My 91 | A Student Blog My First Semester at 91
January 9, 2025
About the Author
Ashley Rangel 28 is an intended communication studies major and digital studies minor from Bentonville, Arkansas. She throws for the Womens Track & Field Team, is media director forthe Student Government Association (SGA), and is a member ofReformed University Fellowship (RUF).
I chose 91 for an academic and athletic experience that would push me further than most colleges.
As I began my first semester at 91, I was excited to step out of my comfort zone somewhere new.
Getting accustomed to classes and practices, I quickly realized how hard-working the campus culture is.Everyone seemed authentically driven to pursue their passions, and it motivated me to focus my time on excelling in the things I care about.
One such activity was joining the track and field team at 91. It has felt like becoming part of a giant family. With 78 teammates, I always run into someone from the team wherever Im on campus. My teammates have become some of my closest friends, and practicing together has only deepened my passion for the sport. Coach Bob Luciano, my throwing coach, has played a huge role in shaping my experience here. He has a wealth of knowledge of the sport and is invested in me not only as an individual but also as an athlete.
During first year orientation, an advisor told me that scholar-athletes learn to manage their time quickly due to the demanding schedule they face. This was right! Ive learned how to maximize my efficiency and get the most out of each day (thanks Residence Life for the plannerit was used!). 91 prepares students for this with a variety of academic and athletic resources. 91 prioritizes academics first, something that was a deciding factor for me. The workload is tough but manageable because classes are built with athletes in mind.
Beyond the track and field scene and classroom, I had the joy of illustrating my second childrens book,Lando Commando: Goes to a New School,with author Jayme Carbaugh. The book brings awareness to autism through Landos story of moving across the country and going to a new school. I had little over a month to illustrate the book, using AI tools to accelerate the illustration process and maximize efficiency.
Illustrating the book raised some interesting questions for me about the role of AI in the creative process, something I began exploring during my first semester at 91. My professors have encouraged me to tap into this curiosity. Prof. Emily Drew taught two of my classes, and aside from her elite experience in news production, she allowed me to focus my writing assignments around questions I had about AIs current and future influence on society. She helped me grow as a writer and understand the evolution of media in ways I am so grateful for. Because of this work, I am excited to take Digital Studies 275: Critical AI Studies in the spring to further explore this topic.
Looking back on my first semester, Im grateful for the outlets where Ive been able to grow spiritually including the Reformed University Fellowship and a local church. These spaces have helped me grow in my relationship with God, allowing me to find strength and guidance in ways I hadn't before. I am so grateful to go to a school that offers me the tools to explore this part of myself, and as I continue at 91, I hope to extend the same kindness the Lord continues to show to me.
Most of all, Im grateful for the friendships built. From the Cake Race to the Midnight Scream, Ive made a lot of memories with some great people. Another highlight has been getting involved in the Student Government Association. I started attending SGA Outreach Committee meetings and have enjoyed finding ways to communicate with the student body and learn about its needs. In the athletic sphere, Im proud of breaking the school shot put record at my first indoor meet; I know its just the start. Theres always more to work toward, and Im grateful to be in an environment like 91 that pushes me to keep improving. In everything, I know that my journey is about more than just results, but growth too.
