Each year, faculty in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) come together to select an outstanding student in their program to receive the honor of being named as their program award winner. Students selected for this award embody the very best of their program: they excel in their studies; they demonstrate leadership in classes and internships; and they have a genuine and tenacious passion for their discipline.
The College of Education and Human Development faculty in Human Development and Family Science have chosen
Kai Snow
as the
2021 Outstanding Student in Human Development and Family Science
Q & A with Outstanding Student in Human Development and Family Science, Kai Snow:
What part of your Mason experience are you most proud of?
I am most proud of changing my major from Dance to HDFS within my spring semester of my Sophomore year, and still being able to graduate on time. I am also proud of being a part of the Mason LIFE staff. I truly enjoyed every moment of working with the students and also the staff. And lastly, my proudest moment is becoming a member of the Omicron Rho Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and becoming the Chapter President for 2020 – 2021!
What are your future plans, goals, and dreams?
My future plans include attending grad school at Howard University and majoring in Social Work. My goals and future dreams include opening up my own facility geared towards helping low-income children and also children with special needs. I will provide resources for them including extracurricular activities, tutoring, financial classes for their families, and much more.
What is your favorite memory from your time in the College of Education and Human Development?
My favorite memory in CEHD is when I went to Dr. Susan Burn’s office right before switching my major and had a long discussion on where it would leave me if I did choose to switch my major. After the long discussion, I discussed this change with my parents and I decided to officially switch. My first HDFS class was HDFS 200 and is my favorite memory because I was so excited to embark on new beginnings in a major that I knew was my passion all along.
What advice do you have for fellow CEHD students?
For fellow CEHD students, my advice would be to make sure you pay attention in all of your classes as it is imperative to know a lot of knowledge in this field. Also, please make sure you take advantage of the HDFS professors because they are a huge resource. In addition, build connections with as many people in this field as you can. It is very important because when you are applying for any organizations or for graduate school you have strong support behind you (your professors) who can assist where needed. Overall, enjoy this time college is a learning part of your life, there will be a lot of ups and downs but once you have your degree it will all be worth it!
Would you like to give any shout-outs to those who supported you along the way?
I would like to first thank God for blessing me with everything I have and being able to attend George Mason University. My parents for supporting me in every aspect of my life and truly being a blessing to me. I would like to thank all of my professors for helping me and teaching all of my courses. I would like to give a huge shout out to Dr. Bethany Letiecq for always motivating me and being there to help me as a student and pushing me past my comfort zone to achieve success. And lastly, I would like to thank Dr. Susan Burns for being the person to encourage me and let me know that I can change my major and succeed! She constantly reminded me to not be fearful of the change but to embrace it. I am more than honored and blessed and can’t thank all of you enough!