When Jaiden Grant stepped onto the University of Tennessee campus in fall 2021, she brought with her a quiet demeanor and a heart full of hope. Shy and anxious after high school, she was searching for a place where she could grow, just not too far from home.
“I chose UTC because it was the perfect size,” said the Political Science and Public Service major from Jackson, Tennessee. “It wasn’t so small like my high school, but it wasn’t overly large where I would just be another number. And it was just far enough that my mom wouldn’t randomly drive up, but close enough if I needed to get home.”
It didn’t take long for that quiet student to find her stride. Over the next four years, Jaiden became a recognizable face across campus. She gave tours to prospective students and welcomed new Mocs as an Orientation Leader. She interned at both The House Ministries and with the Alumni Affairs team. She joined the Littleton H. Mason Singers, served as Vice Chair of Athletics and Traditions in the Student Government Association and became a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Some of her favorite memories came from the energy of campus events — Welcome Week, Aux Cord Wars and cheering on the Mocs at the Alabama vs. UTC game — but what stuck with her most were the moments of connection.
“Meeting prospective students on tour, then seeing them at Orientation and then seeing them again during their first weeks at UTC. That meant so much,” she said. “They were excited to be here, and I was a familiar face. That’s special.”
Now, Jaiden is preparing to take that same sense of community and connection into her career. Starting in August, she’ll be working full-time as a Pastoral Resident with The House Ministries. Long-term, she hopes to work in development and ultimately become a development director.
“With my hopes of going into fundraising, you really have to get out of your comfort zone,” she said. “And I truthfully feel like I’ve almost mastered it!”
She credits UTC with helping her grow into the person she is today.
“Coming here has really brought me back out of my shell. Getting involved helped me feel more confident in who I am.”
That confidence, and sense of connection, is something she’ll miss.
“I’m really going to miss the campus culture of knowing that every time I go to a campus event, I’m going to see a familiar face.”
During her internship with Alumni Affairs, Jaiden also saw just how impactful donor support can be.
“Contributions provide more than just financial assistance,” she said. “They create opportunities for students like me to learn, grow and succeed. By continuing to invest in future students, you’re empowering the next generation of leaders, innovators and changemakers.”
Her advice to future Mocs?
“Put yourself out there,” she said. “There are so many people who are just waiting for you to ask the question or do the thing.”