Celebrating Our Graduating Student Ambassadors

The Department of Sociology and Anthropology’s Student Ambassador program is a team of undergraduate student volunteers who help with student activities, new student recruitment, department communications (newsletter), student involvement and student mentorship through the Student Connections Program. Each student in the department is paired with a student ambassador from the time they enroll at NC State until graduation.

We especially want to thank our two graduating Student Ambassadors: Deirdre Byrnes and Yuanyuan Li! Both ambassadors are members of the first team of student ambassadors since the team began in February 2020 and have gone above and beyond for the department, NC State and our students. At the Fall 2022 Departmental Commencement Ceremony on Dec. 16, they will be recognized for their dedication and effort with an honor cord to thank them for their hard work and dedication to the Department of Sociology and Anthropology.

We asked Deirdre and Yuanyuan to reflect on their time at NC State:

Deidre Byrnes

My name is Deirdre Byrnes, and I am graduating this December with degrees in criminology and psychology, as well as minors in forensics and Middle East Studies. These past four years at NC State have truly provided me with the best experiences of my life, as well as a countless number of opportunities I never would have otherwise dreamed of doing. Everyone always did say that the years spent in college will just fly by, and I can honestly say that I never believed them until now.

When first applying to NC State, I had no idea I would one day become both a double major and double minor. I had originally been accepted into the criminology program, however, just before my freshman orientation, I decided to transfer to the Exploratory Studies Program. Growing up, I had always known that I had a huge passion and desire to help others. I grew up watching my father, a now-retired NYPD police officer of 30 years, do just that throughout his career in law enforcement. For as long as I can remember the criminal justice field was one that I always really wanted to get into, as well as felt “called” to do so. This is why, both the criminology and psychology fields felt like the right fit for me, and I am grateful to have completed both.

While at NC State, I have been able to not only find my true passion for the fields of criminology and psychology but have also had countless number of various experiences that have shaped me into who I am today. I have had the amazing opportunity of becoming both a CHASS Student Ambassador and a Department of Sociology and Anthropology Student Ambassador, which has allowed me to form deeper connections with other students and faculty members at this university. Throughout my time at NC State I have also been able to intern with various agencies, including both the CCBI and NCSBI. I have also participated as an Undergraduate Research Assistant on two separate projects, partake in the NCSU Citizen’s Police Academy, as well as maintain membership within various clubs and different organizations including a co-ed service fraternity, APO. I can honestly say that my time spent at NC State has been both rewarding and challenging, but has definitely given me more than I could have ever expected.

As for my future plans, I hope to begin a career in law enforcement within a local or state agency. I also plan to one day work towards a graduate degree within forensic science or criminal justice. I hope to serve my community and help people, two things I have always felt drawn to do. For the first time in a while, I am accepting that the uncertainty of what’s next is both exciting and inspiring. As my chapter here at NC State comes to an end, I will forever be thankful for this university, the people I have met, as well as my entire support system for always pushing me to do the things I thought impossible. Thank you NC State, and forever Go Pack!

Yuanyuan Li

My name is Yuanyuan Li and I’m graduating this December with my degree in sociology and a minor in political science. The past four years at NC State left me with many precious experiences, good friends, and new thinking perspectives. It’s not easy to be an international student when half of my college life was during the pandemic and I haven’t gone back to see my family for almost three years. But NC State is now my second home. I got help from campus academic resources, had chances to work on campus, dug into topics I was interested in for my courses, and attended club events. The process of getting more knowledge from my major is also the process I learn about society and myself.

I told the story many times that I was struggling with my English and was afraid of talking to people when I first came to the U.S.. I still feel fortunate that when I was trying to take a step forward, the chance to be a student ambassador came. I’m gradually feeling comfortable and confident talking to new and transfer students, sharing my experience, and writing emails about all I have done being a student ambassador. As one of the student ambassadors from the beginning of our team, it’s glad to see us having more ambassadors and holding various events. I received emails from students sharing their stories, asking questions, and appreciating our work, which makes me feel that what I’ve done is meaningful and can really help someone.

After graduating, I plan on attending law school which has been my dream for years. I’m still exploring which field I will focus on and where I’m finally going. I get too many choices and don’t need to worry about some being far from my home – all of them are far from my home. Meanwhile, I’m applying for jobs to get more work experience. It feels like my whole life as a student has been about getting away from home and seeing the bigger world. But in this way, things that shouldn’t be forgotten are always “think and do.”

This article is by Stephanie Jares, coordinator of academic advising and director of student ambassadors.