April Student of the Month: Jasmine Cannon
Meet Jasmine Cannon, Humanities and Social Sciences Student of the Month
Hometown: Paulsboro, NJ
Class: Senior
Major: Women’s and Gender Studies
Minor: Anthropology
Sample Courses:
- Women and Health
- Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
- Educational Psychology
Activities:
- Community Organizing Fellow, Ignite NC (nonprofit for community education/social justice), Raleigh – Fall 2015
- Vice-President, NC State Society of Afrikan American Culture
- Vice Chair, NC State Afrikan American Student Advisory Council
- Secretary, NC State Black Student Board
- Student Assistant and Symposium Counselor, NC State Office of Multicultural Student Affairs
- Intern, Raising a Generation of Hope (nonprofit supporting education of girls in developing countries), Philadelphia – Spring 2015
- Mentor, Read to L.E.A.D., NC State Women’s Center
- Graduate, NC State LeaderShape Institute
Academic Goal:
Doctorate in Public Health
Why did you select the College of Humanities and Social Sciences?
I was attracted to anthropology, and that was my initial major. I love the flexibility and freedom to take different types of courses in this college; the range of choices is very broad and exposes you to different ideas and ways of thinking.
What have been your favorite courses and what individuals have stood out for you?
One favorite course would be Survey of African-American Literature with Dr. Denise Heinze. I really loved reading about people who contributed to my cultural history. Another favorite was Feminist Theories with Dr. Elizabeth Nelson. The students in the class really clicked and became close; there were great peer-to-peer and faculty-to-peer relationships. Dr. Nelson is passionate about her subject, fosters a family feeling, and is very inspirational. Garry Morgan in the Office for Institutional Equity and Diversity is what I would call a “connector;” he makes it a goal to know you and send opportunities your way that you would benefit from. Finally, Toni Thorpe, Program Coordinator in the African American Cultural Center, is an amazing source of advice and comfort.
What has been your greatest challenge so far?
Balancing a busy life as a student who has many diverse interactions – I am a student, leader, organizer, employee, activist – there exist many different parts of myself with their own relationships.
What advice would you give incoming students?
Schedule your time wisely! Find a planner that works for you, so you can stay on top of where you are expected to be. Also, don’t allow being new or being a freshman stop you from stepping out of your comfort zone. Network with professors, peers and advisors –share your passions with them so they can help direct you to opportunities.
