While on the lookout for an honors program at FSU, Kimberly found that Garnet and Gold Scholars, which supported her personal values of scholarship, service, and leadership. The program welcomed 53 new members in December and facilitates student involvement in the areas of international, internship, leadership, research and service engagement. Through Garnet and Gold Scholars she was able to participate in all three of her areas of interest through several roles and projects.

Leadership: Along with completing the approved leadership course for Garnet and Gold Scholars, she served in several leadership positions such as national director of records for the Black Female Development Circle, Inc. a support organization with collegiate chapters at several Florida Universities and as a minority recruitment ambassador for the FSU Student Government Association.

Service: Kimberly completed more than 200 hours of community service through three service projects. She volunteered in the women’s wing of the Kearney Center, which serves people in Tallahassee who are experiencing homelessness, assisting with toiletries and other tasks during the Center’s nighttime routine. She traveled to New Orleans, Louisiana for three years as a volunteer with the St. Bernard Project, Habitat for Humanity and the National Council of Negro Women helping to rebuild homes for those affected by Hurricane Katrina. She also participated in an Alternative Spring Break Program with Restoration Atlanta, a shelter in Atlanta, Georgia for women and children experiencing homelessness.

Internship: Through her BSW field placement, Kimberly worked with the Leon County Public Defender’s Office working within the juvenile justice system in case management services.

Kimberly found a lot of positive professional and academic opportunities through the experiences that helped her fulfill her Garnet and Gold Scholars requirements and recommends to any students to get involved on campus and in the local community.

“Not only did I join a network of other professionals when I was inducted into the Garnet and Gold Scholar Society,” she said, “but I was also encouraged to engage in activities such as leadership and services which align with social work values.”

She will also start her MSW clinical program at FSU this spring with interest in working with children and the criminal justice system, but with a strong inclination to familiarize herself with multiple populations served by the social work field. She also intends to complete the LEAD in Social Work Certificate, which focuses on Leadership in Executive and Administrative Development. “I plan to serve in both clinical and administrative roles throughout my career, and one day open a social service agency,” she explained.