Finding My Place at FranU

By Jennifer Hoang

When I first arrived at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University, I had some thoughts about what college would be like. I thought the classes would be tough, I knew I had to become more independent, and I was excited to meet new friends. However, I didn’t expect how much FranU would push me to grow not just as a student, but also as a person. Looking back, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that college isn’t about having everything figured out right away. It’s about figuring out who you are, finding out what you can do and letting yourself grow along the way.

My time at FranU has shown me how important community is. There have been moments when I felt stressed or unsure, but I’ve realized I don’t have to face those times alone. FranU makes college feel more personal. The people you meet, the talks you have and the friendships you create can really make a difference.

Becoming a Franciscan Peer Leader has been a key part of my journey. Being a Peer Leader is more than just helping other students. It’s about being someone they can turn to when they have questions, need support or are trying to find their way. Sometimes, making a difference can help others. It can be as simple as listening to someone, answering a question or reminding a student that they can get through a tough day.

Working with my classmates has shown me that everyone has a unique college experience. We all arrive at FranU with different backgrounds, personalities, goals and challenges. Because of this, I've learned not to compare my path to someone else's. What works for one person might not work for another, and that's perfectly fine. One of the things I love most about being a Peer Leader is the chance to connect with students and help them feel like they belong. I remember what it was like to be new, wondering where to go, what to do and if I was really ready for what was ahead.

Being able to help someone else feel a bit more at ease makes this role special to me. FranU has also changed how I view service. Before I got here, I thought of service mainly as something you do for others. Now I see that service is also about how you show up every day. It can mean helping someone find their way, encouraging a friend, supporting your community or simply choosing to treat others with kindness and respect.

My experience at FranU has taught me that success isn't always about grades, achievements or titles. Sometimes, success is realizing that you managed something that once felt impossible. Sometimes, it's about asking for help when you need it.

And sometimes, it's about moving forward even when you're not entirely sure what comes next.

If I could give myself advice on my first day at FranU, I would say: take your time. You don’t need to know how everything will turn out right away. It’s okay not to have all the answers. Make sure to meet new people, ask questions, learn from what happens and enjoy the journey as it unfolds.

For those thinking about coming to FranU, I want you to understand that it’s not just a place to go to classes and get a degree. It’s a community where you can grow, help others and learn more about yourself. Your time here will be influenced not just by what you study in class, but also by the friends you make and how you choose to get involved.

Being a Franciscan Peer Leader has taught me how important it is to support others. It has also reminded me that I am still on my own journey of learning and growing. I might not have everything sorted out, but I feel more confident in facing challenges, connecting with people and moving ahead.

FranU has become a part of my life story, and I appreciate the experiences that keep shaping who I am. I came here to get an education, but I leave each day with even more lessons about community, service, confidence and the value of being there for others.