October Student of the Month

Meet Kim Thanh Vu, CHASS Student of the Month

Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Class:  Senior

Major: Social Work

Minor: Biological Sciences

Sample Courses:

• Social Work and Aging
• Developmental Psychology
• Introduction to Forensic Anthropology

Activities:

• Founder and President, NC State Crafts for a Cause
• Secretary, National Alliance on Mental Illness at NC State
• Member, Baccalaureate Student Social Work Association
• Member, Korean Conversation Club
• Member, Pre-Health Club
• Volunteer, NC State International Cultural Leadership Project
• Resident Mentor for sophomores and transfer students, 2013-14
• Alternative Spring Break, El Remate, Guatemala, Spring 2014
• Volunteer, Outpatient Rehabilitation at Rex Hospital
• Volunteer Program Intern, Alexander Family YMCA (Raleigh, NC), Spring 2013

Honors:   National Residence Hall Honorary, 2013-14

Postgraduate Plans:   Occupational Therapy

Why did you select CHASS?

I knew I wanted to change the world, but I was not sure how to go about it.  CHASS seemed like a good fit.  As I look back, I see I was correct. Every CHASS professor has taught me to look at the bigger picture and reflect on how I can serve people on a global and local level. There are also nonstop opportunities publicized here.  I always feel like there is something to be a part of.

What were some of your favorite CHASS courses?

Multicultural Social Work gave me a larger view of the world, and I saw how I and others interrelate within that world.  Great Works of Western Literature was very interesting, in that it taught life lessons by showing how fictional characters deal with their circumstances.  In addition to wonderful courses, I have had terrific advisors.  Linda Williams and Kathy Osborne in the Social Work Department were extremely welcoming, and I felt I could talk with them about anything. I had switched to Business Administration my sophomore year, but these advisors helped me to see that Social Work is, in fact, what I am really passionate about, and I returned to the major.

What has been your greatest challenge at NC State?

The biggest challenge has been figuring out exactly what I want to do. I knew what I didn’t like, but didn’t know how to translate what I did like into a career and use it to set goals.

What advice would you give incoming students?

Try everything without hesitation!