CHASS Student of the Month – November 2009

May Chung

• Home Town: Hickory, NC
• Class: Sophmore
• Major(s):
  • English Teacher Education with extended licensure in English as a Second Language (ESL)
• Sample Courses:
  • Modern English
  • Insects and People
  • Interpersonal Communication
• Activities:
  • Resident Advisor, Welch Residence Hall
  • Vice President, Society for Collegiate Journalists (NCSU Chapter)
  • WKNC DJ
  • Student Government Community Service Commission Director of Recruitment
  • Alpha Omega Christian Fellowship
  • Girls Club of Raleigh volunteer
  • 2009 LeaderShape Institute participant
  • Writer and Editor, Nubian Message, 2008-09
  • Students Advocating For Youth (SAY) Advisory Committee, 2008-09
• Honors:
  • University Scholars Program
  • 2008-09 Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority Red Admiral Scholarship
  • Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society
• Postgraduate Plans: Not sure yet. Perhaps graduate school or the Peace Corps, or I may go directly into teaching.
• Career Goals: Teaching in North Carolina.

Why did you select CHASS?

CHASS has so many different fields – such a broad variety of disciplines. And they all seem to deal with society and how people interact, and are applicable to real life. The English Department is superb here; it is like a big family. I switched from Creative Writing to the English Teaching Option because I’ve come to realize that I am dedicated to helping and mentoring others.

Which courses and instructors have been most influential?

I loved Introduction to Film with Tom Wallis. Professor Wallis was knowledgeable and inspiring, and he still remembers me and says hello to me, even though I’m not a Film Studies major! The class was a First Year Inquiry class, so it was one of the smaller courses designed just for freshmen. My peers and I really bonded over the final project – I can’t believe I got to take a class where I made a creative film at the end! Robin McWilliams, Director of the Students Advocating For Youth (SAY) Village and instructor of my SAY class, also truly motivated me to explore opportunities in and around campus. He helped me to see the tremendous value in community service. With service, I have the ability to help others; community projects help me develop as a person, but it goes beyond me – helping others to become better as well.

What has been your biggest challenge at NCSU?

I went backpacking on the Appalachian Trail with the Scholars Program, and it was an unbelievable experience. It really pushed me outside my comfort zone, and I bonded with my fellow Scholars. I saw that nature was so much bigger than me and the things I see on a daily basis. It made me more adventurous, and has given me the sense that “Wow! I can do anything!”

What advice would you give to incoming students?

Get involved with everything! Go out and do whatever you can. Test your boundaries and try something you wouldn’t normally do. You may end up not enjoying it, but at least you’ve explored a new part of yourself.

Nominate a student for CHASS Student of the Month.