December Student of the Month

Meet Justin Lo, Humanities and Social Sciences Student of the Month

Hometown: Hickory, NC

Class:  Sophomore

Major:  Political Science (Law and Justice)

Sample Courses:

• U.S. Foreign Policy
• Social Deviance
• Introduction to Theatre

Activities:

• Study Abroad, University of Seoul, Spring 2016
• Internship, NC State Multicultural Student Affairs Office, 2015
• Internship, League of Conservation Voters, 2014
• Internship, 25th District Judicial District Attorney’s Office, 2014
• Social Chair, Hmong Students Association, 2015
• Leadership Committee, Asian Students in Alliance, 2015
• Gospel Singer, Hmong Christian Life Center and NC State Uninhibited Praise Gospel Choir
• Sales Associate and Cashier, Old Navy, 2012-2015

Honors:

• Chancellor’s Leadership Scholar
• University Scholars Program
• Abraham Holtzman Award, 2015-16
• Robert J. Pleasants Scholarship (Political Science), 2015-16

Career Goal:

Law school

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

My father is an engineer, so I initially thought I would follow that path, but I decided math just wasn’t for me.  In high school, English challenged me, and I loved digging into literature. I have thoroughly enjoyed the variety of courses in Humanities and Social Sciences.  Compared to the STEM fields, we offer more breadth and diversity.

What are some of your favorite courses? Who stands out as making a difference for you?

I really liked American Literature I with Dr. Denise Heinze and Asian Civilization to 1800 with Dr. Haydon Cherry. Neither of these were courses I received an A in, but that’s okay — they challenged me! The professors were passionate about their subjects and pushed me as a writer. Additionally, Natalie Nguyen, Assistant Director of the GLBT Center, has helped me academically, socially and professionally, and has been a great model of leadership.

What has been your greatest challenge so far?

Time management. I think I overestimated my ability to do multiple things and stretched myself very thin. You do want to get involved, but not to the point that you are stressing yourself out.

What advice would you give incoming students?

Be involved and make the right connections.  Put yourself out there and find people who will help you grow and develop.  I have had several internships in my short time here, and am looking forward to studying abroad for five months.  I intend to further my studies in my major by taking courses like International Politics and International Law of the Land and Sea.  I know there will be language and cultural adjustments to make when I study abroad in South Korea, but I am excited by to learn in a different environment.