Student Spotlight
Jaime Bellemare, a senior triple major in Newhouse, Arts & Sciences and Maxwell, and a student lead for Student Centers and Programming Services
Jaime is not your average college student. She is a triple major, who is also actively engaged in campus activities and holds down an impressive leadership position with SCPS as a student lead for the building managers. Jaime moved into this leadership role in fall 2010 and excelled immediately. She was able to coordinate the hiring and training of roughly 20 new building managers, as well as their work schedule. She was awarded the Syracuse University Student Employee of the Year award in spring 2011.
Jaime grew up in Beacon Falls, Connecticut as the younger of two siblings. She is not only a committed scholar and student employee, but also an inspiring young woman.
What are you passionate about? Social justice and politics—working at the intersections of identity to eradicate injustice and create a political system that is representative of the people.
Why did you choose Syracuse University? I chose Syracuse University because I originally wanted to go into political journalism and SU offered great programs in both journalism and political science.
What is your major and why did you choose that major? My majors are broadcast and digital journalism, political science, and women's and gender studies. I also have a minor in LGBT Studies. I chose political science and broadcast journalism while I was still in high school because I wanted to work in cable news covering politics. I picked up a major in women's and gender studies after taking an intro class my freshman year because it gave me the opportunity to learn about how I interact with the world, and it gave me the tools to confront the systems of power and oppression that are currently in place.
What has your experience been like during your time at SU? Overall, my time at SU has been a positive experience. There have definitely been ups and downs along the way, but even the downs have helped me figure out what I want to do in life and perhaps more importantly, what I don't want to do.
What has your experience been like working for SCPS? SCPS has given me enormous opportunity to expand my leadership skills and to take on a high level of responsibility. Through my position with SCPS, I have developed connections throughout the Syracuse University community and have had the chance to work with and learn from a diverse group of student and faculty.
How has working for SCPS impacted you? Working with SCPS has allowed me to break outside my comfort zone and really build the interpersonal skills needed to communicate and adapt in a variety of settings.
Name three things you think students should know about SCPS. SCPS is a fun place to work with numerous opportunities to take on leadership roles, the staff members are great mentors and friends, and the department is truly focused on the students—both employees and all of those who use the student centers.
Are you involved in any clubs, organizations or campus activities? Pride Union, SASSE, Club Softball, Medusa Magazine as a contributing writer, and The Outcrowd as a contributing writer.
What do you want to be when you grow up? I’m still trying to figure this out, but I think I want to work in political communications or political management for non-profits and progressive political candidates.
If you had a wish list for life, what are five things you would like to do, experience or accomplish in your lifetime?
1. Be part of a revolutionary movement for social justice.
2. Travel the world to experience and learn about as many different cultures as possible.
3. Find a career that I’m truly passionate about.
4. Hold public office (and create positive change).
5. Be fluent in more than three languages.
