Growing up in Lexington, South Carolina, with two Gamecock alumni as parents, Meadow Wessinger always felt drawn to the University of South Carolina. The biology and political science double major found her place in the Honors College, where she could pair the energy and opportunity of a large university with the intimacy of smaller, discussion-driven classes.  

Today, Wessinger works as an environmental health manager with the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services, where she oversees programs that protect community health and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Her path to this career was shaped in part by McCausland Mentoring Night — a networking event that pushed her out of her comfort zone, connected her with inspiring professionals and helped her see how her diverse academic interests could intersect in meaningful ways. 

We caught up with Wessinger to learn more about her experience at McCausland Mentoring Night and how it continues to influence her professional growth. 

Q: What were your first impressions of McCausland Mentoring Night when you walked in? 

I was nervous when I walked in because there were so many people there, but the hosts of the event were very helpful and handed out a sheet that explained who was in attendance. Once I took a minute to look around, everyone looked very welcoming, and many people were talking in groups to the mentors. It let me relax knowing that it was a welcoming environment to meet new people in the fields that I was interested in. 

Q: Was there a particular mentor or conversation that stood out to you? 

I talked to a genetics professor from Columbia College, Vida Mingo, who was so welcoming and easy to talk to. He explained his role as a researcher and professor and his experiences in his job, like attending conferences. He took the time to ask each person what their major was and then connect it back to genetics. This stood out to me because many times majors seem so isolated and like they have a set career path, but he demonstrated how connected many fields are. 

Q: Did the event give you something you weren’t expecting — whether advice, encouragement or a new perspective? 

After talking to Dr. Mingo about the many connections between genetics and various majors, I was encouraged to find connections between my different interests to find a unique career path that allowed me to pursue multiple passions. I was also encouraged to talk to people who were in those fields to understand their experiences in those jobs.  

Q: Why do you think events like McCausland Mentoring Night are important for students in the college? 

These events are important because they give students the chance to get out of their comfort zone and network while also learning about potential opportunities in their field of interest.  

Q: What advice would you give to students who are thinking about attending this year? 

Do not be afraid to talk to the mentors that attend. They want to talk to you! Also try and talk to as many people as you can because you never know who you will meet and what you will learn from them.