JAGUAR SPOTLIGHT: ZANA HARRIS

Southern University student, 21 year old Baton Rouge native, Zana Harris is one of many students who have taken the initiative to venture to the Career Services Center to prosper in her chosen field. Harris will receive her Bachelor of Accounting May 2016. Upon graduating, Zana Harris can already boast about her outstanding leadership experience she has gained. Who knew that as an undergrad, she would achieve such greatness and give herself a jump-start to her future of helping people.
Q: How has your position as President of the Association for Women Students impacted your life?
My position as president of the Association for Women Students has impacted my life tremendously; when I sought out this position in spring 2015, I never fathomed how great this role would make me. Even when I felt like it was too much, I thought about the faces of the women of SU that look to me for guidance and inspiration; this role became less about what I wanted, but more about what our women needed. I have made lifelong friends through this organization and the ladies of my cabinet are irreplaceable.
Q: How do you find time to stay on top of academics while being active in a number of organizations?
While achieving social accolades, I had to remember why I was here in the first place, my degree. The key to success in academics and being active in organizations is the ability to say “No.”; I had to learn quickly that I could not do everything.
Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In 10 years, I see myself practicing law as well as owning several businesses.
Q: Describe some of your duties as Service Chair of Collegiate 100 Black Women. How has your community service efforts contributed to your character?
As the Community Service Chair of the Collegiate 100 Black Women in spring 2015, it was my duty to organize community service projects on a bi-weekly basis for members to attend. During my term, we volunteered at the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, participated in the Baton Rouge Heart Walk, made Easter baskets for the children of the Battered Women’s Shelter, amongst many other projects.
Q: How has the Career Service Center assisted you in your academic and professional endeavors?
Career Services has helped me tremendously in expanding my academic and professional endeavors. As a sophomore, I applied for the Thurgood Marshall Leadership Institute. Mrs. Montgomery was very helpful during the application process; she helped me edit my resume and prepare for the interview with TMCF. With a polished resume and sharp interviewing skills, TMCF chose me and I have Mrs. Montgomery to thank for that; she pushed me to be the best student that I can be. A year later, I have an internship with Walmart Corporation, many connections with other major corporations, and scholarships. Career services helped me tremendously and all it took was for me to arrange an appointment and make changes to my resume.