Campus: Western Washington University
Expected Graduation Year: 2024
Degree Program: Social Studies and History
Current Chapter Officer Role: Chapter President
When did you join NSCS? Summer 2021.
What made you become a chapter officer? I have always loved being a part of something bigger than myself, working with other highly motivated people, and giving back to my community. After starting college at WWU during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, I felt completely disconnected from my community. I felt like part of my identity was missing. I became a chapter officer because I knew it would help me become reconnected with everything that I was missing.
What was the most unexpected reward you received as an officer so far? I did not expect to feel so seen and appreciated. It seems that every ounce of effort I put into my chapter is recognized by my advisor, chapter operations manager, or a scholarship committee. In NSCS, particularly as an officer, you truly get as much out of it as you put in it.
How has your time with NSCS helped prepare you for life after college so far? My time with NSCS helped me reconnect with my core values and improve essential organizational skills. NSCS has helped me become reconnected with my community, motivated to help others, and committed to scholarship.
What is the most important thing you’ve gotten from your time as an undergraduate NSCS member? The most important thing I have gotten from my time as an undergraduate NSCS member is a sense of accomplishment and being part of something bigger than myself. It is so important to invest in things outside of yourself. Joining NSCS is a great way to accomplish this because there are so many different, easily accessible routes.
Where do you see yourself after you graduate? (Career path, traveling, family, etc.)? After graduation, I plan to do a lot of the same things I am doing now, only elevated. At the moment, I am (somehow) successfully balancing a fulfilling and challenging job, my education, a social life, and extensive travel and adventure. Once I graduate, I hope to find a job as a secondary history teacher which will allow me to continue growing my relationships and traveling.
If you could give a newly inducted undergraduate NSCS member advice on their path through their collegiate journey, what would it be? Challenge yourself. Within my first two years of college, I have come to truly realize that at some point I will finish formal education and not return to school. Because of this, I am going to challenge myself in any way possible to ensure that I get everything I need out of college. This means joining clubs, joining leadership teams, volunteering, attending events, and making new connections.
What would be your advice to a current undergraduate member who is considering joining their officer board? One of the great things about NSCS is that you can be just as involved as you want to be and won’t be forced to do any more than you are willing. However, if you do choose to be more involved in your school’s chapter, I am almost certain that it will be entirely worth it. When I applied to be Chapter President, I absolutely did not expect to get the position. Although I was confident in my leadership abilities, part of me still did not feel entirely qualified. But now, I am WWU’s Chapter President and am loving every aspect of my role. As an NSCS officer, I feel motivated to create change, proud of who I am and what my team and I have accomplished, supported by those around me, and appreciated for my efforts.
