Join us in welcoming Beth Holmes, our Summer 2023 Davidson College Nonprofit Leadership Fellow. Her work will encompass social media, grants, and the 20th Anniversary historical information. We are delighted to have her cheerful face and hardworking fun presence in the office until the end of July. Send her a warm welcome here.
Where are you from? And how did it influence your college direction?
I am from Tyro, close to Lexington, a teeny tiny city in North Carolina, where I graduated from West Davidson High School. Small communities, and forming close and intimate relationships lead me to a small college! I value staying near my family and being there for them because we are all so close to each other. When I applied to my list of colleges, my choices were all within three hours away, but I ultimately chose Davidson because of the close-knit community, the kindness that I witnessed, and the distance from my home (it’s about an hour).
Who has influenced you to become the person you are?
My father passed away when I was 5 years old, so my mother and grandmother shaped me into the person I am today. These strong role models raised me with respect, love, kindness, trust, patience, empathy, and independence. My grandmother also taught me to carry myself with independence and charisma, to respect others, and to cook. She is an amazing, hardworking, and loving mother to my mother and three aunts. I find it to be truly amazing that she was able to successfully raise four kids in the middle of the civil rights movement, and look up to her because of her incredible strength and passion. As for my mother, she inspired me to use all of my potential, while also supplying me with motherly love, being my best friend, and working to give me the best life that she could as a single mom. She inspires me to dream big and pushes me to make those dreams come true. My mother has also always supported me in the different activities, hobbies, and organizations that I have been involved with and I am happy to call her my biggest cheerleader. Without these two women, I have no idea where I’d be today.
What are you happiest doing when you’re not working, or studying?
I am happiest while reading, painting, writing, cooking, or spending time with my friends and family!
How would others describe you?
I have been described as a very kind, intelligent, and charismatic person, as well as radiant, funny, and empathetic. These are all things that I love about myself, but my personal favorite description that I receive the most is motherly. Motherly, in the sense that people have always gravitated towards my open and friendly personality and felt like they were at home, comforted, and loved. One of my priorities in my everyday routine is to find at least one way to help someone, whether that is through volunteering, listening, giving advice, or anything else someone may need.
What is a goal you would like to accomplish in the next year?
One of my goals is to become more open to new experiences, and really explore the world in this magical time of my life!
What do you wish your younger self knew about your current path or stage in life?
I wish my younger self knew that all of the negativity and pushback experienced would eventually turn into a form of character-building and allow me to have even more opportunities. When the road looked rough ahead as a young Black girl navigating life and growing, it paved the way for the person I am today and the opportunities that I have been so blessed to have!
