Scholar profile: Precious Barnes
Charlotte, North Carolina
Sociology major/African American Studies minor
Precious Barnes had many opportunities available to her. The Carolina Covenant made the difference.
Having decided to attend Carolina because of the Covenant, Barnes is a perfect example of how using the services and programs available to Covenant Scholars can alter a life's direction. In her case, it was University Career Services that led to a huge change in her thinking and direction in life.
"My freshman year I was a biology major planning to become a doctor,” says Barnes. “But I wasn’t sure if that was what I really wanted to do. Dean Clark (in Academic Services) recommended that I go to Career Services to take a career choice survey. I learned that my strengths are more in the social sciences and I changed my major to sociology."
It was a match that made sense to Barnes. "I grew up moving from home to home. It was hard, but I can see now how that aspect of my life served a purpose. My plan is to work in social services, predominantly in family affairs, to help take kids out of difficult home situations and help them find a strong, stable family."
“In the Covenant program, there are so many people who are supportive and looking for me to do well. They regularly check with me to see how I’m doing. They’re always sharing about new programs to get involved with and opportunities I might be interested in, such as studying abroad.”
Carolina's many opportunities have enabled Barnes to branch out, and she's learned to be more of a leader. She tutored elementary children through Communiversity, and now participates in community service through the Covenant Gives Back organization and AfterSchool Sistahood, tutoring African American sixth graders at a local middle school.
"With every opportunity I have, there’s no excuse why I shouldn’t excel. I’m not taking my education for granted.”
