Nazareth College is a super cool place full of super cool people who go on to do super cool things after they graduate. This winter, we’re featuring some of our alumni talking about what they’re doing out there in the real world as well as reflecting on their time here at Naz. Our next profile features Packy Jones. 
Major: Communications and Media
Minors: Finance
Hometown: Skaneateles, NY
Grad Year: 2016
What are you doing now (and where)?
I am currently living in Florida and working for the Florida Panthers NHL organization. I coach and assist with their youth hockey programs to help grow the sport in South Florida.
What is your fondest memory of your time at Naz?
When I think about my time at Naz, it’s all about the fun I had with my friends and teammates: the times on the ice, in the locker room, working out in the gym as a group and everything else in between. There were some ups and downs, but I had a blast playing hockey at Naz and those are memories I will carry with me forever.
What’s one thing about life at Nazareth that turned out differently than you expected?
The biggest surprise during my college career was probably what I ended up majoring in. I came into Naz undeclared having no idea what I wanted to do, and waited until the last possible day to declare my major. I had taken an intro communications course and loved it and decided that was what I wanted to major in. I slowly realized how much I enjoyed writing and working in digital media and I had some awesome professors who really helped me develop those skills and passions.
What’s some advice you have for incoming freshman and current students about making the most of this time in their life?
The biggest piece of advice I can give incoming students is to enjoy the moment. Don’t spend too much time worrying about the future or looking back on the past because at the end of the day college is an experience; it’s so much more than a degree. Think about who you are and who you want to be and don’t change anything about yourself just to fit in. Nazareth has a lot to offer its students and you will eventually meet people you like and get along with, so be patient and focus on the now.
For current students, four years go by fast. Real fast. Get your homework done, study for tests and strive for academic success, but don’t let the years pass you by. Go out on weekends, hang out with friends, and take advantage of what Nazareth can offer you. Now is the time to make memories and build lifelong friendships, so make sure you’re doing it. As Ferris Buehler once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
Read more of our alumni series here: Yomayra Guerrero ’16 Communication and Media, Karisa Langdon ’16 Physical Therapy, Taylor Wroblewski ’16 Communication and Media, Ben Stracuzzi ’13 Environmental Science
And be sure to check out our series from last year featuring some of our incredible grads from the class of 2015.