May Student of the Month

Meet Cody Davidson, Humanities and Social Sciences Student of the Month

Hometown: Pilot Mountain, NC

Class:  Junior

Major:  Communication

Minors: Business Administration; English

Sample Courses:

• Critical Analysis of Communication Media
• Marketing Methods
• Contemporary European Literature and Film

Activities:

• Social Media and Marketing Intern, Kay Yow Cancer Fund, Fall 2014
• Social Media Coordinator, English Club, Fall 2014-Spring 2015
• Brand Ambassador, Banana Republic, January 2015-present
• Study Abroad in Netherlands, Summer 2014
• Member, NC State Dressage Club Team
• Educational Psychology Research Assistant
• Volunteer and Event Planner, NC State GLBT Center
• Mentor, Read to L.E.A.D. program
• Representative, Inter-residence Council/Residence Hall Council

Honors:

University Honors Program

Postgraduate Plans:

Position at a public relations or marketing firm, hopefully focused on fashion.  May eventually return to school for MBA or master’s degree in journalism or communication.

Why did you choose the College of Humanities and Social Sciences?

I love the people and the college’s way of thinking. Everyone is very open-minded and so willing to help one another that I naturally found a home in the college’s nurturing environment. The sense of community is an inherent part of the college. Everyone from faculty to students has always been incredibly nice and helpful; I just walk into Caldwell Lounge and I feel at home.

What has been your favorite Humanities and Social Sciences course? Do any individuals stand out as making a difference for you?

My favorite course thus far is Public Relations Writing (COM 316) with Professor Dean Phillips. I have benefited from the extensive knowledge he carries from his years inside and outside the classroom. He shared with us his experiences and gave us practical skills that we will use for many years in our careers.  My first advisor, Tara Hudson in the College of Education, was pivotal in my success at NC State. I must have had a million questions when I first arrived. She was a fabulous advisor because she answered all of my questions with such patience, and strongly encouraged me to get involved around campus. She was one of the first friendly faces when I arrived on campus, and that made all the difference.

What has been your greatest challenge so far?

My biggest challenge, although not unique to me, has been trying to find my way at a large university. However, once I got involved and found my niche, I made some of the most devoted and genuine friends of my life.

What advice would you give incoming students?

Most of my family did not attend college. Many of them have found great success in other ways, but college has opened the doors for me to have a professional career, an opportunity most of my family never dreamed of. It has also opened my eyes and taught me how to think differently, seeing things from varying perspectives.  So my advice for incoming students would be to have an open mind and experiment with new things. I have been involved in so many activities during my time on campus and each one has taught me so much. I am still trying new things because I realize that this is the one time in my life where I will have a wealth of resources at my disposal.  Also, get to know your professors. They want nothing more than to help you succeed and they will value the fact that you took the time to get to know them.