CHASS Student of the Month – May 2011

DeLisa Hawkes

• Home Town: Dinwiddie, VA
• Class: Senior
• Major(s):
  • English; History with Teacher Education Concentration. Minor: Health, Medicine and Human Values.
• Sample Courses:
  • Civil War and Reconstruction
  • School and Society
  • Economics of Law
• Activities:
  • Student Intern at Social Security Administration, 9/10-present
  • Resident Advisor, 2009-10
  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
• Honors:
  • University Scholars Program
  • English Honors Program
  • Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society
  • Order of Omega
• Postgraduate Plans: Teaching English or Social Studies
• Career Goals: Education

What do you enjoy most about CHASS?

The array of classes is broad, and so there is something for everyone. There are also many extracurricular programs and events that support the academics. Additionally, the faculty has been inspiring. I especially enjoyed “African Literature in English” with Dr. Juliana Nfah-Abbenyi and the History Sophomore Seminar with Dr. Katherine Mellon Charron. Dr. Ken Vickery in History and Sarah Rusche in Sociology have also offered great guidance.

How do you get involved with your major outside the classroom?

It is very important to get involved. I did that early on by participating in the African-American Symposium for entering students during orientation. I have worked for Homework Haven, where I tutor history and english to elementary school-aged children. I also attend a lot of college-sponsored events, such as the annual History Conference weekends in the Spring.

What new doors has college opened for you?

I am from a very small family, and no family members are in this area, so I had to break out of my comfort zone. College helped me learn to network. I got to know myself and how to communicate with diverse others.

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