CHASS Student of the Month – December 2008

Troy Pinkins

• Home Town: Berlin, Germany
• Class: Senior
• Major(s):
  • Communication – Public Relations
• Sample Courses:
  • Introduction to Editing
  • Organizational Communication
  • Communication and Technology
• Activities:
  • Community Assistant Coordinator, NCSU Avent Ferry Residence Hall
  • DanceVisions Dance Company
  • African American Student Advisory Council, Senior Representative
  • Volunteer at Haven House, a non-profit that helps teens in crisis
  • Internship: NCSU Conference Services (Fall 08)
  • Internship: FOX 50 TV (Spring 09)
• Honors:
  • Rebecca & Ruth C. Leonard Scholarship in Communication, 2007-08
  • Lambda Pi Eta (National Communication Honors Society)
• Postgraduate Plans: Ph.D in Instructional Leadership
• Career Goals: Work with teenagers on leadership and development skills.

What do you enjoy most about being an NCSU student?

I really enjoy the teachers here. They always have time for students. Not enough students take advantage of instructors’ office hours. In class, there can be a time crunch – a lot to cover in a short time period. But during office hours, you are one-on-one with your professors. They are there for you and can explain things thoroughly. My favorite course was Communication Research Methods with Dr. Joann Keyton. She challenged me to think and analyze, and she created an open, fun environment where I felt free to ask questions.

How have you gotten involved with your major outside the classroom?

In Spring 2008, I participated in NCSU’s Undergraduate Research Symposium. Under the mentorship of Dr. Celeste Farr, I presented research titled African-Americans and Government Conspiracy Theories: Implications for Health Seeking Behaviors. Preparing for the symposium was time-consuming and even a bit stressful, but I truly learned a lot about myself and what I can accomplish. It reinforced my classroom learning with hands-on experience. My internship as well has been wonderful for networking and learning new skills. It added a whole new dimension to the learning and reading I’ve done in class.

How has college changed you?

I am more willing to challenge myself without fear of failing. If you don’t do well at something, it just builds you up to do better next time. Also, learning what my limitations are. It’s easy to get overinvolved, so you need to pace yourself and be diligent about planning your daily schedule.

Do you have any advice for incoming students?

Don’t stretch yourself too thin. When planning your time, focus on what matters most ? grades. Even then, keep in mind that grades are not everything. You learn so much that is not covered on an exam. College is a time for exploring in so many environments. And don’t forget to have fun and meet new people!

Nominate a student for CHASS Student of the Month.