Jarrett Zissett
Name: Jarrett Allen Zissett
Hometown: Barnwell, S.C.
Year in School: Sophomore
Major: Communication
Minor: Religious Studies
When Jarrett Zissett visited Coastal for the first time, it was a dark and stormy day. The disagreeable weather lasted all the way through the check-in process at Baxley Hall. However, the moment he stepped outside to officially begin his campus tour the clouds cleared up and the sun poked out. The favorable conditions remained for the duration of the tour. Jarrett took it as a sign.
Still in the first half of his undergraduate years at CCU, the sophomore from Barnwell, S.C., has already established himself as a campus leader. He is a resident adviser and he was recently selected as an orientation leader for the upcoming summer. Jarrett enjoys one-on-one interaction and is not afraid to branch out. This wasn’t always the case.
“CCU has really broken me out of my shell,” says Jarrett. “I was a very introverted, quiet person. But now here at Coastal I seize every opportunity that I get.”
Jarrett is an active individual with many diverse interests and talents. Whether it be fishing, painting, climbing or just hanging with friends, you won’t find him idle. His eagerness extends beyond hobbies.
“I am always eager to meet new people, try new things and make myself unique,” explains Jarrett.
A person who has no hesitation meeting others and can clearly distinguish himself through his personality is a good candidate for a career in leadership. As you can imagine, this is the path that Jarrett wants to travel. After he earns his undergraduate degree in a couple years, he plans to attend graduate school to earn a degree in student affairs. Working with college students is Jarrett’s calling and he is currently taking key initial steps to realizing his dream. We wish this first generation college student the best of luck and thank him for choosing Coastal.
Q&A with Jarrett
How did you hear about Coastal?: I heard about Coastal my freshman year of high school through the mail and my teachers.
Why did you come to Coastal?: I came to Coastal because the moment I stepped on campus it gave me a sense of “home.”
Favorite professor: This is tough because I love every professor at Coastal but I would have to say John Roper, Ph.D., because he was the first person to make me feel included and pushed me to try my hardest at Coastal.
Favorite class: My favorite class was Communication 341: Advanced Public Speaking, with Professor Elizabeth Muckensturm because it encouraged me to step out of my shell further.
Favorite aspect of Coastal?: Coastal is full of possibilities and potential for anyone attending this amazing University.
Favorite aspect of living in the Conway/Myrtle Beach area?: I love that there is always something to do and I can go to the beach at night to look at the stars.
Clubs/Intramurals/other extracurricular activities involved in?: I am a member of the CCU Fishing Club and part of the Resident Adviser Council. I am also currently rushing for a fraternity.
Do you work anywhere currently (either on or off campus)?: I am a Resident Adviser for Palmetto Hall, a 2019 Orientation Leader, and a building manager for the Lib Jackson Student Union.
Plans after graduation?: I plan to attend graduate school to pursue a path in student affairs with hopes of working at a university with college students.
What are your hobbies?: I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, fishing, climbing the rock wall at HTC, painting, and anything that makes me more well-rounded.
Do you have any hidden talents?: I can speak in a few different accents and I can draw. I also have a talent for making people smile and brightening their day.
Bonus Info: I am a first generation college student and I can honestly say that this University is perfect for anyone who wants to get involved and discover who they really are as a person.
