October Student of the Month

Meet Philip Barefoot, CHASS Student of the Month

Hometown: Greenville, NC

Class:  Senior

Majors:  History and Political Science

Sample Courses:

• History of the Common Law
• U.S. Foreign Policy
• Eating Through American History

Activities:

• Intern, Morgan L. Latta House Foundation (Raleigh, NC), June-August 2013.
• Intern, The Office of Judge Joseph A. Blick, Jr. (Greenville, NC), July-August 2012.
• Intern, The Washington Office of Congressman Walter B. Jones, Jr., May-June-2012.
• President, Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society, 2013-present.
• Member, N.C. State University Political Science Club, 2013-present.
• Volunteer, The Autism Society of North Carolina, 2012-present.
• President, N.C. State University History Club, 2012-present.
• Youth Mentor, AmeriCorps ADVANCE Program, 2011-2012.
• Volunteer, North Carolina Catholic Charities, 2011-present.
• Member, N.C. State University Traditions Commission, 2011-2013.
• Member, N. C State University Pre-Law Association,  2009-present.

Honors:

• Member, Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society
• Member, Phi Alpha Theta National History Honor Society
• Dean’s List, 2011-present
• Wickersham Scholar, Triangle Institute for Security Studies, 2010-present

Postgraduate Plans:

Law school, followed by law practice in North Carolina.

Why did you select CHASS?

I have always had a passion for people, and when I toured NC State, I was struck by how the faculty here emphasized connecting with people. CHASS professors and students aim to improve the world by telling the stories of people; relating their narratives and how their accomplishments as individuals and groups are remarkable.

What have been your favorite courses so far and who has influenced you most?

I enjoyed Dr. Rodney Waschka’s Arts and Politics, as well as Dr. Walter Jackson’s History of the Civil Rights Movement, which was very intensive and included field trips to enhance the class experience. Dr. Chad Ludington in History offered me much support, encouraging me to stick with it when I was having academic challenges.  Ms. Donna Burton in First Year College and Dr. Kelly Laraway, who advises pre-law students, also counseled me about perseverance and coping strategies to “come from behind” as I adjusted to college in the early years.

What do you enjoy most about CHASS?

I love the college’s diversity of disciplines, thought, passion and goals.  It is intellectually stimulating, and I like feeling a connection to people who lived 150 years ago or people on the opposite side of the globe.  In CHASS, we study people and events that have had tremendous impact, and I am currently doing research on Harvey Gantt, a very influential southern African-American political leader.

What advice would you give incoming students?

Don’t accept the word ‘No” from anyone. Follow and understand your passion and the things that drive you. Things never “just happen;” you need to stay energized and make things happen for yourself every day.