Privett named February Project Strive Student of the Month

Privett, a sophomore from Wahoo, came to CSC because of a Rural Health Opportunities Program scholarship, but said she also liked the affordability and distance from home.

After her first semester, Privett changed her degree path to major in English Literature and minor in Creative Writing. She said she enjoys the program and appreciates the faculty and community they provide.

“I love all of my professors,” Privett said. “I know there are English professors I can get a coffee with.”

CSC English faculty member Dr. Mary Clai Jones said she appreciates Privett.

“Lydia Privett is one of those rare and ideal students to have in class because she is not only tenacious in her pursuit to understands things, but she also makes interesting connections between class readings and discussion,” Jones said.

Dr. Steven Coughlin, associate professor of English, said Privett is a dedicated learner.

“Lydia reflects many of the qualities that I have come to admire about the most driven students at CSC,” Coughlin said. “She’s a dedicated learner who values and respects people and experience. She comports herself professionally and with a constant willingness to grow.”

Privett has taken her enjoyment of writing to “The Eagle,” CSC’s student newspaper, where she is currently the Opinion Editor. The title makes Privett responsible for writing editorials each week, designing pages and assigning opinion pieces and columns to other staff members.

In addition, Privett uses her writing skills to help students at the Learning Center as a writing assistant.

Other student organization involvement for Privett includes Sigma Tau Delta, the Newman Center, where she is an executive board member, and Project Strive/TRiO.

After hearing about Project Strive/TRiO during her initial visit to campus, Privett said she wanted to join because of the counseling and testing accommodations the program offered.

“I thought it would give more direction and provide more guidance,” Privett said.

Privett said her favorite part of Project Strive/TRiO is the staff, specifically referencing Counselor Sonja Dressel.

Privett said she would encourage students to apply.

“The events are endless and the staff are all nice. They are all rays of sunshine,” Privett said. “The benefits are endless.”

Dressel said Project Strive/TRiO and CSC are lucky to have Privett.

“Lydia is such a delight to have in Project Strive,” Dressel said. “She is so enthusiastic about her English literature coursework and future career. Despite her demanding schedule Lydia always has a smile on her face and positive attitude.”

After graduating with her undergraduate degree, Privett said she wants to teach English abroad, namly China, Germany, India or somewhere in the Middle East. She said a three-week trip to China during the summer of 2016 allowed her to briefly shadow an English teacher and sparked her interest.

Eventually, Privett said she wants to get a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis Therapy and work with children with special needs.

In her spare time, Privett said she enjoys reading, writing, running and hiking at Chadron State Park.