Jimena Garcia has seen every episode of Friends, twice. That’s 236 episodes over 10 seasons. Averaging 22 minutes per episode, that’s seven days of her life dedicated to six Manhattanites and their intersecting lives.
The first episode of Friends aired on Sept. 22, 1994, long before Jimena was born, but Ross, Rachel, Joey, Chandler, Monica, and Phoebe provided more than just laughs and entertainment. As a newcomer to the United States, they were teachers, helping Jimena practice her English.
“I love Friends,” said Jimena. “I just love it—not only because of the funny parts but also because listening allowed me to learn more without reading the subtitles. I used to say that I wished people had subtitles when they talked.”
Jimena’s family immigrated to the United States in 2021. They started out in Maryland and moved to Memphis for employment opportunities. Jimena graduated from Sheffield High School in 2023.
“When I moved, I needed exposure to the language and to adapt to the culture,” she said. “It was hard at first. Reading for me was easier. I would watch Disney movies and TV in English to practice my language skills. My first job here was at McDonald’s. I had been embarrassed about my pronunciation and lack of words. It helped a lot to get out of my comfort zone and talk to people.”
As she approached the end of her time at Sheffield, a teacher asked Jimena if she planned to continue her education and go to college.
She really hadn’t thought it was a possibility, but the teacher encouraged her to explore the opportunities at CBU. As a test-optional institution, meaning an ACT or SAT score is not required for general undergraduate admission, Jimena felt more comfortable applying.
She completed her application and the essay, submitted her transcripts and a few weeks later learned she had been accepted and received a scholarship.
“I wasn’t able to believe it,” she said. “I kept going through the process and was asked to join the Honors program. I’m a first generation college student, and now I’m a junior. Next year, I’ll graduate with a marketing major. I’m just so happy to be here. I never thought that I would have all of these opportunities as an immigrant.”
Jimena works as a President’s Ambassador for the admissions department, enjoys doing her homework on the library’s third floor, and is involved with Campus Ministry activities. Plus, she’s in the pep band during basketball season.
“Back home, I used to play the snare drum,” she said. “When I came to CBU for a preview day, I met the band director. He’s also associated with CBHS. He offered for me to come to the CBHS camp where he taught me how to read the music staff. I play the bass drum in the band now. It’s a great way to not think about homework and just have fun with other players.”
Jimena credits the culture at CBU with helping her to succeed on her post-secondary path. The small classes and friendly professors helped her adjust.
“Those are the kind of people I needed as I was moving into college just to feel comfortable,” she said. “Just having that person who knew I was here—that I existed and that I was trying to do something good for my life. That’s been one of the big highlights at CBU.”
