Accounting major wants first-year students to find an education that counts

When Jasmin Layne ’21 visited York College of Pennsylvania from her hometown of Baltimore, Maryland, she knew she would love the small class sizes and personal relationships with faculty. What she didn’t bank on was loving her college experience so much that she wanted to help others find the same for themselves. “York just felt like home for me,” she says. “On paper, they had everything I wanted. When I got here, they made me feel like I was family.”

Layne enrolled as an Accounting major. She’d always liked math, but didn’t want to be a mathematician. With an interest in the business world, she found her place in “the books,” and loved the ways numbers could tell someone how well a business was doing or in what areas it needed improvement.

With classes that gave her real-world accounting experience and a sense of community on the York College campus, Layne was ready to help others realize their own destiny at York College.

Making York College home

Layne is quick to point out her favorite spots on campus or share how a professor has helped her succeed. As a student ambassador and orientation leader, Layne shows prospective students how much York College has impacted her own life. “Most colleges are going to tell you about the great things they offer,” she says. “I know it means more coming from a student. I’m here. It’s been a great experience. I want others to see that for themselves.”

Getting involved on campus is one of the ways she developed strong connections at college. She’s a member of the Accounting Club and spent the past two years as treasurer for UNITY, a multi-cultural club. She also spent the past two years as a member of the YCP Road Crew, visiting alumni in different states through networking events.

While COVID-19 has changed some of her interactions with first-year students, Layne still finds ways to connect with people through virtual tours or alternative events. “Things are different, but it’s been good to know that the College cares,” she says. “I think we can still have positive experiences despite what’s going on in the world.”

A place to advance

Last fall, Layne decided to enroll in the Early Entrance Accounting Graduate program. By 2022, just one extra year of school, she will receive her Master’s in Accounting. It was an opportunity Layne’s advisor brought to her attention when she decided she wanted to pursue becoming a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

With her heart set on working for a small firm, one that might lend itself to the close relationships like the ones she’d found at York College, Layne is excited to embark on a career that counts. “No matter where I end up, I know I’ve gained valuable experiences that will set me up for success,” she says. “I’m excited for that future.”