There are three words that junior Cortney Jenson, her friends and classmates would agree to describe her with.

“Adventurous, compassionate and ambitious,” Jensen said.

Jensen, a biochemistry and Spanish major from Iowa City, is known for her strong work ethic, drive to be involved and commitment to everything.

“Cortney is a great friend and wonderful Kappa sister,” senior Stephanie Peterson said. “She is a natural born leader and is truly one of the hardest-working individuals I have ever met.”

Jensen’s ambition to be her best has led to her leadership on campus. Her passion for dance, something she has done since the age of seven, has led her to serve as the Simpson dance team’s co-captain for the past two years.

Jensen also serves as Kappa Kappa Gamma’s president.

“Being able to work with all the different officers on multiple projects and different levels keeps me involved on everything that goes on within the organization,” Jensen said. “Which makes it exciting.”

Her dedication and hard work is appreciated by her Kappa sisters.

“As the president of KKG and her participation in other organizations on campus, you can tell that Cortney is really devoted, but she also really enjoys it,” senior Jackie Suckow said. “She has been a great president of Kappa Kappa Gamma.”

When Jensen isn’t on campus, spending time with her family is her favorite thing to do, especially spending time with the family’s two newest additions, nieces Kayden and Ily.

Jensen has also been bitten by the travel bug after spending a semester in Seville, Spain.

“Besides spending time with my family, I love traveling,” Jensen said. “It doesn’t matter where, but especially after studying abroad, I love to travel anywhere.”

Jensen also attributes her trip to Spain as one of her reasons for the development of her love for adventure.

“I have a new-found sense of adventure,” Jensen said. “Wanting to try new things and go new places whenever I get the chance.”

That ambitious spirit and sense of adventure has led her to a new goal. She is training for a half marathon.

“I’ve always wanted to do one,” Jensen said. “I want to push myself to do something that I never thought I could.”

Jensen plans for a future that includes medical school and owning a dermatological clinic. She has some final advice to her fellow students.

“Live in the moment,” Jensen said. “It is even more important that we live in the now and appreciate everything we have. While planning for the future and learning from the past are both important to consider, take time out to live in the moment.”