to give props to the Student Union. Between the Boathouse restaurant, the food court, the amphitheater, the game room, the art gallery, all the big spacious study rooms, various club and organization offices, and all the events that take place in Osprey Plaza, there is always something cool happening there.
If you could join any club or organizations, which one would you join? Bike UNF. There are SO many people who ride bikes here. It’s the absolute most perfect way to get around most any college campus.
What song or book or movie makes you think of your college days and why? Art School Confidential. Admittedly, I’m a film snob and this particular film was executed pretty poorly. Haha! That said, I can’t help but have an affinity with it. It parallels the trials and tribulations of my time studying art and design in college to a T!
What is your “go to” answer when someone asks why he/she should choose UNF? It’s a great time to live in Jacksonville and a great time to be a UNF student. Like Jacksonville, UNF is currently undergoing quite the awe-inspiring transformation, which includes beautification, community-building, and a higher standard in reputation. For about five years I’ve witnessed a very noticeable positive growth in Jacksonville’s urban core areas (my primary focus regarding my community involvement). And for the three and a half years I’ve worked at UNF, I’ve seen so many exciting new changes. I’ve had the privilege of being the Admissions photographer, capturing all kinds of fun moments with the students, witnessing first-hand just how much they’re thoroughly enjoying all the new facilities. And there’s still more to come!
Give us a piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you began college? If you’ve got the desire to go to college, then you’ve got what it takes to get into college, no matter what your background may be. It took me a very long time to truly grasp the fact that I could actually really and truly go to college, despite my very modest income. The aid is out there, even in a hurting economy, and UNF in particular prides itself on personable service. If you need help understanding how to apply to college and get financial aid, these Admissions recruiters and One Stop advisers are some of the most kindhearted, patient, and dedicated people in their field.
