The CAS Corps are chosen to serve as representatives to all constituents of the College of Arts and Sciences and to create, promote and execute opportunities for academic and professional growth. These students represent a variety of departments from across the College of Arts and Sciences and will represent the College at events through interaction among current students, future students, parents, donors and alumni.
Each month we will be introducing one of our students representing the college in the 2020-21 academic year through a question and answer format. This month, meet Paige. For more about the CAS Corps, visit: cas.appstate.edu/students/cas-corps.
Paige Skinner
Junior
Hometown: Huntersville, N.C.
Major: Political Science - Pre-Professional Legal Studies
Minor: Criminal Justice
Honors College
What clubs or organizations are you a member of?
Honors College, OIED, InterVarsity, GJS Fellows and Intramural Sports
Sports or hobbies?
I really enjoy hiking and attempting to do DIYs, they aren't always successful though! I am also on an intramural volleyball team for fun and I used to play soccer!
Scholarship(s) you have received from Appalachian or while studying at Appalachian?
I received a scholarship from the Honors College to help cover costs while studying abroad.
Location(s)/Organization(s) you completed an internship.
MSC Industrial Supply in Davidson, N.C. as a Legal Intern.
Location(s) you completed a study abroad or study away.
University of Roehampton in London, England.
Location(s) you hope to go for an internship, study abroad or research experience.
I interned for a corporation this summer so I got a glimpse of what it looks like to work in-house as a legal professional, so next summer I would like to intern for a law firm to get a feel for that type of practice!
Research or course work you have been most passionate about?
In the past, I conducted research on prison reform and felon disenfranchisement. I found both topics very interesting and would love to look into them further one day! I am starting my Honors Thesis in the fall for which I will be researching the Supreme Court and possible Writs of Certiorari. Coursework wise, I have always really enjoyed my Criminal Justice classes. My favorite this year was Theories of Crime and Justice, during which we learned about theories aimed at understanding why crime is committed and who commits it.
What has been the biggest challenge for you this summer?
Not having the normal amount of human interaction that I would usually have has been really hard for me. As someone who loves to be with my friends and spend quality time with people, I have struggled to feel as connected as I usually do. It has also been hard because my internship this summer was moved to a virtual format. Talking with people on a daily basis that I have never met in person, and some who I have never even seen has been a little odd, but it has still been a great experience!
What has given you peace, relaxation or been your outlet over the summer?
Going outside is always something that I do to calm down. Just being able to sit outside and not think about anything or have anything to actively worry about is always soothing. I just like to listen to nature sounds and take in my surroundings.
What has been the book, podcast and/or tv show you found rewarding or enjoyed over the summer?
I am super into true crime so I have been binging the podcast "My Favorite Murder."
What are you most excited about this coming semester?
I am excited to be back in Boone after being away for so long! With most classes being online, I will be able to spend more time with my roommates and close friends and really catch up with everyone after being apart for longer than usual.
What are you most anxious about this coming semester?
I am a natural planner so not really knowing what is going to happen is anxiety-inducing for me. The world is changing so fast right now and we never really know what is going to happen next. So the fact that I cannot really plan ahead is a little bit stressful.
What is one of your favorite memories at Appalachian thus far?
My favorite memory has to be Labor Day weekend of my sophomore year. That year my friend group decided to stay in Boone and use the long weekend for outdoor adventures! Every day that weekend we went on a different hike and ended our days watching the sunset. It was such a fun weekend and a great way to fully kick off the school year!
What do you like about Boone and the surrounding community?
I like how connected you can be. Boone is not a large town but there are plenty of opportunities for students to get involved with an organization that mirrors an interest or passion of theirs. I also love how connected Boone is to the outdoors. It is so close to so many trails and has many outdoor spaces that community members can enjoy.
What do you feel has been valuable in your education at Appalachian versus another institution?
I think that the way the faculty and students engage at Appalachian is something that is so special. I am lucky in that I have never walked away from a class or a meeting feeling as though the professor or staff member was not supportive of their students. They are truly there to help students achieve their goals and reach their highest potential. The support system at Appalachian is like no other!
Tell us about one faculty member that has made an impact on your life and how.
The Dean of the Honors College, Dean Vahlbusch, has made an impact on my life since I have been at Appalachian. Coming into college I was not really the type to put myself out there and take on leadership roles. It was intimidating to me and I perceived myself as an introvert. When I first arrived on campus, Dean Vahlbusch was one of the first faculty members I met. He said that he wanted to give Honors a meaning with us, not without us. As I started to get more and more involved, I realized that he was not just saying that to say it, he really meant it. Dean Vahlbusch has given me so much support in all of my endeavors while at Appalachian. He has given his support to help me start a Peer Mentor Program with my friends, revamp the Appalachian Honors Association and helped me find my voice as an ambassador for the Honors College. Looking at all I have accomplished throughout college is crazy to me, because I never thought that I could be "this" person. Through his unwavering support and guidance, I have been able to break out of my shell and unlock my fullest potential!
Tell us about one other connection you have made while at Appalachian - a friendship, mentor, colleague, a new found hobby or interest?
One of the friendships I treasure the most is with one of my friends, Rachael. She was one of the first friends I made at App. I am someone who always likes to have things planned and doesn't like to deviate too much from what I intend to do. Rachael has helped to teach me the importance of slowing down and appreciating everything that is in front of me at any given moment. I often find myself slowing down and appreciating nature when I am on hikes, really listening to people when they are telling stories and just enjoying life more in the moment. I learned that it is okay to deviate from the plan and still enjoy what I am doing.
What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus is Howard's Knob Patio on the third floor of the student union. It is a great place to go when you want to be outside but still want to get some work done. There are some tables and chairs up there with some umbrellas to help with the sun. It usually isn't too busy and is a great alternative to Sanford Mall if you are looking for something quieter. It overlooks some of the campus and has great views!
What is your understanding of "sustainability" after being at Appalachian?
I have found that there is a lot more to sustainability than I originally thought. Before I got to App, I thought of sustainability as recycling and taking shorter showers. I didn't really understand the importance of it. Now that I am at Appalachian, my eyes have been opened to its importance and its reach to everyday life. Sustainability is now worked into my everyday life as I make conscious decisions to be more sustainable.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
I hope to attend a top 50 law school and pursue a career in the legal field once I am fully graduated!
What is your dream job?
I would really enjoy working as a lawyer for a nonprofit organization so I could be a part of an organization that has a purpose and have a job that truly interests me and has the ability to make a difference!
The CAS Corps are chosen to serve as representatives to all constituents of the College of Arts and Sciences and to create, promote and execute opportunities for academic and professional growth. These students represent a variety of departments from across the College of Arts and Sciences and will represent the College at events through interaction among current students, future students, parents, donors and alumni.
Each month we feature one of our students representing the college in the academic year through a question and answer format. This month, meet Savannah and learn about her research experiences. For more about the CAS Corps, visit: cas.appstate.edu/students/cas-corps.
Paige Skinner, junior Political Science major enjoying the outdoors. Photo submitted.
Photo of Paige Skinner