Student of the Month: Edwin Maldonado

Meet Edwin Maldonado, Humanities and Social Sciences Student of the Month

Hometown: Jacksonville, NC

Class:  Junior

Major:  Social Work

Sample Courses:

• Social Welfare Policy: Analysis and Advocacy
• Contemporary Moral Issues
• Applied Anthropology

Activities:

• Member, NC State Cheerleading Team
• Intern, Personify (Recruitment Firm), Raleigh, NC
• Staff Member, The Tumble Gym, Raleigh, NC

Honors

• Dean’s List
• Scholar Athlete

Postgraduate/Career Goal:  Master of Social Work degree. Work with either disabled veterans or children with disabilities.

Why did you select Humanities and Social Sciences?

I transferred to NC State for my sophomore year from Wake Tech Community College. I initially selected Humanities and Social Sciences because I have always had a tremendous interest in helping others and making a difference. I decided on Social Work after realizing how many things I could do with the degree. There is an eclectic variety of jobs to pursue that allow me to influence the lives of others.

What has been your favorite course?

SW 201 (Community Social Services) with Dr. Kim Stansbury, who has such an infectious personality, and makes the classroom fun. We commonly had guest speakers who gave firsthand accounts of topics such as LGBTQ issues, law enforcement and suicide prevention, which provided us with valuable insight into things social workers face every day. It is apparent that Dr. Stansbury is really passionate about social work (gerontology especially), and it was great to learn from someone who loves what she does. Professor Barbara Zelter in Social Work also genuinely cares about the lives of students and is very supportive, assisting me inside and outside of the classroom, and helping me plan my future. She even came out and watched the cheerleading team perform at a showcase!

Describe your involvement with the cheerleading team.

The team does not have a specific season; our season is every season. During the fall, we practice, cheer for football, volleyball, and women’s and men’s basketball games. During the spring, we finish basketball games, cheer gymnastics and wrestling meets, and practice for NCA Nationals in Daytona, Florida. In the summer, we practice to prepare for upcoming games, and do conditioning/strength training.  At the national competition, we compete against other top schools such as Oklahoma State University, Louisville and University of Texas, San Antonio.  I had the pleasure of being on the 2016 Small-Coed National Champion team last year, which was our cheerleading program’s fifth national title.

What has been your greatest challenge so far?

My biggest challenge has been learning to keep looking forward instead of dwelling in the past. In college, and life in general, there are going to be a lot of highs and lows; it’s important to look ahead at all the great things in your future. This has helped me get through difficult classes and semesters, understanding that although times may be hard, the work is worth it.

What advice would you give incoming students?

I would advise incoming students to push yourselves, join clubs and sports, take an extra course, get a minor, double-major, set your limits high. College is about taking advantage of all the great resources provided for you, and pushing yourself to be a better person. Often our limits are self-imposed; you would be amazed by the things that can happen if you decide to take a chance.