Jael Morel, a digital entertainment technology major with a double minor in business and computer science from Tegucigalpa, Honduras is one of 2 SITC majors recognized as a University Scholar this spring. To qualify as a University Scholar, students must maintain a 3.5 GPA or higher and show a demonstration of knowledge and skill in the research of their appropriate field. Students are nominated by faculty across the university and presented for selection to the Faculty Senate for the final decision. We asked Jael to reflect on her time at ACU and give students advice on how to prepare for their future career. Congratulations, Jael!

Being named a University Scholar is a great honor! What was your first reaction when you received the news? 

It was truly an honor and, in a sense, a great accomplishment for me. I have had someone I look up to get university scholar before and through my years in my department I was working hard and building relationships in the hopes of being named a University Scholar. I wanted to make my parents proud and it was a moment of pure joy when I received the email and I told my parents.

What extracurricular activities/student orgs were you involved with on campus? 

• Spiritual Formation Worship Coordinator 
• Spiritual Formation Media Production Intern 
• COBA Student Ambassador 
• President of DET Club 
• Member of Delta Theta 
• ISA President 2020 – 2021 
• ISA Marketing Director 2019- 2020 
• Homecoming Student Director 
• Wildcat Week Steering Committee 

What are some of your favorite memories/experiences in your department?

My absolute favorite memories were those late nights in the lab working on our animation . Definitely FilmFest. Making an animation requires a lot of time and effort but it was fun to get to work with my friends and my peers and get to see the result on the big screen. Favorite moments are definitely winning the awards for People’s Choice and Best Producer. It was truly a great blessing. 

What has grown you as an individual the most in your time at ACU? 

I have grown in many ways. I believe I have grown professionally and relationally a great amount. I have learned how to set healthy boundaries for myself and how to act in the many circumstances that I will encounter in the future. 

What is your favorite thing about ACU?

My favorite thing about ACU is the community. It sounds cliche’ but the community at ACU is truly a community that cares for you. From the students sitting beside you to the professors and staff. ACU’s community has taken care of me the past few years being so far away from home. 

Do you have any advice for future students? 

Pour into your work, especially in the field of technology. You will only GET GOOD if you pour into your work. If you just do the bare minimum in your assignments you will not get anywhere and you won’t create amazing projects. 

What will you be doing after graduation? 

After graduation I will be working as a Digital Learning Content Developer for a company called 3D systems!