February Student of the Month
Meet Elizabeth Medlin, CHASS Student of the Month
Hometown: Monroe, NC
Class: Senior
Majors: International Studies (Latin America Concentration) and Spanish
Minor: Political Science
Certificate: NC State Global Perspectives Certificate
Sample Courses:
- The United Nations and Global Order
- Latin American Revolutions in the 20th Century
- World Population and Food
Activities:
- NC State Ethnographic Field School in Guatemala, Summer 2013
- Lead Presenter, State of North Carolina Undergraduate Research and Creativity Symposium (Charlotte, NC), November 2013
- Intern, North Carolina Immigrant Rights Project, 2013-present
- Spanish Tutor, 2013-present
- Employee, NC State Bookstores, 2012-13
- Secretary, Spanish Club
- Member, Pre-Law Student Association
Honors:
- President, Sigma Iota Rho (International Studies Honor Society)
- Member, Sigma Delta Pi (Spanish Honor Society)
- Dean’s List, 2011-present
Postgraduate Plans:
Law school, and practice in immigration law.
What have been your favorite courses so far and who has influenced you most?
I enjoyed Dr. Trace Reid’s U.S. Constitutional Law because it inspired me, we engaged in mock trials, and I was exposed to writing papers in a way professional attorneys would. Dr. Reid is extremely inviting to students, and gave me the tools every pre-law student needs. In addition, I recall Dr. Richard Slatta’s U.S.-Latin American Relations, which opened my eyes to the world and challenged some of my preconceived notions. My two International Studies courses with Drs. Carol Lewald and Joseph Palis were also excellent. Dr. Palis has been notably friendly and engaging, and helped me set up my current internship.
What impact did studying abroad have on you?
Going to Guatemala helped increase my Spanish fluency tremendously, and I have a whole new level of enjoyment in my Spanish classes now. Also, when you are in class, it is one thing to theorize about people and issues (such as the impact of globalization), but when you see a culture for yourself, it really comes to life.
What has been most challenging for you?
Learning to juggle everything. I have an internship, classes, 2 majors and a minor, and I am graduating one semester early. There is a lot to keep on top of.
What advice would you give incoming students?
Do things that fuel you. Explore your passions and go beyond the minimum needed to get by.
