Here to share her campus involvement story is Laila, a junior biology pre medicine major from New Orleans, Louisiana. JSU students are encouraged to hone their leadership skills by getting involved. The floor is all yours, Laila.
Thank you for that introduction, Desi. Growing up in New Orleans, I always knew I wanted to attend Jackson State University because my father, uncle, sister, and cousins all graduated from here. As a little girl, I went to football games with my dad and attended alumni chapter meetings. I am so honored to be a student contributing to my generational legacy. The best way to make connections in college is to get involved. Participating in royal court or getting active in the Student Government Association introduces you to different people. During my freshman year, I ran for Miss Freshman, and I won. This was during the height of the COVID pandemic, and many of my classmates study remotely. I used social media to host virtual events that aligned with my platform. My sophomore year, I served as the sophomore class president, where I worked with the entire council to execute events for our class. Greek life is another beneficial way to get involved. As a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, I'm surrounded by like minded women who believe in the importance of public service. Joining a fraternity or sorority creates opportunities for you to network and engage in community service and to develop an extended family of brothers and sisters everywhere you go. There's a great camaraderie within JSU's National Panhellenic Council. We wear different colors and have different Greek letter symbols, but we all share the same ultimate goal which is to serve. After obtaining my degree in biology, pre medicine, I plan to attend a medical school, where I will pursue my dream career of becoming a pediatrician. I will use my training to impact the world by helping children in impoverished areas, most likely in my hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. I want to show diversity in the medical field, not only as an African American, but as a woman. That's my story. Back to you, Desi.
Laila, it sounds like you're making the most of your college experience. From Miss Freshman to sophomore class president, and now you're a member of JSU's Panhellenic Council. You have mastered the art of networking and being of service while having fun. We look forward to calling you Dr. Woodfork one day.
