Two-Timing Student
Student entrepreneur shoulders a heavy load at SFCC
By Liane Edixon

At age 20, Jason Feltz knows what he wants. He's focusing on political science at Santa Fe Community College and wants to transfer to the University of Florida after he receives his Associate of Arts degree. He also plans to apply to law school at UF after he's completed his undergraduate coursework. Because he knows that it's hard work to get accepted to law school, Feltz became active with Student Government his first year at SFCC. He also was awarded a position as a student ambassador, chosen based on grades and ability to talk and respond well with others. Along with the position comes a full scholarship.

"As an ambassador, I am a voice of the college," Feltz says. "My job is to get the word out about SFCC and share my experiences with other prospective students so that they may have the same opportunities that I have."

As a student ambassador, Feltz formed the first ambassador program committees. These committees expanded the program to include four new components consisting of fundraisers, community outreach, and social and public relations. He also created fundraising programs for what was called "A-Team". Those participating would form teams and find sponsors to pledge money for every "A" they received.

Along with fundraisers and community programs, Feltz participates in "coffee chats" with the president of SFCC, Jackson N. Sasser. "We share personal thoughts with the president on the direction we think the college needs to move in," Feltz says.

During the fall 2002 semester, Feltz interned at the district office for State Senator Rod Smith. During his internship, he became familiar with the procedures of constituent service and staff support. Feltz acted as a liaison for the senator by helping constituents who had problems. "His ability to learn the complexities of any issue led my staff to entrust him with duties and responsibilities reserved for staff with many more years of experience," Smith says.

It's a known fact that most small businesses fail. Yet, Feltz managed to run one company by himself when he was in high school, and was able to transfer the company to Gainesville, FL where he goes to school at SFCC. His lawn service company has paid all of his personal expenses since he started school.

When Feltz came to Gainesville, he hoped to concentrate on school and becoming a lawyer. He knew it would be difficult and had saved up money from his lawn service back home in Iowa. When he realized how costly his education was going to be after moving to Gainesville and attending SFCC, Feltz decided he needed to start a lawn service company in Gainesville in order to pay his way through school. The lawn service company he owns pays for all his personal expenses except for tuition and books, which are paid by his student ambassador scholarship.

Feltz has accomplished several goals that will bring him closer to his dream of attending UF law school. "From the president's office to the student body, every member of the SFCC family has been touched by Jason's good works," Smith says.

Contact Feltz at Jason.B.Feltz@sfcc.edu

Copyright © 2006 Oxendine Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved