Schuman's enthusiasm, motivation helps her give back to Wingate and community

Anna Lee Croom

Staff Writer

Students at Wingate University typically know who Emma Schuman is. She’s the girl who can be seen, and heard saying hello to everyone she sees, all around campus at all hours of the day. With ribbons in her hair and Alpha Xi Delta sorority letters across her chest, Schuman has left her mark on many organizations and the school as a whole. With so many things going on in her life, it’s hard not to ask, “How does she do it all?”

The junior from Marion, N.C. was born on Oct. 12, 1989. She is working on a Bachelor of Science in human service with a minor in psychology. She chose Wingate over N.C. State because of the small classroom sizes and the one-on-one attention each student receives from professors.

The list of Schuman’s involvement would make any regular college student cringe, but her determination and energy carry her through each day and help her to stay on top of her ‘to do list’ and make it to her next meeting.

For UCAN, she is the coordinator, which involves planning, implementing and recruiting for Habitat for Humanity, along with other UCAN programs, such as working with senior citizens, tutoring and mentoring, Hunger and Homelessness, Environmental Task Force, Alternative Spring Break trips and Angelic Riders. “It’s important to serve other people and help those who need it the most,” Schuman said. “Giving back is very important to me.”

As a peer mentor, she is also one of the first people incoming freshmen develop a relationship with. Not only does she make herself approachable for first-year students, but she also helps them get involved with organizations around campus, such as SGA, where she served this past year on the honor council and athletics committee. Schuman is also a member of the Student Affairs Advisory Committee, where she helps develop and execute ideas and plans that will better the Wingate University community, including both students and faculty. She deals with student spirit, technology and environmental issues. Schuman, with all her bounce and energy, serves as Alpha Xi Delta’s sunshine chair, in charge of brightening sisters’ days.

Schuman said, “I get up earlier than most college students and go for a run around 6 a.m. I then go to my classes, work in the registrar’s office, meetings in the evening and then homework.” Although she says there are times when her body just doesn’t want to do anymore, her motivation to get things done helps her to continue.

After graduation Schuman would either like to work for a non-profit organization or go to graduate school. Her number one hero is her mother and her favorite place on earth is the beach. Her ‘About Me’ on Facebook sums up who Emma Schuman is:

“Hi I am Emma! I am a ribbon wearing, Vera Bradley caring kind of girl! I enjoy helping others and putting smiles on people’s faces. If you ever have a problem, feel free to ask!”