Stephen Shol, originally raised in Olive Branch, Mississippi graduated magna cum laude from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and History minor in 2021; he then graduated with a Master of Arts in Communication Studies in 2023. Stephen served as a graduate assistant for both the Intercultural Diversity Center and Office of Financial Aid, participated in the Bama Indigenous Student Organization Network, and studied abroad in Spain. After serving with Impact America, he hopes to complete a doctorate degree. His research interests center Indigenous identities and issue areas through critical qualitative methodologies. His favorite quote is by Joy Harjo: “I know I walk in and out of several worlds each day.”
What is your proudest accomplishment?
During the last semester of my master’s program, I was awarded the Marsha Houston Award for Graduate Student Work in Diversity and Social Justice during the Lambda Pi Eta Honors Ceremony. My academic advisor, Dr. Robin Boylorn, recommended me for and then presented me with the award.
Name and describe a memorable place you’ve been.
My grandparents live in Punta Gorda, Belize. While the town isn’t as popular as other tourist destinations, I haven’t been to another place where the ocean and jungle mingle with the bustling activity of markets in the city like in PG. Behind my grandparent’s home is an untamed brush that my grandfather would walk us through and impart lifelong lessons.