Student of the Month: Seinquis Slater
Each month we feature a "Student of the Month" who accents different aspects of the UND experience. These unique, and perhaps inspiring, stories give us a glimpse into the personal perspectives and memorable moments of each student’s time at The University of North Dakota.
How can you categorize Seinquis Slater? She might just need a category of her own. She’s made her mark on UND by jumping through nearly every door available to her. From being a student of the McNair Program, to joining Alpha Chi Omega sorority, from running the Student Government office, to raising over $30,000 for breast cancer and more, she’s done just a little bit of everything.
As a sociology major, Seinquis’s undergraduate research project focused on interracial relationships, their stereotypes and the treatment those in the relationships receive from friends and family around them. She was drawn to this topic because she’s in an interracial relationship herself, and is often asked what it’s like. What did she find? That Grand Forks and UND were more accepting than were some couples’ hometown areas, regardless of size or location.
Perhaps one of the most piercing characteristics Seinquis exudes is her openness. Not only her openness to join a cause or participate in an organization, but her willingness to be open about her personal life and her experiences.
Starting with an application for a full scholarship in the name of former UND student Dru Sjodin, along with support and therapy from the UND Counseling Center, Seinquis began to tell her story of sexual assault. While it happened out of state, the memories were affecting her emotionally, academically and socially. Telling her story at the UND Women’s Center and at UND’s Take Back the Night Rally helped her heal, and helped others find ways to get help themselves.
This Minot, ND, native is heading into her final days as a student – she graduates this August. Her next step is to join the staff at the University to recruit new students to campus, with a focus on multicultural students.
With a resume as long and diverse as hers, she will be a great champion to inspire young people to find their place at The University of North Dakota.
Amanda Hvidsten
Managing Editor
UND.edu
