This campus seems to always be smiling!
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Alumna: Callie Boan
Bachelor of Science, Legal Studies
Alumnus: Class of 2009, College of Arts & Sciences
Campus: Columbia
“When I bought my farm, I did not know what a bargain I had in the bluebirds, daffodils and thrushes; as little did I know what sublime mornings and sunsets I was buying.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson...
About thirty-five miles east of Columbia is the small town of Camden, the oldest inland city in South Carolina. The main businesses line up alongside the two main thoroughfares, Broad Street and the state highway, and the post office is on the corner where the two roads meet. Woods and forestation flank the outskirts, and the city hosts a steeplechase, The Carolina Cup, every spring.
“I grew up here. It’s definitely home and where I learned my love of hunting and fishing. I was, and still am, a real daddy’s girl,” 20-year old Callie Boan says, laughing. “I love South Carolina because of the outdoors. As early as age 6, I remember my dad waking me up early in the morning to go hunting or fishing with him.”
Callie is a talented markswoman, and she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies at South University. Her passion is for family law. Her heart for family and children has led her thus far in her hope to one day work as a guardian ad litem.
“I am the first person in my family to graduate from college, and this honor is very much due to my family’s unending support of me.”
Callie was a math tutor on campus, as she worked her way toward her degree. “I think I finally ‘got’ math in high school when I was lucky enough to have a really great teacher. I felt like I’d finally found someone who spoke my language! And that’s what I hoped to do for other students who came to me for tutoring.”
One of Callie’s favorite teachers at South University in Columbia is Mr. Ripley Thames, a professor in the legal studies program. “His classes were not only fun, they were exceptional because he challenged us outside our normal mode of thinking. The legal cases we studied are real, and Mr. Thames encouraged us to find alternative perspectives that go beyond the textbook.”
“One thing that impressed me most about being at South University is the way the campus seems to always be smiling! It’s truly a great environment for people who work here or go to school here – it’s just a happy place. There’s a good balance of diversity and cheerfulness. South University opened a new world for this country girl with big dreams.”