Student of the Month: Mackie Raymond

Meet Mackie Raymond, Humanities and Social Sciences Student of the Month

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Class:  Sophomore

Major:  Communication Media

Minors:  Arts Entrepreneurship; Music Performance

Sample Courses:

• Introduction to Communication Theory
• Explorations in Creative Writing
• Practical Arts Entrepreneurship

Activities:

• Communication and Marketing Intern, 826DC (Washington, DC nonprofit), summer 2015
• Performer, State Chorale men’s and women’s choir
• Arts NC State Representative, NC State Student Center Board of Directors
• Performer and backstage crew member, University Theater
• Trainer and peer educator, NC State Women’s Center
• Vice President, NC State’s Positive, Loving, Empowered Advocates of Sexual Education (P.L.E.A.S.E)
• Proctor, Scribe and Access Assistant, NC State Disability Services Office
• Volunteer, Student Government Diversity Outreach Department
• Actor, Raleigh Room Escapes (off-campus performing arts group)
• Resident, Arts Village

Honors:

Dean’s List

Why did you select the College of Humanities and Social Sciences?

In my junior year of high school, I loved humanities courses such as history and English. I felt that these subjects were downplayed at NC State because Engineering was held up as the university’s unparalleled major. But I reached out to some professors here and visited with them, and saw what a high-quality education the college had to offer.

What has been your favorite Humanities and Social Sciences course?  Do any individuals stand out as making a difference for you?

I really liked American Literature I with Dr. Denise Heinze. The professor knew the material through and through, and she conveyed tremendous enjoyment of it. Also, Amy Sawyers, who is ARTS Outreach Coordinator for ARTS NC State, has helped inspire me to get involved in many campus arts activities.

What has been your greatest challenge so far?

Building a consistent support system.  It is difficult adjusting to a new environment, and you have to figure out what clicks with different groups of people. With some, you talk about academics, and with others, about personal issues. It takes a while to find your niche.

What advice would you give incoming students?

Search for involvement outside the school setting in the Triangle area as well. Don’t be nervous about asking for help if you have any problems. Also, set up “anticipatory support.” Know that you will likely need to lean on people down the road and will want to be around those you trust.  Seek relationships beforehand so you have a support network in place.