The University of Alabama (UA) is renowned for its unique and inspiring atmosphere, often described by students as a home away from home. For Jayna Enguita, a Frankfort, Illinois native and recent UA graduate, this welcoming environment played a crucial role in nurturing her passions, both academic and extracurricular. It was this very culture at UA that empowered her to excel not only in her challenging double major but also to achieve national recognition as a champion ballroom dancer.
Enguita’s journey to UA began with a campus tour during her junior year of high school. Unlike other universities she visited, UA immediately resonated with her. “I loved the campus, the people, and the nice weather,” Enguita recalled. “But more than that, I felt like the faculty and staff genuinely cared about our education, well-being, and safety. The culture here felt truly special.” This initial positive impression solidified her decision to pursue higher education at Alabama.
Driven by a lifelong love for science instilled by her high school chemistry teacher mother, Enguita initially focused on chemistry. However, UA’s diverse academic environment soon led her to expand her horizons. “Growing up surrounded by science and education, I knew I wanted to continue studying chemistry,” Enguita explained. Recognizing her aptitude for both chemistry and mathematics, she decided to add chemical engineering as a second major, seeking to blend her scientific interests with her creative problem-solving abilities. Her academic pursuits didn’t stop there; Enguita also pursued minors in French and mathematics, demonstrating her intellectual curiosity and commitment to a well-rounded education.
Champion ballroom dancer Jayna Enguita, a chemical engineering and chemistry graduate from the University of Alabama, engages in biomass fractionation research in a lab setting, showcasing her academic expertise.
Beyond her demanding academic schedule, Enguita actively engaged in research within Dr. James Sheehan’s lab. Her research focused on biomass fractionation, a process aimed at developing sustainable and biodegradable packaging alternatives through lignin recovery. This hands-on experience allowed her to contribute to a significant scientific endeavor and even co-author a manuscript detailing the project’s procedures and findings, showcasing her commitment to both academic excellence and practical application of her knowledge. Her involvement in the Honors College and service as an Honors Year One mentor further underscore her dedication to academic achievement and peer support within the UA community.
However, Enguita’s UA experience extended far beyond the classroom and laboratory. Seeking to reconnect with her artistic side, she discovered a passion for ballroom dancing. “I was involved in musical theater in high school but drifted away from the arts when I started college,” Enguita shared. An invitation to a ballroom dance class at a local church reignited her artistic spark and opened a new chapter in her life.
This initial foray into social dance led to her recruitment by the UA Collegiate Ballroom Competition Team. Joining the team marked a significant turning point, transforming her casual interest into a dedicated pursuit of Champion Ballroom Dancing. “I began attending practices, learning figures, steps, and refining my technique,” Enguita explained. The team environment not only honed her dance skills but also fostered personal growth. “The experience boosted my self-esteem as we achieved our goals at competitions, and I made wonderful, lasting friendships,” she added.
The culmination of her hard work and dedication came at the National Collegiate DanceSport Championships. In April 2022, at their first national competition, Enguita and her teammate Reed Fowler achieved remarkable success, ranking first in both Collegiate and Adult Bronze International Paso Doble. This victory marked the beginning of their ascent in the competitive ballroom dance world.
Returning to the National Collegiate DanceSport Championships in March 2023, Enguita and Fowler competed at the Gold level for the first time. They continued to impress, securing fourth place in Collegiate Smooth, a category encompassing Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz, and fifth place in Adult Smooth. Their consistent performance earned them finalist placements across all events, showcasing their versatility and mastery in both American Smooth and International Latin styles. Enguita’s achievements highlight her exceptional talent and commitment to champion ballroom dancing within the collegiate dance sport arena.
Champion ballroom dancer Jayna Enguita gracefully poses in a ballroom gown, highlighting her passion and dedication to competitive ballroom dancing.
Beyond her competitive achievements, Enguita also demonstrated leadership within the ballroom team, serving as treasurer and then president. Her dedication to the team and her fellow dancers mirrors her commitment to her academic pursuits, showcasing her well-rounded character and ability to excel in diverse areas.
Looking towards the future, Enguita’s academic foundation has opened doors to numerous graduate opportunities. Having been accepted to three universities to pursue a doctorate in chemistry, she is poised for continued success in the scientific field. She is currently considering career paths in both industrial research and development and academia, reflecting her broad skillset and ambition.
As graduation approached, Enguita reflected on her transformative experience at UA. “UA has provided me with opportunities I don’t believe I would have found anywhere else,” she concluded. “It’s allowed me to grow into the person I aspire to be.” Her journey exemplifies the unique culture of the University of Alabama – a culture that fosters both academic excellence and personal passions, enabling students like Jayna Enguita to become not only accomplished graduates but also national champion ballroom dancers. The pervasive sense of pride and belonging within the Capstone community, as Enguita notes, is indeed evident in every facet of campus life, creating an environment where students are inspired to achieve their full potential.
