Nov 26, 2021

Carley named Project Strive/TRiO November CSC Student of the Month

Posted Nov 26, 2021 4:56 PM

By MOLLY LANGHORST, CSC COLLEGE RELATIONS

CHADRON - Chadron State College student Janessa Carley is the Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month for November. Carley, a junior from Dalton, Nebraska, said she chose Chadron State College because she loves the feeling of being in a small town. Carley went to a small school where she said all the teachers knew her first name, and she chose CSC in part because she wanted her college professors to know her on a personal level, as well.

Carley is a Business Administration major pursuing three options: Accounting, Finance, and Agribusiness. Carley said she has liked working with numbers as long as she can remember so she especially enjoys accounting. She grew up around agriculture and enjoys an ag-based community, so she chose agribusiness.

In May, Carley will graduate with a bachelor’s degree and plans to begin working on an MBA with a focus in accounting, also at CSC. After graduating with her master’s, Carley plans to become a Certified Public Accountant.

Carley is a member of Xi Delta Zeta, the Rural Business Leadership Initiative, Student Alumni Council, and The Big Event Staff.

Being active in campus clubs is a priority for Carley. She believes being a part of the community and helping others is important.

“As a student who participates in many clubs, it has been a wonderful experience finding others who share the same passion as I do for Chadron State. Being a member of The Big Event staff for two years has allowed me to see this love, not only in the students, but throughout the entire community,” Carley said.

Associate Professor of Music Dr. John Wojcik enjoys the effort Carley displays as a member of the CSC Wind Symphony.

“It has been a pleasure having Janessa in the CSC Wind Symphony as a member of the clarinet section. She is a dedicated member of the ensemble and is an excellent role model for her peer musicians,” Wojcik said.

TRiO Retention Specialist Amanda Lewin appreciates Carley’s efforts in Project Strive.

“The award recognizes students who are diligent, hardworking, and active in the program and on campus. Janessa embodies all of these traits. She has been an active member of Project Strive the past three years and has helped with and attended many activities and events,” Lewin said.

Lewin said when Carley was asked to help create an activity sponsored by Residence Life Association and Project Strive, she immediately came up with an idea and plan.

“Janessa has proven herself to be an individual with strong leadership skills, which she has shown not only through her time with Project Strive, but with her academic studies and campus involvement. I have enjoyed working with Janessa and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for her,” Lewin said.

When Carley is not in class or participating in an activity on campus, she fills her free time with crocheting and playing the clarinet. She learned to enjoy the clarinet in high school and found her passion for crocheting at a young age after a cousin taught her.

Chadron State College’s Project Strive/TRiO program, located in the lower level of the King Library, is an academic enrichment program committed to help students succeed. Project Strive also focuses on career exploration, cultural and social enrichment and self-awareness. To be eligible for the program, a student must be one of the following: A first generation student where neither parent has a four-year degree, meet low income status based on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services criteria, or have a documented disability. For more information, visit www.csc.edu/projectstrive.