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Sarah Daw is Ready to Think and Do Beyond NC State

This article was originally published by Emily Packard on Dec. 11, 2019, on Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost News.

NC State’s newest graduating class boasts students from all 100 North Carolina counties, 36 states and 46 countries around the world. Each student comes in with an already impressive resume, and they’ll leave with a new title: Wolfpack alum.

Countless seniors hail from North Carolina’s more rural areas, and many are the first in their families to obtain a college degree. Regardless of their journey, they will come together on December 19 to celebrate their achievements at the university’s fall commencement.

Sarah Daw

Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Poole College of Management

Sarah Daw followed in her older sister’s footsteps in coming to NC State, but she forged her own path along the way.

The senior from Middlesex, North Carolina, did not intend to become part of the Wolfpack family, but following her acceptance, something changed.

I would encourage all NC State students to seek out this kind of experience to not only figure out their passion, but to take classroom knowledge to the next level and apply it somewhere.

“I was visiting my sister, and feeling the buzz and energy walking through Talley, having the opportunity to meet so many people, was a big draw,” said Daw. “When I looked at everything the school had to offer, I realized I could make my own way on campus.”

Daw started out taking marketing courses, and completed a marketing internship with University Recreation and Wellness. After taking an introduction to accounting course, she decided to take on a double major in accounting and business administration.

Her academic experience contributes to an impressive resume, but in true Think and Do spirit, she took her knowledge outside of the classroom and into the community. Daw has been involved in the NC State chapter of Consult Your Community (CYC) since 2017.

The completely student-run organization provides low-income and minority-owned small businesses with pro bono consulting to help them thrive. Daw gained hands-on experience in her chosen field, but also helped foster the empowerment and success of others. She served in roles ranging from business analyst to vice president of internal affairs.

“I’m from a small town, and I’ve seen the struggle of small business owners to survive and thrive,” she said. “Working with CYC really promoted using my accounting and business skills to help others and improve my community. I would encourage all NC State students to seek out this kind of experience to not only figure out their passion, but to take classroom knowledge to the next level and apply it somewhere.”

Working with her CYC team will be one of the best memories Daw takes with her as she prepares to leave campus, but her time as a student won’t end with graduation. Daw will get married the day after she graduates, and in fall 2020 she’ll start the online Jenkins Master of Accounting program. One day, she hopes to return to NC State as a professor of accounting.

Daw’s journey provides some insight into how other NC State students can achieve success in their undergraduate pursuits. She advises getting to know professors well, going to office hours and seeking them out as mentors. She also urges students to not overwork, but to find a few outlets that fit their passions and give those things their best efforts.

“NC State is full of achievers who push you to become a better student and person, but don’t constantly compare yourself to others,” said Daw. “Own your journey. Focus on your gifts and abilities, cheer on your peers, but remember your own goals. When you compare yourself to others, it prohibits you from embracing the path only you can take.”

That’s wise advice, indeed.

Read more graduating student profiles on Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost News.