This post was written by Geena Thomas, a Department of Sociology and Anthropology Student Ambassador who is pursuing a degree in criminology and a forensic science minor.
I will never forget the first time I visited NC State. I remember being obsessed with the atmosphere of State but I was searching for a sign from my grandpa. Halfway through the tour, a yellow butterfly followed me and I immediately felt at peace and knew I belonged here.
When I decided to go to state I remember the excitement was quickly followed by an intense feeling of nervousness. Being 9 hours away from home scared me, my small town was all I’ve known. I was excited about the new opportunities but I wasn’t sure how I would feel not being home for Sunday dinners with my big family or being able to drive 15 minutes to see my girlfriend. Although it was an adjustment I couldn’t be more grateful for the experiences, friendships, and opportunities that state has given me.
Being away from your hometown opens up a whole new world of independence. I had to branch out for myself, make new friends, learn things for myself. I had to rely on myself to take care of myself. I learned so much about myself while I was away from home, I made new friends and gained the confidence to come out. I have now been able to be who I truly have meant to be my whole life and I didn’t have to rely on anyone to do so.
Apart from learning about myself I also fell in love with Raleigh. I spent most of my days doing online classes in my hammock, soaking in the beautiful weather during the spring semester of my freshman year. I joined a sorority and found my lifelong friends. I got a job and have become the director of equity and inclusion and the t-shirt chair for my sorority. And I have had the amazing opportunity of becoming a student ambassador for the department of sociology and anthropology.
I luckily came into state with a lot of college credits already giving me jump into the classes that closely embody my major. I have had such amazing experiences and met so many brilliant professors. One of my favorite classes was sociology of medicine (Soc 381) with Dr.Yocom which I took this past fall semester. This semester I am taking my first ever forensics class and I am very excited to be venturing into the field. I hopefully make my full time career in the future.
Joining my sorority was a last minute decision for me but because of being an out of state student I wanted to do as much as possible to really dive into activities on campus. I met so many amazing friends, I have done work with our philanthropy read lead achieve and have participated in events to help raise money for it such as Pi Phiesta (this year it was a drive through fundraiser where if you purchased a ticket you could come to our house and pick up quesadillas, queso, churros, guac, lemonade etc. from our chef).
As the director of equity and inclusion I make sure people feel comfortable voicing their concerns and make sure everyone feels accepted and if they do not I do my best to figure out a way to fix the situation. It is the first year this position has been added to my sorority so I am grateful for the opportunity and excited to explore my role and give every sister the best experience possible.
I will forever be grateful for NC State and the opportunities it opened up for me. I found my home away from home.
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