Caitlin Scott
Caitlin Scott
Hometown:
Alexandria, Louisiana
Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a Concentration in Social Studies 4-8
What internship(s) did you have while attending PVAMU?
I worked with Mission Transformation, a nonprofit that focuses on providing educational opportunities to young men in inner-city Houston. Having this internship taught me about outreach, communication and organization. When I first worked with this nonprofit, I started as a project manager for an end-of-summer event. I was responsible for retrieving donors and donations for the event, gathering PVAMU students to volunteer for the event, and the run of the show of the event. All these qualities are needed as an educator.
What organization(s) were you a part of at PVAMU?
Ladies with Pride, Pretty Ladies Unique Shapes, Student Government Association, Campus Activity Board, Panther Advisor Leaders, Who Dat Club, Honors Program, Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
How did being a part of these organizations make your PVAMU experience better?
Through all these organizations, I met a lot of great students and faculty. I was able to work with students inside and outside of classes. I met faculty and staff who have become my mentors and lifelong friends.
What are your thoughts on leading your peers as SGA Vice President during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic?
While leading my peers during these challenging times, my main thought was that every decision I made and every word that I spoke was on behalf of the student body and not for myself. As a leader, I worked for the student body. The best part about being SGA VP was being able to advocate for the students who felt as if their voices were not heard and then seeing their issues be addressed and come to fruition. It was so touching, and it made students feel a sense of trust in their student leadership.
How will your experience as SGA VP assist you in your future career?
Being the SGA VP taught me how to listen and take into consideration what others are going through. In the classroom, there will be times when students have those rough days. Instead of going off and expecting them to do what I say, as a teacher, I’ll be able to see what my students are going through that is affecting them and what I can do to help them.
What are your career goals?
My goal is to teach in the classroom for 5-8 years and work my way up to either a professor at a university or a director of student affairs at a university.
Do you have a job lined up post-graduation?
During the summer, I will be returning to Mission Transformation as a project manager. In the fall, I will be teaching 6th grade World Cultures at Kahla Middle School in Cypress-Fairbanks ISD. I am looking forward to building connections with my future students and sparking curiosity about different world cultures.
Why did you want to attend PVAMU?
I always knew I wanted to attend HBCU, but I did not know about PVAMU until high school. My high school’s Black Student Union advisor told me about PVAMU and told me to apply. So I did and decided to take a tour. That is when I fell in love with the campus. It is funny that I got my acceptance letter while I was on a tour at Texas Southern University. The tour guide there was trying to convince me to apply that day, and I would receive a scholarship. I showed the tour guide my acceptance letter to PV and that I received a Merit Scholarship. So, PV was my place to be.
What does PVAMU have that other universities do not?
PVAMU has a culture and traditions that other schools do not have. From the class shuffles to no walking on the grass to pointing to “The Hill,” no school has key values and traditions like PVAMU. The first thing students learn coming to campus is the history of the university and why we take so much pride in our traditions and cultures. PVAMU is known for being a trendsetter in this respect because there are no other schools that do it like PVAMU.
How do you feel PVAMU helped you to achieve your career goals?
PVAMU helped me prepare for the real world. It taught me that everything is not given to someone, but work must be done to receive the things you want. I have learned that to reach my career goals, I must put in the work, the time and the effort. Other fun things might have to be set aside, but with remarkable things come sacrifices.
What do you love most about PVAMU?
I love the family feeling and culture the school exudes. Every football game, homecoming, Spring Fest, and university event, the alumni and students come together and have a wonderful time.
What is your advice to current students?
My advice to current students is always put your academics first and get out of your room. Talk to your professors, join academic and social organizations, and make the best of your undergraduate years. They go by fast, so make the best of it.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I am profoundly grateful for my time at PVAMU. I am excited to come back in the future as an alum and to see the great and wonderful things the students will do on this campus. It was truly a pleasure serving the student body. Continue to pass down the traditions and let everyone know that PVU is THEE place to be.