Honor Student Jake Croft is allowing college to expand his horizons

VALDOSTA – For William “Jake” Croft, college life has given him an opportunity to expand his horizons.

“I have decided to expose myself to aspects of life and things that I have not had an interest in before,” said Croft. “I have always been the type to stick to what I know. Now I would like to branch out and learn about different cultures and disciplines and what others find interesting. I just have the desire to become more open-minded.” 

A Lowndes County native, Croft is one of 52 freshmen who entered into Valdosta State University’s Honors College during fall 2012 with honors scholarships awarded by the VSU Foundation. He did not enter college alone, however. His twin sister, Katie Marie Croft, also began classes at VSU in the College of Nursing during fall semester.

“She was a just few decimals from getting into the Honors College,” said Croft.  “Whatever the case, sharing the college experience with her has been awesome. The things people say about twins having a special bond is definitely true with us. We are best friends.”

Like his sister, Croft is interested in a career in the medical field. He plans to one day become a chiropractor.

“When I was in the 5th grade, I had terrible migraines everyday and had over a dozen tests done on me,” Croft said. “No one could figure out what was wrong with me. One day, my parents took me to a chiropractor and he determined that the headaches were caused by an issue with the alignment of my spine. I started to go to the chiropractor two to three times a week and the headaches eventually weaned off. I would watch him adjust my parents’ postures and then Katie’s, and I thought that I would love to get into something like that as an adult. Furthermore, the demand for people in that profession is expected to increase by 18 to 19 percent by the time I graduate.”

When he is not tending to his studies, Croft takes advantage of the Student Recreation Center.

“Running is a passion of mine,” he said. “I run to clear my mind and relieve a lot of stress. Because I wrestled in high school, I would also love to start a wrestling club here on campus.”

Croft continues to adjust to college life and plans to take advantage of all that the Honors College has to offer.

“We have a foreign requirement of taking so many foreign languages or completing a study abroad program,” he said. “At this time, I am not sure which option I will take, but I would not mind doing both. I am really excited and appreciative to be a part of the college and to have received the scholarship.”