Sky is a sophomore at Salem College majoring in biology with a minor in public health. You can also find her on the Salem soccer field during the season!

How did you decide that Salem College was right for you?

To be honest, I decided Salem was right for me when I first visited. The natural and authentic beauty that surrounded campus was enough for me to pack my bags. Of course I missed home and had thoughts of doubt, wondering if I made the right decision, but the amount of support that I receive here is another reason why Salem is right for me. Everyone roots for you to succeed and is always willing to offer a helping hand, whether you need it or not.

Where is your favorite place on campus?

My favorite place would have to be the Lucy Rose Center. I have made so many memories there, including being blessed to apply and secure my first internship, growing closer to my forever friends, and making connections that I will forever cherish in my heart.

How are you learning about leadership at Salem College?

I learn about leadership at Salem by understanding that there are a variety of ways that it can be shown. Salem has hosted many leadership events that I have attended such as the Health Leadership Forum and the RISE Leadership Program. Salem also gave me the opportunity to attend the REACH Women’s Conference. From these experiences, I have learned that leadership can be shown by sharing your wisdom with others, speaking out when you have something to say, and even sitting back to simply listen and learn. Leadership should not be seen in one light, and Salem has taught me that.

What are you learning about health leadership at Salem College?

Before coming to Salem, I don’t believe I ever explored nor heard of the topic of health leadership. When I first began my academic journey here, my SALEM100 class was Health Leadership. I was asked to describe what health leadership meant to me, and my mind went straight to the medical sense. After concluding that class and continuing to further my knowledge at Salem, I have learned that health leadership is such a broad term. It is not only related to health in a medical sense, but focusing on making communities a better place by narrowing disparities related but not limited to physical, mental, emotional, environmental, and social health, ultimately making society more equitable, inclusive, and healthier.

From your perspective, why is Salem a remarkable place?

To me, Salem is a remarkable place because of the amount of unwavering support you receive. Everyone here is rooting for your success, no matter what you want to do post-Salem. I love how it is an even playing field, in a sense, because there are opportunities for everyone to further themselves.

You recently received an award during Salem’s opening convocation. Tell us about the award.

The award I received at opening convocation was for having the highest GPA in my class, based on the 2023-2024 academic year. I thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to further my education, blessing me with amazing professors, a great support system, and giving me the motivation to work hard, even when I was tired from juggling everything. Glory be to God.

What is your biggest accomplishment that you are most proud of while being a Salem College student?

My biggest accomplishment that I am most proud of while being a Salem College student is the internship I was blessed with, with the Deacon Doula’s program. Their mission of the program is to provide positive experiences in the delivery room, while lowering the disparities within the subject of maternal health. After Salem, I plan to attend medical school with a focus in obstetrics. I want to do this because I believe my calling is to serve the underserved. Maternal mortality rates are the highest in the Black community, and I want to lower these statistics by providing unbiased and communicative healthcare. This internship provides me the perfect segway for my career goals, and I am so grateful for the opportunity.

What would be your recommendation to a student who is considering studying at Salem College, but can’t decide if she wants to attend?

My recommendation would be to visit in person. In my personal experience, if I am meant to be somewhere or do something, I feel an internal pull towards it. I believe that is God telling me where I am meant to be. I would say visit, walk around, and if you feel that pull, just do it.