ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Law school is on South Carolina State University senior honors student Jerdashia Scott's agenda after graduation, and she will take a lot more than her undergraduate classroom experiences with her.
"I have an abundance of experiences at SC State that have taught me valuable lessons," said Scott, who majors in political science and pre-law. "Being a part of the track team for one has kept me on my toes especially when it comes to time management.
"It has also taught me that winning has no guarantees. You can do everything right and still lose," she said. "The reason you keep getting back up is because the only guarantee is that if you stay down, you will lose."
As if running track and taking a full load of classes were not enough, Scott also has immersed herself in other opportunities during her time at SC State.
In summer 2021, she was an intern for U.S. House of Representatives Majority Whip James E. Clyburn. The previous fall, she was an intern for the Jaime Harrison for U.S. Senate Campaign. She also interned for HP in summer 2020 and the Spartanburg County Clerk of Court Office in summer 2019.
Plus, Scott studies in the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College, which is named for the congressman's late wife and university benefactor, and she serves in the SC State Student Government Association. She also found time to serve as president of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee.
"Being a part of SGA has shown me what it means to be a servant leader and collaborate with other organizations," Scott said. "Being in college, in general, has taught me that everyone did not have the same upbringing and it is a place where all types of personalities just clash together. You learn to adapt and compromise."
As for the Honors College, Scott said participation has challenged her by placing her in uncomfortable situations.
"The Honors College has shaped my experience because it has exposed me to distinguished and accomplished individuals such as the current United States majority whip, the secretary of the Department of Energy, the current vice president, and many others," Scott said. "The Honors College has taught me how to network and have good public relations and has opened many doors for me."
One prominent person Scott has not yet encountered but would like to meet is former First Lady Michelle Obama.
"I would love to meet Michelle Obama because of her brilliance, strength, and style -- the mark she has made on the world by being the first African American first lady and what she did while being in that position," Scott said. "She promotes higher education and has always led by example. I have no doubt I could learn a lot from her."
The Spartanburg native already has learned a lot from her mentors and peers at SC State.
"The Honors College team, my fellow honors classmates and my closest friends have motivated me to be great, apply for opportunities when I am not confident, or just believe and have faith in the abilities and qualities they know I possess," she said.
"I intend to pay it forward in the future by giving back to the university that gave so much to me. I want to be the mentor, the words of encouragement, or the example for others like me," Scott said.
For more about the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College, contact Dr. Harriet Roland at rolandha@scsu.edu or 803-533-3790.
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About South Carolina State University
Founded in 1896 as a land grant institution with a mission of providing service to the citizens of the state, South Carolina State University has evolved from a small teachers' college into a major University center of learning and research. Located in Orangeburg, S.C., South Carolina State offers more than 50 different fields of study on the undergraduate and graduate levels. South Carolina State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and is a member of the Council of Graduate Schools.
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