» 2008 » October

While here at NC State I can sincerely say that I have become a stronger more self-determined individual, because of my experiences I have gained confidence and comfort in my own skin, and found myself able & capable of achieving my greatest dreams. While being involved in a broad spectrum of organizations on campus has helped in my personal growth, I have learned that trying new things and putting yourself “out there,” is the best way to get your foot in the door. As a active member in the Multicultural Student Affairs Peer Mentor program, I have learned that giving back is essential in order to allowing all students to achieve their true potential in a academic, or social setting. Sponsored by the Multicultural Student Affairs Office (Yes! it’s a mouthful), each incoming student who attends a multicultural symposium at NC state will have the opportunity to participate in the peer mentor program, where they will be paired with an elder student of the same major. In this program students are provided with a helpful resource while trying to adapt in a college setting; if nothing further the student has one new friend, just to share experiences with in a new environment. In doing so, incoming students are able to gain more insight into both social and scholastic fields. Whether it is receiving a call to see how your day went, or working together at the NC state Fair Food Drive; students working together gain knowledge from  older students past experiences. The most important theme in the mentor program is to rely the need for proper study habits, or how to handle a heavy workload. Overall I can say from experience that it is nice to be able to make someone’s day just a little bit brighter, I regret not having the same experience as a freshman by participating in the peer mentor program.

“Never before has man had such a great capacity to control his own environment, to end hunger, poverty and disease, to banish illiteracy and human misery. We have the power to make the best generation of mankind in the history of the world.”- President John F. Kennedy

While I was trying to think about something to write about this month I decided to procrastinate and go to the gym then it hit me… love it when things work out like that. Carmichael will be a great surprise to anyone who was planning to see something similar to what they knew in high school. It is a gigantic complex with 3 weight rooms that I have been to, a gigantic pool that is deep enough for kids to have a scuba class in it and an indoor track. It houses all the IM sports (Intramural Sports–which are sports where State students compete against each other) and club sports (which compete against other schools). I personally don’t do any sports but I am up there at least three times a week because the facility is great. It’s about a 10 minute walk from Lee and is open most the times a person would feel like working out. They have classes like yoga and Pilates, or meetings with personal trainers, and if you feel like not paying there are free classes that you can take like an abs class and cardio boxing. Funny how I can go from no idea what to write about to having all this, but that’s something I have discovered about state… it doesn’t really matter what you like to do or what you are into all it takes is maybe half an hour of wondering around to find something fun to do.

Later guys.

Homecoming weekend was great. There were lots of games and activities taking place. We even had a concert with Common and N.E.R.D. which was great. A lot of my friends were pulled up on stage and were able to chill with Common and N.E.R.D. One thing that I participated in was called the Leader of the Pack. Leader of the Pack is NC-State’s way of choosing a homecoming king and queen. It differs from any other school because the main focus is not on a student’s popularity, but on their leadership, academic acheivement, and commitment to service in the community and NC-State. I went through the application and interview process and was one of three finalist for the males. As a finalist I had to campaign to get the student body to vote for me. I was also able to ride in the Homecoming parade, go to the Homecoming football game and eat in the Chancellor’s box, and go out on the field during half-time. They announced the winners on the field. Although I did not win, it was still a great experience. Even being considered a finalist was an honor. And although we did not win the football game, it was still a good one, lol. This was probably the best homecoming that I’ve participated in.

Hello everyone. This is my first post of the year. This post is going to be focused on my summer activities. I am starting with the summer because so much happened! So here we go!!!

During the summer, I was accepted into a program known as The Institute for Responsible Citizenship. This summer program selects 24 top African American students from around the US to take 3 classes and reside on Georgetown University. Going to various events and meeting multiple political icons, such as Colin Powell, Vernon Jordan, Clarence Thomas, etc became a regular thing for us. Along with our classes and these events, we choose an internship in the DC area. The nice part was that if your internship was not paid, the Institute would give you a $3,000 stipend! I interned with TV One Television Network as the intern for the Office of the Presidents. I was able to form strong relationships with, not only my co-workers and other interns, but with the President/CEO of TV One, and all of the executives. They even invited me to attend the Democratic National Convention and help them shoot a live DNC after-show. I was able to go to Obama’s speech! Please check out the Pictures, because I met a lot of people in Denver. As you can see, I had a great summer. I hope that you all enjoy the pics!

Hello and welcome to my blog! My name is Monique Cleveland, and I am a junior here at NC STATE (Go Pack!). Majoring in art and design, I was thrilled to be able to share my experience with you. I hope that from my blog you will learn not only more about me, but some of the benefits that NC State has to offer. Before I begin to talk about my life here at NC State, let me first tell you about my life before NC State.

I am originally from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and while there I cheered competitively for ten years. I was highly involved in after school programs as well as with my church, sharing my time with those less fortunate in my community. Later after I long deliberation my family decided to move! As a result my family moved almost 300 miles away to Wendell, North Carolina (oh did I mention it was my SENIOR YEAR!). However since then I have adjusted quite well to my rural surroundings with the help of a little southern hospitality. Graduating from Eastern Wake High School in 2005 with honors I was quickly accepted at North Carolina State University.

Soon after being accepted into North Carolina State University like most students I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do. Upon entering NC State I quickly matriculated into a transitional program designed to help guide students like myself through the difficult switch into the college setting. This program’s main objective was to help guide students through their first year successfully, with emphasis on helping them decided on course of study. I owe much of my current success to my transition coordinators; they took a personal interest in my future, taking the necessary steps in order to help get each student headed on the right track to be admitted into the college of their choice (i.e. College of Humanities and Social Science, Design, Engineering etc.). The Transition Program also requires that new freshman enroll in a University Education intro course, along with an 8-hour quota of study hall time that must be completed each week. Although it seemed pointless then, it taught me a lot about how to handle my college workload. The course taught me the importance of time management, establishing a helpful relationship with your professor, and learning how to access and accommodate your learning strategies. I can honestly say that the Transition Program gave me good l habits that I can still apply today and beyond my college experience. So as a result of getting help from the resources here at NC State, a portfolio, and great grades I was accepted in to the College of Design.

Since my freshman year I have learned that in order to get what I want, I have to put in the time and effort now, because the opportunity may not be there later. Now majoring in art and design I love my classes, professors and I am currently in numerous organizations here on campus. Just a few organizations I am apart of include the Multicultural Student Affairs Peer Mentor Program, the African American Design Student Association, the Kappa Omicron Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, and College of Design Student Ambassador Program. Understand that everyone is different, and that the organizations that I am apart of are personalized to what I can handle, as well as my interest. Also keep in mind that these organizations are only extracurricular activities, school is a PRIORITY, and understand that the main reason everyone is here is to first gain an education.

So my advice for you while planning for school choose the program that fits you, or who your working up to be. Do the research, visit the school, learn and benefit from the resources NC state has to offer because at the end of the day you are trying to build a stronger, smarter you.

Hey guys I’m Jack Brandon and this first blog is for all you readers to get to know me a little bit and a little bit about the first month I’ve been here. I am 18 years old and a freshman in the College of Engineering. I’m thinking about double majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering, but that’s all likely to change at anytime. I’m staying in Lee, which is a suite style dorm on west campus. Its got pretty big rooms and there haven’t been any real problems so far, but that could be different if there were people in my suite that didn’t get along. For those of you thinking about dorms, from what I have seen hall style allows you to meet a lot of different people, but not get a very good connection with them. While the suite style allows you to meet a few people and get to know them very well.

I have joined a few clubs and am hoping that they end up being cool. I am in the IRC and Habitat…acronyms I know but I will get into it. The IRC is the Inter-Residence Council and I am the Lee Hall representative in that. It basically deals with how the school is going to help out the dorms and how the money gets spent. Finally is Habitat for Humanity, which as I’m sure you guys all know builds houses for the needy, they actually build houses for people in substandard housing, tear down houses to recycle the materials, tutor children, and do many fundraisers and trips.

I have a 15 hour course load this semester and it hasn’t been so bad as long as you try to read ahead and ask when you have questions. Finally I am also doing the Entrepreneurs Program this semester, which is a lot of fun. You can sign up for a 1 hour class that meets once a week and basically the leaders pick a project, you pick one to work on, and the group makes it, markets, it and basically does everything to get the product off the ground. I will be keeping everyone updated twice a month with blogs about certain aspects of the school so you can decide if you like the sounds of State or find out about what to do once you guys get here.

Later.

Why did you choose to attend NC State?

I have always had it in my heart to attend NC-State. NC-State was the only college that I applied to after graduating high school. I had no interest in any other schools because I knew that this school would meet all of my social and academic needs. My sister also was a factor in my choosing NC-State. She will be graduating from NC-State in CHASS this May. I was able to view how her life had been, and still is being benefited from attending NC-State, and realize that I could also gain this benefit. Continue Reading »

Why did you choose to attend NC State?

I chose NC State because they have a competitive and well known design program

List you current extra-curricular activities and positions held:

• African American Design Student Association
• College of Design Student Ambassador
• Food Lion Hunger Relief Volunteer Continue Reading »

Hello! Welcome to the Undergraduate Admissions Office Blog! Allow me to introduce myself. I am Courtney Simpson, Assistant Director for the Office of Undergraduate Admissions here at the great North Carolina State University (and yes, I like to type the entire name). I am so excited to serve as the first blogger from the Admissions Office. I hope that you will find this blog to be not only informative but entertaining. Before I get too technical (i.e. boring), let me tell you just a little about myself.

I am a 2001 graduate of South Johnston High School (GO TROJANS!) in Four Oaks, NC. I came to NC State University in the fall of 2001 and graduated in May 2005 with a degree in Mediated Communication and a minor in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. While in high school, I was involved in Mass Media and had dreams of becoming an anchor on Entertainment Tonight (how cool would that have been!). It was only right that when I applied to NC State, I selected a major in Communication.

I applied to a couple of schools in North Carolina but my dream was to attend NC State. After attending African American Visitation Day, I knew that NC State was the school for me. Everyone was so friendly and ready to help answer any and all of my (and my Mom’s) questions. The students, faculty, and staff members made me feel right at home! As soon as I got back from my visitation, with my NC State T-Shirt in hand, I sent in my confirmation to attend. That was the best decision that I’ve made!

While at NC State, I was involved in a lot of different leadership, social, and service organizations. I served as an Orientation Counselor, a Wolf Aide, a Treasurer for the Metcalf Hall Council, Office Manager for the Sullivan Hall Council, and a proud member of a Greek-lettered organization. My experience as an Orientation Counselor really opened my eyes to a career in higher education. I loved working with students one on one and helping ease them into the transition from high school to college. It was a wonderful opportunity!

I also had a lot of fun here too! I went to basketball and football games, concerts, step shows, and forums. I can sing the Red and White Song at the top of my lungs (and no, I do not care who hears me!). I’ve met some great people and mentors at State that I now consider family. I have tripped at least once (once is all I’m claiming) on the bricks in front of the Atrium. I’ve pulled a couple of all-nighters in the spooky towers of DH Hill. I have painted the Free Expression Tunnel. I have taken a midnight trip to Krispy Kreme. I have dodged a falling nut from a tree, which I really believe a squirrel threw at me. I have marched to the Memorial Belltower while it was illuminated in red after beating FSU in football. You name it; I’ve probably done it! And that’s what made my NC State experience so great!

Seven years after stepping onto the NC State campus for the first time, I am still here. I have just completed my Masters of Education degree in Counseling Education (Yay for me and all my fellow 2008 graduates!) and am working in the Admissions Office sharing my story with students and parents like you. I have been with the Admissions Office for close to 3 years and have enjoyed every minute of it! I have the opportunity to travel around the great state of North Carolina and other states on the East Coast. I love meeting the students, parents, and alumni on the road and discussing all the great things that make up North Carolina State University. Some people say that becoming a College Admissions Counselors is just an extension of college life. I think of it as so much more! It allows me the opportunity to meet students who may be aware of all the great things NC State has to offer and to also help students who may think that college is not for them.

My hope is that you use this blog to learn more about NC State and the different people that call NC State their home. I am also interested in hearing what you have to say. So if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, let us know! Post politely!

Our recruitment travel season is in full force! Once I hit the road, I will post pictures and comments from all my exploits. Below are some pictures from our Pack preview Reception held at the Jane S. Mc Kimmon Center on campus. We lost power prior to the reception, so we call this one “The Dark Night.” Thanks to all those who attended!

Where the fun really begins!