Social Sciences – Outstanding Senior 2020

Clubs, Organizations, Leadership, and Service

• Sociology Club
• ZZU Cru, 2016–18
• Anthropology Club
• WSU Treble Choir, 2017–19
• Sold doughnuts for Sociology Club fundraiser for the community food bank
• Sociology Club Relay for Life to raise money for cancer research
• WSU School of Music Choral Festival – volunteer
• Colfax Food Pantry – volunteer
• Bishop Place Senior Living – volunteer

Awards and Recognitions

• 2020 College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Senior in Social Sciences
• Junior Writing Portfolio – Passed with Distinction
• President’s Honor Roll, Spring 2017–Spring 2020

Faculty Comments

“Graduating magna cum laude is really the proverbial ‘icing on the cake’ for Janine’s outstanding academic accomplishments. She has always been a highly conscientious student who came to class prepared having completed the assigned readings for that day and ready for critically thoughtful engagement.

“Having played just a small part in Janine’s educational journey, I am so proud to have witnessed her development from being a wide-eyed fresh-person who was in the “still exploring” phase to such a confident and well-informed student who is now prepared to participate as a citizen with a commitment to diversity and justice. Janine stands as a shining example of the importance of an undergraduate education strongly grounded in the humanities and liberal arts, not just within the College but in the University.”  –Dr. Marian Sciachitano

Personal Statement

First, I would like to thank my family, especially my mom, my dad, and my sister. Without them I would not be the person I am today, and I do not know how I would have survived college if I did not have them there to support me. I would also like to thank all the incredible professors I have had the privilege of knowing throughout my time at WSU who truly have made a difference in my journey of self-discovery and expanding my knowledge of the world. WSU is an amazing place that has, and always will, feel like home. It is difficult to put into words exactly what WSU and being a Cougar has meant to me. But in part, it means being a part of an everlasting family that is continually growing, it means being a part of the history of WSU, and it means using the knowledge that I have acquired to make the world a better place.

Honored Faculty and Mentors

• Marian Sciachitano, clinical associate professor, Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program
• Melissa Parkhurst, instructor, School of Music

Future Plans

Janine would like to find employment with a non-profit organization or perhaps a job at WSU. Her future plans include a career with non-profits, possible graduate school to become a counselor—and definitely to get a dog!