Stephen F. Austin State University

Jolynn Harwell survived a lot in order to earn a degree from Stephen F. Austin State University with perfect grades, including poisonous snakes, aggressive spiders and larcenous monkeys. Harwell was one of 12 SFA students selected to complete the final semester of her college education teaching in Costa Rica.

An English major, Harwell said the three-month adventure taught her as much as, or maybe more than, she could possibly have learned in a classroom.

“I learned how frustrating it is to not know a language well enough to convey a point and also how it feels to be left out of what is going on around you because you don’t understand,” she said. “This experience has motivated me to improve my Spanish and has given me a heart for those students who will come into my classroom with limited English.”

In addition to the typical academic honors associated with a perfect 4.0 grade-point average – membership in the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, the Phi Eta Sigma honor society and the Sigma Tau Delta English honor society – Harwell was a squad leader in SFA’s Lumberjack Marching Band for two semesters and served as vice president of the Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship.

Harwell’s ability to juggle an active social life while maintaining top-quality academic progress was a skill that came in handy in Costa Rica. Problem-solving was another skill required of the group members.

“Our professor reminded us constantly that this trip was going to be a lesson in problem-solving, and that it was!” she said. “My luggage was lost for the first five days after we arrived, and we confronted and overcame a variety of challenging obstacles. But through all of this, I came to love the Tico culture, my host family, and the students, teachers and school.”

Harwell said she became close friends with her fellow SFA students who were selected for the Costa Rica internship.

“These friendships will never be forgotten, because we share a unique bond,” she explained. “While I am glad to be home, I left part of my heart in Costa Rica, and one day, I will go back.”

Harwell, a 2004 graduate of Stephenville High School, is one of 16 students who will graduate from SFA with 4.0 grade-point averages. More than 1,100 students will receive degrees during commencement ceremonies Saturday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in William R. Johnson Coliseum. Seven doctorates will be awarded, along with 240 master’s degrees and 880 bachelor’s degrees.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry will deliver the commencement address.