Jessica Vasiliades
Name: Jessica Vasiliades
Hometown: Massillon, Ohio
Year in School: Senior
Major: Political Science
Minor: Philosophy
Jessica Vasiliades has enjoyed countless memorable experiences on campus. Whether it be raising money on Prince Lawn for Sigma Kappa’s philanthropic cause, performing in Brooks Stadium as a member of the Chanticleer dance team, or competing on the CCU stage in the Miss Teal and Bronze Pageant, Jessica has made incredible memories at 100 Chanticleer Dr. But her best time as a Chanticleer occurred far, far away from Conway.
A year ago this month, Jessica found herself in Norway for the 2017 International Student Festival in Trondheim (ISFiT). Calling it “an invigorating experience,” she sampled global diplomacy with 450 students from 106 countries as they discussed the festival’s theme, discrimination. The opportunity was especially meaningful because she “wasn’t just representing Coastal Carolina University but the United States of America.”
Jessica returned from her Norway trip with a greater appreciation for the world as a whole, a realization that she is thankful to Coastal for helping her to discover.
“I love the fact that the campus has so much to offer students,” Jessica says.
Advising students to study abroad because it is a “life changing” experience, she also notes that there is plenty of room for growth right here on campus.
“Coastal has definitely had a positive impact on me by allowing me to really dive into the culture of campus,” Jessica says, reflecting on the vast opportunities to become involved and learn from others.
With a set plan to become an attorney, Jessica will attend law school after she graduates with her political science degree this May. Within five years, it is her hope that she will be “fulfilling her dreams and goals” by practicing law. Jessica is on track for success and we hope she enjoys her final three months at Coastal.
Q&A with Jessica
How did you hear about Coastal?: I grew up vacationing in Myrtle Beach so I always had a dream of going to school near the beach.
Why did you come to Coastal?: I came to Coastal to have a fresh start, away from home, at the beach. As soon as I stepped foot on campus I knew this would be my new home. The campus was beautiful and I fell in love right away.
Favorite professor: My favorite professor would definitely have to be Richard Aidoo, Ph.D. I met Professor Aidoo as a little freshman and he became my mentor in the Department of Political Science. Little did I know, that as a freshman sitting in his office listening to him tell me about all of the different opportunities the department had to offer, that I would end up going to Trondheim, Norway, with him two years later for an international student festival. I owe Professor Aidoo much gratitude, he truly is an amazing professor.
Favorite class: Hands down the ISFiT class with Richard Aidoo, Ph.D., and Mariam Dekanozishvili, Ph.D.
Favorite aspect of Coastal?: The diversity. I think Coastal has a student body that encompasses individuality but at the same time, I feel as if the individuality also goes along with the diversity from all of the students’ different backgrounds and cultures. I love walking around on campus and seeing all of the different clubs and organizations, it makes our CCU community special.
Favorite aspect of living in the Conway/Myrtle Beach area?: The beach! The beach is an amazing stress reliever, without its peaceful and calming waves, I don’t think I would have survived these last four years.
Clubs/Intramurals/other extracurricular activities involved in?:
Sister of Sigma Kappa Sorority
Member of Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity where I am the Public Relations Chair
Member of Order of Omega
Member of the CCU Mock Trial Team
I was formerly a member of the Chanticleer Dance Team for three years
I am a volunteer for Freedom Readers
This academic year I was 1st Runner Up and Miss Photogenic at the Miss Teal & Bronze Pageant
Do you work anywhere currently (either on or off campus)?: I work at MAC Cosmetics as a freelance makeup artist.
Plans after graduation?: Fingers-crossed I get into the Law School I want to go to!
What are your hobbies?: Dancing and reading.
Do you have any hidden talents?: Some know of this talent but others don’t – I am a licensed cosmetologist.
Anything else you want to tell us about you?: I walk around like everything is fine, but deep down, inside my shoe, my sock is falling off.
Happy Monday!