Honors Student Finds Fullfilment in Helping Fellow Students
Jessemia Meekins
Major: Forensic Science & Chemistry
Rank: Junior
Hometown: Binghamton, New York
Why did you want to enroll in the Honors College?
Coming from out-of-state, I was terrified of getting lost in the magnitude of VCU so I wanted to be a part of something that was smaller within the university. The Honors College gave me the opportunity to be in smaller classes, meet like-minded students that weren’t necessarily in my major and interact with faculty on a much smaller scale.
What has been one of your favorite memories as an Honors student?
Some of my favorite memories from being in the Honors College have come from the opportunity for the past two semesters to be a teaching assistant in the Honors freshman class "Flourishing," which has been really rewarding. Both semesters I have been able to work with students who are a little apprehensive of the class and over the course of the semester really came out of their shell and get to know a lot about them. I love being a part of that experience and helping them with adjusting.
What are your future academic and/or career goals?
My goal is to pursue Forensic Toxicology in a casework setting once I graduate. I plan to attend graduate school to continue my studies and work through a research project first and then to enter the field as a laboratory setting.
The Honors College gave me the opportunity to be in smaller classes, meet like-minded students that weren’t necessarily in my major and interact with faculty on a much smaller scale.
What advice do you have for current or future Honors students?
Try new things and put yourself out there! My favorite Honors classes that I have taken have been courses that were outside my major but on a topic I was interested in and it was such a great decision.
And always: Throw your name in the hat for something you are interested in whether it be a job, a scholarship or club officer. Sometimes putting yourself out of your comfort zone can be the best decision you can make!
Favorite spot in Richmond: Byrd Park
Favorite spot on campus: The Walkway between Temple and Oliver Hall
Favorite restaurant in Richmond: Front Porch Cafe