May Student of the Month

Meet Laken Geiger, CHASS Student of the Month

Hometown: Winston-Salem, NC

Class:  Junior

Major:  Communication

Minor: Arts Entrepreneurship

Sample Courses:

• Case Studies in Public Relations
• Principles of News Article Writing
• History of Art from Ancient Greece Through the Renaissance

Activities:

• Intern, Arts For Life at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, Winston-Salem, teaching art to pediatric patients: Summer 2014
• Study Abroad in Prague, Czech Republic: Spring 2014
• Freelance photographer
• Marketing Intern, Visual Art Exchange (Raleigh nonprofit): Summer 2013
• Account Manager, Shelten Media: Spring/Summer 2012
• Intern, Level 23 (fashion boutique)
• Member, Public Relations Student Society of America
• Member, Habitat for Humanity

Honors:

Dean’s List

Postgraduate Plans:

Public relations in an art-related field.  Build community and promote the arts through work in the nonprofit arena.

Why did you select CHASS?

I knew I wanted to do Communication.  We see and use it all the time, but are unaware of its significance and how to make the most out of it.  The majors in CHASS offer a lot of flexibility, so you are able to add minors or explore other areas within your CHASS degree.  Other colleges here seem more narrowly focused.

What has been your greatest challenge at NC State?

Learning to be “teachable,” which really means having an open mind and being willing to learn, evolve and change.

What did you learn during your recent study abroad?

In addition to two lecture classes, I took a six-credit photography studio that really helped to reinforce what I am capable of doing.  It allows students to embrace creativity and helps them form who they are.  It was also exciting and eye-opening to study in a location where I did not know the norms, and where there was a different speed of life.

What advice would you give incoming students?

Allow yourself to try new things.  Keep your options open.  I did not have any particular expectations from my Intro to Art History course, but it quickly became my strongest and most loved subject, and prompted me to declare a minor in art.  That is the type of inspiration you should permit yourself to experience.