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Central MA College Standout: Assumption’s Devon Holmes

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

 

His college years have seen Assumption 2014 Class President Devon Holmes get involved in a big way.

Devon Holmes is the 2014 Student Class President of Assumption College. The senior from New Ipswich, NH is a First Year Mentor, sits on the Budget Planning and Priorities Committee as well as the Student Government Finance Committee, and is a member of the Latin Club Dance Team.

A Conversation with Devon Holmes

SW: Can you describe the career and/or future you envision for yourself?

DH: During my time at Assumption I have found that what I am most passionate about is giving back. As an Economics major I hope to pursue a career in public policy helping those who have found themselves in hard times. I want what I do to positively impact the local community around me. In addition to this, I hope to have a lovely family with two to four kids.

SW: What made you choose Assumption?

DH: Although I am not a practicing Catholic, I attended a Catholic high school. When visiting Assumption I felt an overwhelming sense of community. An adage that I’m sure you will hear from many in the Assumption Community is that it is very common to have the door held for you numerous times walking around the campus. Such a simple gesture meant a lot and I found myself falling in love with the school.

SW: What do you consider your most memorable course or professor?

DH: My most memorable course at Assumption was Ethics. Ethics was a philosophy course that examined how people should live their lives. The class was run in a very open discussion setting, and a lot of the topics that we discussed made me consider how to live a good and ethically proper life.

SW: What leadership roles have you taken on campus?

DH: I attended St. Bernard’s in Fitchburg, MA for high school. I played Lacrosse and Football for four years but was not involved in any leadership activities beyond these sports. I decided that I wanted to be actively involved in college and ran for Class Treasurer and Senator my Freshmen year. Since these I have held the positions of Treasurer and Senator, and I am currently the Class President. I have also been a First Year Mentor for two years, and I joined the Latin Dance Team this year. I also work at the Library and Media Center and Intern as a Research assistant at the Worcester Regional Research Bureau on campus.

SW: What are you passionate about besides giving back?

DH: I am very passionate about politics and the local community. Even though I consider myself a New Hampshire resident, Worcester has become my second home. I am constantly reading the Telegram and Gazette to find out what the latest developments in the community are and how it will impact my life. In addition I have served as an intern to Massachusetts State Senator Michael O. Moore and New Hampshire Senator Kelly Ayotte.

SW: What is one thing you have learned about yourself since becoming a college student?

DH: I have found that I can accomplish anything when I set myself to it. As I stated before, during high school I was not very involved in many leadership activities. Upon entering college I decided I wanted to really step out of my comfortable environment and try different things. I set my mind on being elected as a Class Officer and accomplished that. I decided that I wanted to intern in a political environment and found myself that summer interning in New Hampshire and Massachusetts for two very influential members.

SW: Where do you go and what do you do when you leave campus?

DH: I enjoy going down to Shrewsbury Street to try the different restaurants. One thing that is remarkable about Worcester are the different venues you can find in such close proximity to one another. I also enjoy going to the Worcester Library which has a great collection of books.

SW: What is your favorite quote?

DH: “Be who you are and say what you feel, for those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” –Dr. Seuss. I heard this quote in high school and realized that too many people attempt to fit into social norms too often. Why not live your life in manner that allows you to be happy and truly do what you enjoy doing.

SW: What is your favorite book or movie?

DH: My favorite book is definitely the Harry Potter series. I have read all of them numerous times and saw as many of the movies on opening night as I could.

SW: What or who has had the greatest influence on you to date? Why?

DH: I know it is a cliché to say, but my parents have definitely had the most influence on me growing up. I have always looked to them and tried to live my life based on the good values they hold. My mother is very involved in the community as a Girl Scout director and the Recreation Department Chair. She is constantly trying to think of ways to bring new events to our small town and bring the community closer together. My dad is always willing to lend a hand. Whenever someone needs help, whether they ask for it or not, he is the first one there to help out in any way possible.

SW: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years I hope to be working my way to an advanced degree in Economics, hopefully my doctorate, and be on the way to establishing a family. I would like to teach at the collegiate level later in life and truly enjoy learning about Economics so I hope to pursue a graduate level degree after graduating this May.

 

Central MA College Standout is a weekly feature that profiles college and university students in Central MA or from the region. Join us every Tuesday for a look at the careers and lifestyles of today’s local college student. If you have suggestions for a profile, email [email protected].

Susan Wagner is the president of Susan Wagner PR. In this challenging economy, she has begun a new division to offer affordable start-up packages to new and emerging small businesses and non-profit organizations that include professional writing services, websites, collateral, marketing, social media, grassroots outreach and PR campaigns.

 

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