Sawyer Rials – Edens & 300 Swift

Hometown: Brookhaven, MS

Pronouns: he/him/his

Professional interests:  As an Academic Guide, I aim to help students make meaning of their experiences both inside and outside of the classroom. There are extraordinary resources available to Duke students, and I want to work to connect undergraduate students to the opportunities and resources they need to thrive.

Summary of previous professional experience:  Before arriving at Duke, I served as a Graduate Assistant for the University of Georgia Alumni Association where I worked with 80+ Alumni Chapters and 300+ Alumni volunteers from around the globe. While at UGA, I also served as a Graduate Intern for New Student Orientation and completed a practicum placement with Student Care and Outreach (a campus resource that provides nonclinical case management for students). Additionally, I completed a NODA internship at Emmanuel College in Boston, MA, working with new student and family orientation to welcome incoming students and supporters to campus. Prior to graduate school, I worked as a Graduate Intern for the J. Wayne Reitz Union at the University of Florida, where I provided facility management and hiring, onboarding, and supervision of student staff members.

Education

• M.Ed. in College Student Affairs Administration, University of Georgia
• B.S. in Communication Studies with Psychology minor, University of Southern Mississippi

Intellectual Interests:  Student development and well-being; academic belonging; modern literature (adult fiction, literary fiction, fantasy, science-fiction, and memoir); pop culture

Fun fact:  My favorite number is 5 and my favorite color is yellow!

What was the most challenging part of college for you? What did you learn from that experience?  The first semester of college was quite challenging for me. Finding my place in classes and student organizations wasn’t easy for me, at first. It wasn’t until the spring of my first year that I finally cemented several solid friendships and had an idea of what type of college student I wanted to be. It’s quite cliché, but I learned that patience almost always rewards you. Eventually, you will feel grounded on campus. It takes dedication on your part, but also the dedication of the staff who are there to guide you and offer advice. Lean into mentorship and try new things—the collegiate experience is a unique opportunity.

What did you learn or gain in college that you have carried with you?  The friendships I made during my time as an undergraduate student have carried over into my adult life. I found my best friends in college, and countless other friends I share a common experience with. Talk to that person sitting next to you in class (they’re probably just as nervous as you!) or invite someone to grab coffee. Life-long friendships begin with small moments.

What do you know now that you wish you had known in college?  While I connected with faculty in my fourth year, I really wish I would have had the courage to get to know my faculty earlier on. Faculty have valuable insight into academics and the workforce. I benefitted tremendously from taking courses taught by the same professor both of my last semesters. That remains the strongest connection I have with a faculty member. I wish I would have known that sooner.