Mikayla Morris
Name: Mikayla Morris
Hometown: Georgetown, S.C.
Year in School: Junior
Major: English
When it came to her college search, it was love at first sight for Mikayla Morris. Upon stepping foot on campus and taking a tour, Mikayla told herself I want to make this my home. Enrolling as a Chanticleer, Mikayla immediately started to leave her mark.
We have featured many students who are heavily involved but perhaps no one has involved herself in as many diverse activities as Mikayla. A resident adviser for University Housing, a mentor for the Dalton and Linda Floyd Family Program, an officer with Women of Color and a sister of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Mikayla has a full plate in front of her.
But we aren’t done.
Mikayla has taken that full plate and piled high on top of it. She also sings with the Coastal Inspirational Ambassadors, sits on a couple different leadership organizations and helps out with the Coastal Activities Board. Then, if you can believe it or not, she also keeps a campus job as a student assistant with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
“It has given me a great chance to show my leadership skills,” Mikayla explains when addressing her heavy involvement on campus.
Mikayla hopes to continue to build on her natural leadership abilities and hopefully one day use them as a student affairs professional. One would have to think that with her talent to lead and the significant amount of relevant experience already gained, she is heading in the right direction.
Q&A with Mikayla
How did you hear about Coastal?: I participated in a class called Teacher Cadet that partners with CCU. Through this class I was given the opportunity to meet CCU staff and take my first college tour and it was then that I immediately fell in love with the campus and all it had to offer.
Why did you come to Coastal?: I came to CCU because after going on a campus tour I knew I wanted to make this my home. My tour guide was very knowledgeable about student life and academics and the campus itself was gorgeous.
Favorite professor: Emma Howes, Ph.D.
Favorite class: Creative Writing 301
Favorite aspect of Coastal?: The opportunities and the one on one connections that are offered to students are my favorite aspects of Coastal. I don’t feel as though I would have been given those same opportunities or had the same experiences if I had chosen another university.
Favorite aspect of living in the Conway/Myrtle Beach area?: My favorite aspect about living in the Conway/Myrtle Beach area are the many opportunities to give back to my community. I have been a Dalton and Linda Floyd Mentor, I have volunteered at Habitat for Humanity and I have participated in road side clean up. These are just a few things I have done in order to better help those in my community.
Clubs/Intramurals/other extracurricular activities involved in?:
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
- Vice President of Women of Color
- National Society of Leadership and Success
- Order of Omega
- SNAP Mentor
- Coastal’s Activity Board (CAB)
- Coastal Inspirational Ambassadors (CIA)
- Resident Adviser
Do you work anywhere currently (either on or off campus)?: I work in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life as a student assistant.
Plans after graduation?: After graduation I plan to go to the University of South Carolina to get my graduate degree in student affairs and higher education.
What are your hobbies?: My hobbies are eating, singing, writing poetry and spending time with my family and friends.
Do you have any hidden talents?: Singing and poetry
Bonus Info: I dedicate a lot of my time to helping others. Holding positions like VP of WOC and being a resident advisor has helped me grow as a leader but it’s also allowed me the opportunity to help my peers in various aspects of their life and college career. I take pride in helping others because my story, my life and my experiences aren’t just meant to help me but I feel as though it should be passed on in hopes that it will help someone else and that is why I want to pursue a career in student affairs. Since being at Coastal I have been afforded the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and participate in many leadership roles. These individuals and positions have helped me grow on a personal and academic level, develop my leadership skills, and discover who I am. Without Coastal I wouldn’t be who I am today and it’s my hope that I’m able to one day provide that same reassurance to my future students.