Scholar Profiles - Miguel Caldwell

Name: Miguel Caldwell

Classification: Graduate

Major: Elementary Education

Hometown: Camden, South Carolina

Primary Volunteering Site: Anne Springs Close Greenway

What makes the Close Scholars Program special to you?

The Close Scholars Program is so special to me because it gives me an opportunity to better my community through my service and also benefits me in affording my studies and connecting with other driven individuals.

What do you love about the Close Scholars Program?

I love that the Close Scholars Program holds me accountable for serving my community and supports me through my efforts to fulfill that responsibility.

Why should incoming first-year students apply to the Close Scholars Program?

Incoming first-year students should apply to the program because the connections that are fostered through this program are beneficial in every avenue of your college experience. This program also gives you an outlet to serve your community and the experience that is fostered through that service has a lifelong impact. Being part of this program has given me experience that I am not sure I would've gotten elsewhere.

As a servant leader, what advice do you have for Winthrop students in general?

Connect to something greater than yourself and watch your life change. Focusing on your personal advancement is important at times, but when you are connected to a greater cause it elevates you in a way that makes you a better, stronger individual in every sector of your life.

What has been your favorite community service experience and why?

My favorite community service experience so far has been doing volunteer work with students in after school. There was one day that a student asked me if I was a football player. I told her that I did not play any sports and for a moment she looked at me in disappointment. She then told me, "I thought people with your skin color were supposed to play sports." Naturally, I was caught off guard by her comment; however, I had to really assess the situation and come to the realization that she may have only been exposed to influential Black people in the field of sports. Therefore, I was going to serve as a barrier breaker for this young girl. Everyday she attends after school when I volunteer she gets to experience a Black man influencing her in a way that is not her previous norm. This is by far the most influential experience I've had.

Fun Fact :-)

I am a podcaster! Miguel's Black Coffee is streaming now on your preferred platform!