CHASS Student of the Month – February 2008

Jonathan Mehta

• Home Town: Dix Hills, NY
• Class: Junior
• Major(s):
  • Political Science (Law and Justice Concentration)
• Sample Courses:
  • Issues in Global Politics
  • Supreme Court & Public Policy
  • Racism in the U.S.
  • Creative Nonfiction Writing
• Activities:
  • NCSU Alternative Spring Break 2008: Rome, Italy
  • Winter Break 2007 Volunteer Abroad in Lima, Peru with Cross-Cultural Solutions (an international non-profit)
  • Study Abroad at Oxford University in England: Summer 2007
  • North Carolina Student Legislature
  • NCSU Pre-Law Students’ Association
  • Part-time work at a Raleigh, NC law firm
• Honors:
  • Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society
  • National Society of Collegiate Scholars
  • Dean’s List: 2006 – present
• Postgraduate Plans: Law school
• Career Goals: Law

Why did you choose CHASS?

I have been interested in human rights issues and the law for a long time and knew CHASS had a strong program. I’ve been a Wolf since high school! People think of NC State as an Engineering school, but CHASS offers a great education.

What new doors has college opened for you?

Absolutely everything. In my time here, I have gone skydiving, studied abroad, and done community service in the Third World. Anything you want to do here is possible. With more than 30,000 students, you can bet there are at least a dozen others out there with the same interests as you. You simply have to connect with them and find your niche.

What do you enjoy most about being a CHASS student?

Professors and staff top the list. I have social relationships with a couple of my professors, who I personally connected with through my coursework and study abroad. Professors, such as Wilton Barnhardt (English) and Diane Beckman (Foreign Languages), are always encouraging me and discussing new opportunities. They never ask, “Why do you want to do all these things”? Mary Tetro, the Pre Law Services Coordinator, is phenomenal; we perform community service together once a week through the Pre Law Students Association. She gets to know each student and helps in any way she can.

How has college changed you?

I have definitely matured further and learned a great deal about responsibility. I truly appreciate the things I have and know it is necessary to work hard for the things I want.

Do you have any advice for incoming students?

If there is anything you want to do, you can do it here. Don?t let financial obstacles stop you – there are scholarships and grants out there. I personally fund-raised the $4,000 I needed to travel to Peru for volunteer service in December. I am now doing the same for the service trip I plan to take this coming summer to China and Africa. Businesses and government organizations are always looking to sponsor education and service – just take the initiative and ask. Also, travel as much as possible during college; it is really eye-opening. Take this time to explore.

Nominate a student for CHASS Student of the Month.