Josh Davis
"If you work hard in everything you do, great things will come from it."
As a high-school student in Rocky Mount, NC, NC State sophomore biological sciences major Josh Davis threw himself into helping others, through service opportunities, missionary work and a love for science. So when the time came to select a university to further fuel his dreams and ambitions, the choice was easy.
"All the passion that I developed during my high-school years led me to a school with world-renowned faculty, overwhelming school spirit, and a plethora of resources in service and leadership: NC State University," Davis said. "This school, this academically rich land-grant institution, was the transition point into adulthood and opportunity for personal growth that I was looking for."
But joining a university with a population size greater than his entire hometown gave Davis a short-lived cause for concern.
"I had always heard the cliché phrase, ‘You are just a number at State,' and I was afraid that I wouldn't find people with similar interests as me and that I would not find ways to get involved on campus," he said. "I couldn't have been more wrong."
An honor student, many of Davis' efforts on campus have been routed through the university's Center for Student Leadership, Ethics and Public Service (CSLEPS), which provides unique learning experiences for students that embody its titular characteristics.
Among a litany of other activities, Davis serves as a resident advisor with University Housing, has chaired or co-chaired several service events and programs and is a Big Brother in the university's Campus Pals/Big Brothers program.
"I feel that I made the right choice by matching to a school with resources in my interests," he said. "It is important to find a school that lets you best take advantage of these opportunities to serve our society, create legacy surrounding your passions, and allow for enhancement in personal growth.
"NC State is that school for me."
