On a campus with 35,000 students, junior Dominique Harris found that getting involved helped her discover her place, passions, and career.
Coming from Lexington, SC, a town not far from the University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus, South Carolina was not Harris’ first choice. “I wanted to go somewhere, super far from home or out of state,” said Harris.
Dominique’s experience at New Student Orientation influenced her decision to attend South Carolina and to become an Orientation Leader herself. “…After orientation, I was like, I think this is for me. My orientation leaders were amazing.” The resource fair during her first-year orientation with helping her get involved. “I got so much information,” said Harris. “And it really helped me narrow down what I had time for, or what I really wanted to pursue.” Through her participation in orientation and the resource fair, she got involved with Gamecocks Aiding Refugees, and has been an Orientation Leader for the last two summers.
Dominique has found that getting involved in one experience can lead to involvement in others through the connections she has formed with faculty and staff across campus. “I just feel like with the support of all my supervisors, especially the ones from orientation, I can probably do so many things and just be connected anywhere I go,” said Harris. In addition to her involvement in Orientation and Gamecocks Aiding Refugees, Harris is currently a University 101 (U101) Peer Leader and president of Gamecock Connection, a volunteer group through the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. She became a U101 peer leader based on her own experience in U101 and met her co-instructor through a connection formed during her orientation experience. She got involved with Gamecock Connection through first-year U101 instructor and has since moved into a leadership role within the organization.
Through her involvement in U101 and New Student Orientation, Harris developed a passion for connecting with first-year students. “I like connecting on the student aspect and knowing that I’m someone that they are able to ask questions about that maybe are a little more difficult,” said Harris.
Harris’ path didn’t always include working with students. “I initially started as an exercise science major,” said Harris. “[Then I] took my first bio class. And I was like, ‘maybe this is not for me’.” Now, Harris has changed majors and directions for her future. She is a political science major, and after graduation, Harris is planning to attend graduate school to pursue a Master of Education degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs. “It [working with first-year students] was just something that I was super passionate about,” said Harris. “Honestly, I really don’t get tired of it.”
"It [working with first-year students] was just something that I was super passionate about. Honestly, I really don't get tired of it."Dominique Harris, Jr political science major
In addition to defining her path, Harris has met some of her lifelong friends through these involvements and has formed connections with faculty and staff across campus.
Getting involved not only helps students discover more about themselves, their interests, and make lifelong friends, but also build valuable connections and skills. For Harris, she’s become more confident and comfortable with public speaking. “I'm definitely more confident in myself,” said Harris. “And if I'm sharing information or something like that, knowing that what I know is the best that I'm going to be able to give.” The confidence, public speaking, and other soft skills she’s gained will translate into her future career.
Harris will use these experiences and skills to pursue Graduation with Leadership Distinction, or GLD. South Carolina’s Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning (CIEL) offers GLD to recognize students “engaged within and beyond the classroom.” According to CIEL’s website, “Students who earn Graduation with Leadership Distinction demonstrate extensive, purposeful engagement beyond the classroom, understanding of course concepts in “real world” settings, and application of learning to make decisions and solve problems.”
Harris decided to pursue GLD after the Office of New Student Orientation added it to their orientation curriculum. “I started getting more into it because of how often we talk about it to students,” she said. After looking into the requirements, Harris realized many of the experiences and classes she’s already done can be used to earn GLD. “I was like, that’s really cool,” said Harris, “what I’m doing [will be] recognized on my transcripts and diploma.”
Looking back on their college experiences provides students a way to look forward beyond South Carolina, by reflecting on the skills and values that will stay with them on their professional journeys. As students reflect on their college experiences through GLD, they also articulate what they’ve learned and demonstrate proficiency in skills that make them marketable to employers.
Getting involved has defined Harris’ time at South Carolina. She’s discovered her passions, connected with people who have shaped and supported her, and prepared for life post-graduation. For Harris, GLD is a way to show off the incredible things she’s done during her time at South Carolina. “…If you're doing so many great things, you should be able to share that with everybody.”
Interested in getting involved in any of the opportunities Dominique is a part of? Check out these pages for more information:
Harris also recommends Garnet Gate for students looking for different organizations to join, as well as Handshake for jobs or internships. To explore additional ways to get involved, check out the My UofSC Experience Database and Recommendations by Major.
Want to earn Graduation with Leadership Distinction? Start with the GLD Orientation Video and meet with a GLD advisor!