Student Life

Transcript

From operation in as much where hundreds of students, faculty, and staff volunteer to help others, to Carson-Newman’s own Appalachian outreach program, which provides basic needs to families in the region, serving others is part of the DNA of Carson-Newman University. With that in mind, let’s meet Rita, a psychology and political science double major whose dream has always been to get a college degree. Rita has done so much at Carson-Newman, even starting an organization seeking to empower immigrant students like herself. Next, Rita will tell us a bit about the life of a student, and the opportunity she has had to engage in things that are important to her. Rita. Please take it away.

– Thank you for that introduction, Alex, when choosing your college, the resources, academic rigor, and financial aid are essential. As an immigrant, education has always been something important to me, despite the barriers to achieving a higher education. When transferring from my local community college, private universities intimidated me due to the size, costs, and opportunity. But here at Carson-Newman, I am able to graduate debt free, form relationships with my professors, and utilize the resources I need. Upon entering Carson-Newman, I was able to partake in the first cohort of equal transfer education scholars. This allowed me to pursue my Bachelor’s in Psychology and Political Science. It was here that I followed my passions for advocacy, mental health, and accessibility to a higher education. With the 14 to one student faculty ratio, not only have my professors supported me, but have pushed me to apply for internships, register for rigorous courses and seek a higher degree in my field of study. With over 40 student organizations on campus, students are able to invest and engage in opportunities that could help them grow intellectually, spiritually, culturally, and socially. The Eagle production company allows students to plan events and partake in the yearly college street festival. Student Government Association empowers students to advocate for others. I co-founded PODER, which stands for Pursuing Our Dreams. Embracing Our Roots. We seek to empower immigrant students while bringing cultural awareness. Carson-Newman has not only empowered me to be a local leader in my community, but it has prepared me academically in more ways than I could’ve ever envisioned. As a university with the mission to reflect the heart of Christ, we encourage our graduates to be servant leaders and make a difference wherever they go. Talons up, back to you, Alex.

– Wow, Rita really is a leader and I’m certain she will be having an impact on the lives of others wherever she ends up after graduation. Congratulations, Rita and Talons Up.