Ashleigh Fontenot

“The Big Step”

By Nyja Stephenson

Ashleigh Fontenot, Humble senior, has a subtle unique individuality. “I don’t conform,” she said. Although some people have blatant physical differences; Fontenot looks like the average girl on campus, but she is so much more.

“I don’t know what makes me different, I am just me.” Fontenot said with a smile at the beginning of the interview. “I love music, I love to shop, and I like football,” she said. Football and shopping are an interesting combination. Most girls are girly or tomboys, not both. She revealed that her interest in football was acquired since both of her brothers play football. She also likes to run. “I run almost every morning. It helps clear my head so I can think about one thing at a time,” she said. Not only does she get good exercise, she puts her hobby to good use for others. She will be participating in the breast cancer walk this coming weekend. “I am very excited and proud to be in that,” she said.
Tall and slender, she had on a t-shirt with a vivid graphic design and jeans. Her hair was pulled off of her face showing black-framed glasses. She didn’t look her age, but she is a college student. She had a quiet, shy aura about her that has led her to choose challenging goals. “I am quiet and keep to my self,” she claimed, “but I think that fuels my creativity.” Fontenot plans to leave Stephen F. Austin State University with two degrees in advertising and design.
Many students are nervous and unsure of their future by the time they reach their fourth year of college, but not Fontenot. She is anxious for the end of her college career. Some say experience is the best education. Fontenot agrees, “School is necessary but temporary, I am ready for the real world.” Although Houston, the nearest city to Humble, is a great city Fontenot feels that it is not the best place for an advertising design career. “I want to move to New York,” she said, “It is fast paced and so different from Texas but you can really find your niche.”
The move to New York is a long-term goal. Right now the 21-year-old is focusing on partying. She stated, “I wouldn’t say it is a goal to party, but is a strong desire.” Although she claims to not be the typical sloppy drunk party girl, she just wants to have a good time and live life. “One day I will have a family with kids and I don’t want to feel like I missed out on anything. My aunt said you haven’t partied until you have been around the world and partied, so that is something I would like to do,” she said.
Even though she has a very typical young adult desire to party, Fontenot also has some serious important aspirations. Besides the parties she would like to be more involved with her religion. “It is something I have to work on,” she stated, “I need to read more, study more, just do more.”
Many people think the step from high school to college is the biggest step a young adult will take. Students, however, know after college is the ultimate transition. Fontenot has personal and career goals that will lead her in the right direction.