Farewell to our Graduating Ambassadors!

I am Anna Maria Hester and I will be graduating this May with a degree in criminology. The past four years at NC State have been the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. From staying at D.H. Hill library until 2 am to finish final papers and projects to attend as many football and basketball games as possible, each experience has made me who I am today.

When I was in middle school, I had a close family friend who was captain of the police force back home in Salisbury, NC. I remember hearing stories about what she would deal with on a daily basis. My interest started to peak when my mom became obsessed with true crime shows that I would watch with her. When high school began, I started looking into government agencies and what they did and that is when my interest in the FBI began. The summer going into my sophomore year of high school, I was selected to attend the FBI Teen Academy at the FBI Charlotte headquarters. I remember this being the best week of my life where I got to speak to agents and ask as many questions as I could, explore the facility, explode a watermelon with real explosives, and run through a training simulation. As college applications were approaching, I knew criminology was the field for me.

I remember not thinking much about NC State and just thought well it is another school to tour that has my degree. But when I took my first step on campus, it was love at first sight. I met with a criminology student and sat in his Social Deviance class with him. I remember each student was able to present on any social deviant group they wanted to, and I thought it was very interesting. There is not a word to describe the feeling I had when I first toured campus. It immediately felt like a second home.

When I got to NC State, though it was during Covid, I joined the 1887 Fellows to meet new people and I met a lifelong friend through that group who also has the same major as me. We clicked from the start and have done so many things together since then. She brought to my attention the student ambassador program for our department and so I joined. I wanted to be able to make a difference on campus and for our department by building a sense of community.

Being a student ambassador has helped me in ways that freshman me would not be able to imagine. For starters, I was very shy and did not ever talk in class. Being an ambassador allowed for me to grow outside of my shell where I communicate with students frequently, help plan events, and volunteer with a purpose unlike any other. I have been an ambassador since the spring semester of junior year and my only regret is that I had wished I joined earlier.

NC State has given me the opportunity to recognize my goals after college and what I want to do with my degree providing me with an internship at the U.S. Attorney’s office where I have been able to form relationships with attorneys, legal assistants, and paralegals. I am able to get an inside look as to what attorneys do especially when representing the U.S. government. I can confidently say that my interest has changed in that I want to go the law school path, but I want to take a few gap years to allow for my passion to flourish.

NC State has been a dream come true. I want to thank my parents who have pushed me to do the best in everything I can and to remember where I started. They have helped me gain confidence in myself and have helped me to remember that without kindness, there is no purpose in the work you are doing. I hope to be kind in everything that I do and that my kindness reaches others so that they will also pass it along.

My name is Geena Thomas, and I am graduating this spring with a major in criminology and minors in forensic science and psychology.

When I visited NC state 5 years ago, it was mostly for my dad who has always been a big fan of college sports. I originally had my eyes set on another school, but when I stepped onto this campus I instantly knew it was where I belonged. I was immediately drawn to the brick buildings, infectious school spirit, and southern hospitality that I was surely not accustomed to in New York. As if I needed more of a push to choose NC state, I was followed around the campus tour by a yellow butterfly. I knew my grandfather was letting me know this was the place for me, and I was instantly at peace with my choice.

Moving over 500 miles away from home was terrifying in itself, not to mention the uncertainty of covid, and the lack of human interaction. I came to State, only “knowing” my freshman year roommate through facebook. I forced myself outside of my comfort zone and out of my small town that I had become so accustomed to. I forced myself to get out and get involved. I joined a sorority, I got involved in campus events, I went to sporting events and really tried to take advantage of what NC State had to offer me. Freshman year consisted of a lot of personal growth, I became more independent (with little choice to do so), I figured out how to really take care of myself, and finally had the courage to come out.

I knew which  field of study I wanted to pursue since I first watched forensic files with my grandpa. I was fascinated by the scientists’ ability to take something as minuscule as a drop of blood and completely piece together the story. I want to immerse myself in a career where I can encounter new experiences and help people in any way; whether that be providing my services or providing closure to a community in need. I am looking forward to expanding my education in a field I am passionate about while honing in on my problem-solving skills at the University of New Haven, where I will be studying for my Masters of Science in Forensic Technology.

During my time at NC state I had the opportunity to become a student ambassador for the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. This meant that I had the opportunity to work closely with my academic advisor, Stephanie Jares. Stephanie Jares was the very first person I spoke to when I enrolled. She has become such a vital part of my experience here, and I am eternally grateful for her support, encouragement, and assistance during my time here. Joining the ambassador team was one of the best decisions I made at college. This opportunity has provided me with the ability to interact with students of all ages, help facilitate university events, and share my experience and advice as needed. Assisting students who are right where I was at the beginning of my undergraduate career has been such an uplifting experience.

Along with the ambassador position, I am also an active member of my sorority, Pi Beta Phi. This chapter brought me my lifelong friends, and allowed me to be more involved in my community. Finally, I am a campus manager for university tees which allows me to make connections with businesses and organizations around me and has helped to develop my networking skills. It’s surreal to think that graduation is quickly approaching. I remember my freshman year talking with Stephanie Jares and asking how soon I could graduate, and here I am after adding two minors to be able to stay the full 4 years. I am forever grateful to NC State for pushing me to be my best self, for giving me the greatest support system, and for providing me with memories that will last a lifetime. I will forever cherish my time here at NC state. Go pack

My name is Madison Thomas and throughout my four years at NC State, I have worked towards obtaining a degree in Criminology and a minor in Business Administration. As a student who dreamed of stepping foot on campus in the Fall of 2020, I quickly realized that my college experience would not be the typical one I expected. Despite the untraditional start to my college experience, my years at NC State ultimately allowed me to gain amazing friendships, foster meaningful connections, and exercise leadership skills I never knew I had.

When I arrived on campus in Fall 2021, I was thrilled to finally spend time on the beautiful campus, meet new people, and join clubs. I found myself overwhelmed by the opportunities NC State offered and unsure of where I fit amongst the large population of students. It was in August 2022 that I found my true fit, my family, and a community that I am proud to call home, the Department of Sociology and Anthropology Student Ambassador Program.

My involvement in the Student Ambassador Program began as an opportunity for me to connect with others. Ultimately my time with the ambassadors has given me some of my best friends, resulted in building a supportive and encouraging working relationship with the Director, Stephanie Jares, and provided me with the opportunity to serve on the program’s first-ever leadership team. Through this program, I have not only gained vital skills for my life and my future career, but I have found a new understanding of community not only within the university but within my department.

While being a student ambassador has been one of the most valuable experiences in my college career, I have also been fortunate enough to intern with the agency I aspire to work for after graduation. My North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Internship was one of my most memorable experiences while attending NC State. I observed the day-to-day duties of special agents and intelligence analysts. Witnessing this line of work sparked my passion for pursuing a career within the NCSBI as a criminal agent. When the time comes for me to step into this career path I will be well-equipped thanks to the amazing education I gained through the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, as well as the leadership skills I gained through my involvement with the Student Ambassador Program. I will always cherish my time at NC State and I am so proud to be part of the Wolfpack!

My name is Olivia Fiser and after attending NC State for four years, I will be graduating in May 2024 with degrees in Anthropology and History. When I first came to NC State, I was an English major; I didn’t know what I wanted to do with it, or my life, but I knew I liked to read and discuss said readings. My life turned when my freshman year I took a physical anthropology class, which at the time was my only in person class. I believe the connected nature of the course to the humanity around us, as well as sensing the normalcy that was lost during the pandemic, truly changed my perspective on how I perceived education and my own physical being. From that point on I knew I wanted to become an anthropology major, but there are several divisions of anthropology, which one do I pick? That answer came in the following semester during an Intro to World Archaeology class, I was obsessed.

This department has shone a light on what I am capable of academically and career wise; all that I hope to achieve has been instilled in me through the endeavors of the professors, faculty, and students. I found not only a sense of belonging and place, but I found a home through the efforts of connectedness and community. The people I have encountered are the people I invite to lunch, to study, and to spend quality time with, they are my greatest friends and the people I hope remain in my life for years on end.

All of this can really be attributed to my involvement in the Student Ambassadors program for the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. It fostered connections with professors, students, and administrators; all of whom have encouraged the growth and development of my individuality and academic dreams. Emotionally, I am not ready to leave. I may have completed all of my courses, I may be fully prepared for graduate school and that adventure, but the friends and the life that I have built in Raleigh, North Carolina has such a special place in my heart. My community and my sense of belonging is here at NC State, whether it’s from the jobs I work, or my friends from class, and to all of the people who have made NC State, NC State, I am forever grateful.

Reflecting on the past four years, there are many lessons I can think of that could be useful to incoming students, but there are several Newsletter articles that are available on our website that you can check out. The advice I have for students graduating (which we also have articles available for) is to live every moment to the fullest. Give what you can in those moments and ensure that the rest of your time at NC State, and the rest of your academic lives, are fruitful and prosperous. To live without purpose or meaning is to not live at all. Make the decisions, even the ones you might regret, and see where it takes you. For me, it took me to the majors that I love and the greatest four years of my life.

In a few years, I may be in the Middle East studying what I love, I may still be in Chicago studying what I love, but it will all have originated from the bricks on this campus. The late night library adventures, running into friends and familiar faces all over campus, and most importantly meeting the people I love. NC State made college less scary and less of an obstacle, NC State made it the greatest adventure of my life. The Department of Sociology and Anthropology made my college experience like the movies, only ten times better.

At the beginning of my senior year of high school, our college counselor had us write letters to ourselves that would be delivered via email 5 years from the day we sent it. I can’t remember most of what I wrote, but I do know one thing: I was worried about college. I was worried about finding a place that felt “right,” had the program I wanted, was in a good location, and made me feel like I could accomplish anything. Not only was I lucky enough to be accepted to NC State, which checked every single one of my boxes (and ones I didn’t know I had), but I was lucky enough to be accepted into the wonderful community that is the Department of Sociology and Anthropology.

I may be graduating with a double major in Criminology and Psychology and minors in Cognitive Science and Political Science, but that was not the plan. I fully intended to major in psychology and graduate a year early to get a head start on graduate school. The longer I was at NC State, though, the more I wanted to stay, and the more I wanted to learn absolutely everything I could.

This passion for knowledge, as well as my career goals, made me change my major to criminology and declare a minor in psychology, then declare psychology as a second major, add a cognitive science minor, and, finally, a political science minor to finish out my senior year. I can sincerely say I wouldn’t have had the courage to pursue my passions had it not been for the support of my friends in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology.

Joining the Department of Sociology and Anthropology Student Ambassadors was a pivotal moment in my college career. I absolutely loved my classes and the people I was meeting in them, so I jumped at the chance to get more involved. I was thrilled to be representing the department and talking to so many different people, but I wanted to take it even further. When I was offered the brand-new position of Assistant Director in late Fall of 2022, I didn’t hesitate before saying yes. Being one of the Assistant Directors has given me experience with things I never expected, like starting a 501(c)(3) nonprofit from the ground up, but to me it was just another part of the constant learning and opportunities that is at the core of being an NC State student. Being on the ambassador team allowed me to form lifelong friendships and connections with people in the department, and I will treasure the experience forever.

Between my many academic endeavors, Assistant Director role, psychology research assistant work, sociology honors program involvement, serving as secretary of the Anthropology Club, internship, and on campus jobs, I have certainly stayed busy. Outside of school, though, I always found time to read my beloved fiction novels, watch hockey, swim, and spend time with the people I love. I like to think that everything I’ve done– even my hobbies and interests– have set me up for success. My ultimate goal is to earn my PhD in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Forensic Psychology so I can provide mental health treatment and assessments to people involved in the criminal justice system.

I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting on who I was when I wrote that letter five years ago and who I am now, and I know all the ways I’ve changed for the better have been influenced by my time at NC State. I know my high school senior self would be so proud of me. I truly can’t wait to read that letter from the past as I’m heading down the path of my future.

My name is Laynie Jo McCall, and I am graduating this May with a degree in criminology and minors in forensic science and psychology.

Since I was young I always loved solving “mysteries,” but my real interest in criminology began when I attended a camp called Junior Sherriff’s Academy. I spent five years at this camp which taught me about the different responsibilities of law enforcement. This interest led me to choose NC State because it was one of the only colleges in North Carolina that offered the degree program. I was also excited about living in the state capital because of the opportunities it would give me within my field.

One of these opportunities was my senior year internship at the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. I enjoyed learning about what makes people commit crimes, how to prevent crime, and the investigative process. Throughout my internship, I was exposed to the field of law enforcement first-hand which furthered my interest and solidified my goal of becoming an agent or intelligence analyst with the NC SBI.

Outside of academics, I have been involved in intramural volleyball, on-campus employment, and the Department of Sociology and Anthropology Student Ambassador team. All of these experiences have given me amazing friendships and memories that I will carry with me after graduation. These seemingly small communities on NC State’s big campus are what have made my time here the most rewarding.

My high school graduating class was about eighty people which made NC State’s student population a shock to me. It amazes me how much school spirit there is here and I love being a part of that. It truly feels like a community on this campus, whether that be within my friend group, department, or even at big events like football games. I will be forever grateful for my time at NC State and all of the opportunities I have been given.

Hey my name is Connor Nelson, and I will be graduating this May with a degree in Criminology and minors in Forensic Science and Political Science. I am forever grateful for my time here at NC State alongside my friends, peers, professors, and staff that have supported me throughout my four years.

Upon arriving at NC State campus in the fall of 2020, I was quickly “kicked out” due to COVID concerns to ensure the safety of the students and staff. I declared my major as Exploratory Studies (Undecided), and was excited to explore the campus along with various clubs, events, and the broader Raleigh community. Ultimately, I was stuck back home where I had resided during my high school years. Unable to interact with my peers in a face to face environment, I was regulated to joining virtual events which felt like a chore as I tried to navigate my Freshman year online. I knew my outlet for exploring majors and minors would be through the classes I enrolled in. Sure my math and science classes were interesting enough, but it wasn’t until I took SOC 306 (Criminology) that my interest was piqued.

I often like to advertise this class by the phrase – “the homework did not feel like homework.” It’s true. Readings, podcasts, and documentaries that were assigned did not feel like a drag, and I was actively engaging with all the material – something I had not experienced in my other classes. My interest in the class (and the internship class) led me to declare my major as Criminology. Even though I had declared my major, I was unsure what I wanted to do with it after graduation. Would I go the law enforcement route? Graduate school? I turned to the intersectionality between Criminology and Forensic Science, thinking back to my high school course with the same name. Declaring my minor in Forensic Science offered me new opportunities and classes to explore.

It was during my Sophomore year when I returned to campus that I sought campus engagement and a way to be more involved. I found this opportunity in the Student Ambassadors. What started as a resume builder turned into an organization of friends and family. I was always interested in connecting with students in a way I was unable to in my Freshmen year away from campus. It was through the ambassador program that I was able to share my experiences as a student in Criminology to incoming Freshmen, high school students, and even current students. I enjoyed this experience so much that I wanted to have a larger role within the ambassador program – which I received as the Student Connection Coordinator of the Ambassadors Leadership Team. This experience opened my eyes to new events around NC State and the department, as well as new connections. If you’re a student in Criminology, Anthropology, or Sociology you’ve probably received an email from me.

My continued experiences at NC State led me to take an interest in the law and a legal career. I declared another minor in political science to experience a different side of criminology. Joining the Pre Law Student Association at NC State and securing an internship in a legal field confirmed my interest in venturing into the legal sphere. After I graduate I intend to work as a paralegal assistant here in Raleigh and plan to eventually apply to law school.

I would have never been where I am now without my experience at NC State. My peers, professors, classes, and ambassador program shaped me into who I am today. Students looking to get the most out of their college experience need to take initiative and put themselves in uncomfortable positions in order to succeed, and NC State is the perfect environment to do so. I am grateful for all the support I have received the past 4 years and hope to be able to give back to NC State and the scholars of the future!

My name is Dmitri Fisher, and I am graduating this May with a BA in Anthropology. Following my graduation I will be attending Graduate school at UNC Gillings to obtain a Master of Public Health with a focus in Health Equity and Social Justice as part of my dream of pursuing harm reduction in my local community.

I always was a ‘humanities’ kid, as much as I enjoyed STEM my first true love was in history; and as I moved through high school my fascination grew beyond peoples of the past to encompass the human experience worldwide. I declared my anthropology major my first semester of my first year at my first university; perhaps a risky move, but one that I have never regretted. My time at State has been the best schooling experience I’ve had throughout my life. I transferred to NC State when I was going through a transitional period; and had lost a sense of who I was and what I wanted to do. Transferring in during the first height of COVID, and right after the transition to online classes, also complicated things for me, and I was dragging my feet through my first semester. At a certain point during the Spring of 2021, I realized more from my college experience than simply sitting in class– even if I could not attend on campus, I wanted to find ways to engage with my new community and to pull myself out of the nervous shell I had formed around myself. I began to engage more with my student ambassador, Mary Erickson, and my advisor, Stephanie Jares. I pushed myself to attend student events– even if only for a short while. I engaged more with class, and soon I was beginning to feel more like myself. From the very beginning I felt welcomed by the anthropology and sociology department, and as I signed up for class after class my love for anthropology strengthened alongside my belief in myself.

I joined the Student Ambassador team in 2021, deciding that I wanted to give back to the department that had encouraged me to nurture my best self. I have loved watching the team grow, from a small band of students meeting on zoom to a full organization. Getting to interact with other SocAnt students just as my ambassador had interacted with me made me feel connected, and I always worked to make sure my group felt the same. As the team began to host more events and expand activities and responsibilities I felt that sense of pride grow– I cannot honestly imagine my time here at State without being an ambassador.

When I first transferred to State and really got the opportunity to explore all anthropology could offer I found myself a whirlwind of ideas; every direction I could take my passion with me through the world felt equal parts enticing and a bit terrifying. My first two semesters were marked by hesitancy, and a lack of faith in my own ability. I tended to push the credit for my growth and accomplishments onto others, believing that I did not have the real capacity to reach such milestones on my own. As I grew into myself, engaged with my professors, pushed for new and exciting opportunities (such as studying abroad, working in the Roman Archaeology lab, and completing an independent study) I realized that the person most responsible for my growth was me.

I am grateful for my time here at State, this space has allowed me to foster my confidence and take leaps of faith in the name of trying something new. I have studied under the guidance of so many incredible professors, and alongside so many incredible people. As I move forward in my educational and professional journey I will continue to look back on all I’ve learned, both in and out of the classroom, here at State.

My name is Lindsay Hazelwood, and I am graduating this May with degrees in Criminology and Psychology, as well as a minor in Forensic Science. The three years that I have spent at NC State have taught me so much about myself, the world around me, and about who I want to become in the future.

I have always been fascinated by understanding others– reading their body language, learning about their backgrounds, and focusing on how various life events have shaped who they are. By majoring in Criminology, I have been able to learn about these ideas through the lens of crime; why is it that people choose to engage in criminal behavior while others do not? My coursework has greatly helped me understand the multifaceted issue that crime is and how there is not one, simple answer for why people behave this way.

NC State has one of, if not the best criminology program in the state, which was such a blessing to me. Being able to stay close to family and friends, all while becoming exceptionally prepared for my dream career, was the best step for me. The Department of Sociology and Anthropology and its ambassador program has been recognized on a national level, on multiple occasions. Needless to say, I have always felt at home and connected with the amazing students and faculty members that share, amongst many other things, the same academic interests as me! Being able to email prospective, new, and current students to share my State-journey has been very rewarding– forming new friendships, helping others feel more connected, and making our department more cohesive are amazing benefits!

During my time at NC State, I have been involved in multiple different clubs and extracurricular programs, which I learned about through the relationships I formed within our department. I co-founded and led a BridgeUSA chapter, served as the Vice President of the Criminology Club, mentored with the American Justice Corps, worked as an intern at the Wake Regional Juvenile Detention Center, and worked as a Student Lead at SmoothieU. All of these experiences, in addition to serving as a student ambassador for our department and CHASS, have allowed me to become more connected with my Wolfpack and Raleigh community. These activities have strengthened my leadership skills, have allowed me to dabble in career fields of interest, and have opened many doors for me– touring department head candidates, touring the NC State Belltower, and meeting many amazing people within the field of criminal justice and reform.

My biggest takeaway from my time at State has been: make the most out of every opportunity presented before you. Right now, you have all the resources, support, and opportunities that you could ever ask for! Don’t be afraid to try an intramural sport, go to a campus event, talk to the person beside you in class, explore Raleigh, or ask for help! There truly is strength to be found in the Pack– whether it’s celebrating an ACC Tournament win or being a shoulder for someone to cry on. Utilize your resources so that you can grow into the person you have always dreamed of becoming and don’t shy away from new experiences! I’m forever grateful for all the experiences I’ve had and the people I’ve had the pleasure to meet during my time at State, and I hope each person who graduates from State can say the same.