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Nakita Dziegielewski
By Jennifer Tanner
Nakita Dziegielewski wants to make a difference in the world.
Although she considers this desire a long-term goal, the soon-to-be college graduate has already changed the lives of many during the last four years at Valdosta State University. Her work on campus relates closely to her life's passion — feminism and true gender equality.
Dziegielewski said she chose VSU on a whim, but never doubted her choice. Attracted to the beautiful campus with its majestic front lawn, she sought discipline that was both challenging and diverse in subject matter. The sociology major/women's and gender studies minor said her path of study is essentially her life's passions translated into an academic framework.
As she interacted with other bright women across campus, her interest in women's issues and desire to impact the women of VSU grew stronger. S.U.R.G.E. — Students United for Real Gender Equality — began as a dream in the young feminist's creative mind. She imagined a group of students from both sexes pushing for true equality through educational events.
The new organization has already become an integral contributor within VSU's active student community. Members have spent hours disseminating literature on campus, sponsored events like the Vagina Monologues, aided the Sexual Assault Intervention and Prevention program and promoted other efforts related to diversity, sexual health, positive self image and other women's issues.
The group's quick success stems from the dedication and passion of its members, but leadership surely plays an important role.
"I don't believe in failure — only lessons learned," said the S.U.R.G.E. founder, who dreams of running with the bulls in Spain one day. "Founding this organization has been one of the most challenging, yet rewarding things I have every done. I couldn't have made it without my amazing members."
Dziegielewski has affected the campus in more ways than one. Her video about the objectification and dehumanization of women in advertising captured top prize in the most recent Causes Film Festival. (Watch it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17gtuheVj3Y )
The young environmentalist — who loves trying new vegan recipes — is also active participant with Students Against Violating the Environment. The group sponsors recycling initiatives, supports sustainability efforts and educates campus members about other environmental causes.
A dean's list student who maintains a 3.76 GPA, her academic accomplishments speak for themselves. She was named among the Who's Who Among American Colleges and Universities and chosen as the Outstanding Student in Women's and Genders Studies in 2009. A member of numerous honor societies, she has served as both an Emerging and Experienced leader on campus and honored by various groups for her leadership and volunteer efforts.
While her honors are well deserved, she credits her mother as the inspiration and support behind her success.
"Despite all the obstacles this amazing woman has faced, she has always risen to the top with dignity and grace," she said. "I carry the skills she taught me about life and self respect into my every endeavor. If it were not for her, I would not be the woman I am today. I thank God everyday for making her my mother."
Her long-term goals are honorable and challenging; she desires a life lived to its fullest, with love for all and opportunities to give back to those who have shaped her life. Equipped with her mother's values and knowledge gained at VSU, Dziegielewski will embark on life's journey with everything she needs to change the world.
The stats:
Academic Year: Senior
Academic Standing/GPA: Dean's list, 3.76
Expected Graduation: May 2010
Degree Objective: B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies
Hometown: Dalton, GA
High school: Northwest Whitfield High School
Academic Achievements/Recognitions:
*Dean’s List (2006 – Current)
*Honors Program
*First Place Video Winner in VSU’s “Causes” Film Festival (2010)
*Outstanding Student in Women’s and Gender Studies Award (2009)
*Who’s Who Among American Colleges and Universities (2009)
*Co-author of “An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Parenting Classes for Families Under the Supervision of the Department of Juvenile Justice”
*Presented at the Georgia Political Science Association and the Criminal Justice Association of Georgia Annual Meeting (2009)
*Student Representative for the Women’s and Gender Studies Advisory Committee (2008 – 2009) and (2009 – 2010)
*Certificate of Excellence by LeaderQuest and the Office of Orientation and Leadership Programs (2009)
*Valdosta State University’s LeaderQuest Visionary Award (2008)
*Nomination Certificate for the Valdosta State University Leadership Award (2008)
*S.U.R.G.E. – Students United for Real Gender Equality
*Founder and President (2008 – Current)
*LeaderQuest
*Emerging Leader (2006 – 2007)
*Existing Leader (2007- 2008)
- Helped organize Leadership Under Construction Conference (2008)
*Experienced Leader (2008 – 2009)
- Helped organize iLead – VSU Leadership Conference (2009)
*S.A.V.E. – Students Against Violating the Environment
*Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator for the 5th Annual Southeast Student Renewable Energy Conference (2008)
*Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society
- Vice President (2006-2007)
*Sigma Alpha Chi Honor Society
*Golden Key International Honor Society
*Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society
*Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Society
*Model United Nations (2007)
- Presented at the Southern Regional Model United Nations XVIII (2007)
- Received Distinguished Delegation Award
*2006 United Way of Northwest Georgia Youth Volunteer Award
Get to know Nakita…
My favorite things to do on campus are… relaxing on the front lawn on a beautiful sunny day; walking around campus and seeing people from freshman year; expanding my knowledge of feminist thought at the Women’s and Gender Studies house and the library; visiting my OASIS family at the UC; running into my amazing Sociology professors and friends; and tabling on the pedestrian walkway for events and bake sales (lots of memories come from that).
When I have free time, I like… to read from my endless book list, enjoy the simple things in life, hang out with friends, explore new places in Valdosta, swing in Drexel Park, cook new vegan recipes and continuously challenge my mind.
The three words that best describe me are… passionate, hardworking and caring.
My favorite place to study is… in my house or on the third floor of Odum Library at one of the big round tables in the back.
My favorite professor was… Dr. Pat Burns. This amazing man will always have a special place in my heart. He taught me never to accept second best, and to make excellence my standard. He saw my potential as a student and leader and worked hard to give me the skills and tools I needed to be who I am today. No matter what I needed, he was always there to help and pushed me to the best that I could be, always believing in my potential and dreams every step of the way.
My favorite class was… It is a tie between Race, Class, and Gender and Women of the U.S. South. Race, Class, and Gender was the first class that I ever took that made me realize how blind I was about society and the world that we live in. This class challenged me to critically look at things to which I had once been blind. It peeled back a layer of naivety that I had and showed me the truth behind the world we live in. Dr. Lovern also challenged me in a way that I had never been challenged before academically. Women of the U.S. South was an amazing class that again challenged me academically. Dr. Oglesby provided me with such a great deal of knowledge about the Southern culture in which I had grown. It pointed out misconceptions I had about “Southern Ladies” and southern culture and provided me with the truth about Southern women’s past, both black and white. This class helped me develop a new-found appreciation for history and the southern culture in which I have grown up.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with… bell hooks (her name is supposed to be lowercased). She is an amazing American author, feminist and social activist. Her books on the intersectionality of race, class and gender have challenged me to examine the world in which I live in a new way. Her critique on society has helped to develop the ideology that I carry with me today.
The thing that I will miss the most about college is… the random road trips, the endless opportunities, the people and professors who challenge me to be the best that I can be, and the family away from home that I have come to love!
The one VSU experience I will always remember is… Performing in the Vagina Monologues. I played a part that was completely opposite of who I am as a person, and it was completely rewarding. I was not only able to push myself out of my comfort zone but I was also able to build close relationships with the cast.
After graduation, I plan to… obtain an internship in D.C. for the summer, do AmeriCorps for a year in New Jersey, then attend graduate school to get my masters in Public Administration and possibly Law. While I say these are my plans, though, I am not sure of anything. I am just going to take what comes my way and have hope that God will lead me to where He wants me to be.
Some unique things about me are… I love to cook; I have a dorko sense of humor, I am first generation American on my father’s side and the first one to complete college; I love to laugh and enjoy the simple things in life. I honestly love life and would not change any of the obstacles I have had to go through, and no matter what people say there is nothing better than leaving the barn and smelling like horses.
My favorite childhood memory is… taking road trips with my mom. We were always driving, and it is those times that I will never forget! Singing in the car, driving my mom crazy because I always put my feet on the windows, Tennessee hiding cows, and our deep talks about life.
My biggest supporters in life are… my mother and grandfather. No matter what I know that I can go to them for encouragement and wisdom about life’s problems. They continuously challenge me to push myself to my full potential. They are always there for me no matter what the situation or obstacle may be. No matter what I do in life they will always be behind me 100 percent.