Ashlyn Langdale is the first USC Salkehatchie and Palmetto College student to present at the University of South Carolina’s Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning (CIEL) Fall Showcase. The showcase is an opportunity for upcoming graduates to present their Beyond the Classroom experiences, one of the requirements to earn Graduation with Leadership Distinction (GLD). 

Langdale’s poster presentation “Praying for Health: The Importance of Wellness” connected the volunteer work she does promoting spiritual, physical and emotional wellness to the residents at Magnolia’s Assisted Living.  The devotions and exercises she provides to the residents utilize four of the Nine Dimensions of Wellness, enhancing the overall health of the residents. Langdale said her classes in speech and nursing allowed her to connect to the residents and incorporate several aspects of wellness into each of the activities.

“I see the importance of each of the dimensions of wellness for the residents. I am happy to be able to provide the devotionals and exercise they look forward to each day,” Langdale said.  “Seeing the activities change their overall health status motivates me to create an uplifting environment.  The devotions provide reassurance of faith which improves emotional and spiritual stability. The exercise activities increase their physical wellbeing, while their intellectual wellness is improved by the expansion of knowledge.”

Dr. Sarah Miller, CIEL Fellow and USC Salkehatchie’s GLD Coordinator, said that Langdale's evaluators were impressed.

“They loved her spirit and praised the connections she made between her coursework and her experiences,” Miller said.

Langdale graduated with her Associate in Arts with Leadership Distinction in Community Service on December 17.   GLD is the capstone achievement through the CIEL. Students may earn the distinction in community service, professional and civic engagement, diversity and social advocacy, global studies, or research. Since the program’s inception, 24 USC Salkehatchie students have earned this honor. 

Langdale previously earned her Associate of Science from USC Salkehatchie as a high school senior in Spring 2021.

Langdale will continue her college career as a nursing major in USC Salkehatchie’s Rural Nursing Initiative which partners with USC Beaufort to allow students to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing while remaining at Salkehatchie's Walterboro campus.  

“Since I was little, I knew nursing was the path I wanted to take,” Langdale said.  “Now I am a nursing major. My volunteer work has provided a great background for me.”

Langdale plans to become a first assistant in surgery when she graduates.  She also serves as President of USC Salkehatchie’s Student Government Association.