Move Maker Spotlight: THE Sarah M. Nesbit

Upon coming to the College of Charleston one of the first people I met in my classes was this short 4'11 dynamo, who carried herself with grace, strength, and tenacity (even though we were just in step aerobics) she was here with purpose in mind. Sarah grew to not only find her calling in activism and leadership, but also in supporting minority students in their unique journey's at the College. When brainstorming Collegiate Curls and how to get it approved by SGA, Sarah took the time out of her summer to meet with me multiple times to go over drafts of my proposal, name selection, and ways I could implement programming on campus. Without her assistance, Collegiate Curls would not be half of what it is today!

It was such a pleasure to sit down with her and conduct this interview on someone so near and dear to my heart!

Meet Sarah Margaret,

1. Tell us a little about yourself (name, hometown, major, future goals!

My name is Sarah Nesbit, but if you're really close to me I'll let you call me by my double name "Sarah Margaret" lol. Im from the capital city, Columbia,SC majoring in Political Science and double minoring in African American Studies and Dance. Oh and I'm also graduating with a certificate in leadership which is pretty cool! I have a lot of goals, but I try not to be too ambitious to the point where I don't get anything done. I only take on what I can handle. I'm a first generation college student so obtaining as much knowledge as I can is a top priority of mine. I started my education at a title one elementary school and sadly, many of my peers that I grew up with, ended up in the juvenile justice system. I want to become a lawyer not for only myself, but for children like my former classmates because that easily could've been me.

For years, it has been my dream to study law and to later become a chief judge in the juvenile justice system to do work to diminish inequities. Issues specifically stemmed around racism, within the realms of educational school systems, are ones that I hold close to my heart. Seeing loved ones who have suffered from the realities of the school to prison pipeline has shown me my purpose and fueled my passions. I'm obsessed with ballet, education policy, black feminism, smarted popcorn, and watching CNN late at night . I'm totally loving Yara Shahidi and Issa Rae right now.

2. What attracted you to attend the college of Charleston?

To be completely honest, for years ago when I was really young and choosing an institution, The College wasn't my first choice. However, when I stop and think about my decision in this current time, I've realized that College of Charleston was one of the best decision I've made in my 22 years of life. I think what kept me here was the class size, faculty, MSPS and my genuine connections amongst my friends.

3.How has your major/area of study impacted your activism and involvement on campus?

My major definitely plays a role in many of the endeavors I choose to take on. Up until high school I was really timid, however when I realized how messed up the our country was, I knew the only way to change the system was to become a change agent within it. And boom thats how I fell in love with Poli-Sci. Throughout my four years the faculty and staff within the department have pushed me (and I mean PUSHED me) to think in ways that I wouldnt have even thought about. They encouraged me to join Student Ambassadors, Apply for internships, fellowships, and join SGA. If it hadn't been for my major, I would have never done my most purposeful work on campus. In 2016, I was SGA Diversity Liaison and coordinated the FIRST Diversity Town Hall featuring Administration to CofC which pushed a conversation about minority issues to the forefront. Now, It's held annually to keep the conversation going and to further progress on our campus.

4. You are involved in a lot of things on campus which one is most meaningful to you? And how do you use your leadership to make a impactful change?

For the first three years of my collegiate career I think I struggle with determining this but it would have to definitely be a tie between SGA involvement and my involvement through Student Ambassadors. I really think that helping people who look like me become more comfortable on this campus allowed me to hard towards something much greater than myself. I enjoy speaking on panels and giving the "real nitty gritty" perspective about life as a minority on a PWI. I think many black people on other campuses try so hard to be crabs in a bucket so that they can get to the top. However here at CofC, it's important to use the fact that you are a leader to assist in groom others so that they can lead beside you. I think thats the beauty in being a leader...helping someone find their leadership within.

5. What is one piece of advice you would like to give to young feminist on campus especially black feminist who may not feel included.

This one is for my black babies:

We all want to be great in a world that is constantly trying to stop us or bring us down. When one of us makes it, that doesn't mean one of us loses. Its just a reminder that we can all make it and prosper. We are the backbone of this country and although the black woman is the most disrespected person in America, we can't be the person adding to the disrespect. We have to break down walls and doors for other little black babies to come through and conquer just as you have/or are trying to do. Don't tear other black women down, build them up. Cattiness isn't going to get you anywhere. We as black women need to self proclaim the rights to reject false notions of black womanhood &redefine them for ourselves. Find yourself, work on yourself, mind your own business, help others, stay moisturize and glo baby glo. If you face adversity, as Aaliyah says "dust yourself off and try again" because I promise you there's someone around the corner ready to count you out and take your place. If you wanna be great just tap into the gifts that your ancestors gave, be the dream, and the hope of the slave.

6. Any words of wisdom for our readers?

BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD.

I legit live by this mantra daily. Even when they try to tear me down. Gotta keep grinding if you wanna make a difference. Don't complain if you're sitting there being lazy, put in work so that you won't have a reason to complain.

Peace and blessings collegiate curls family

xoxo,

Sarah M. Nesbit