Sylvester student recognized in GSW Canes Spotlight

AMERICUS — K.J. Daniels of Sylvester has been featured as a student in the Canes Spotlight at Georgia Southwestern State University in Americus.

Canes Spotlights highlight GSW students who hold leadership roles, are involved in extracurricular activities and excel academically on campus.

A junior chemistry major, Daniels can often be found participating in events like Science Day, serving as president of the Chemistry Club, or conducting research with faculty. He also is involved in the African American Male Initiative, where he is a Peer Mentor, and won Junior of the Year, is a Louis Stokes Alliance for Minorities Participation scholar, and serves as a study abroad ambassador.

Q: Are you currently receiving any GSW scholarships? If so, which one(s)?

A: Yes, I’m currently receiving the Chemistry Club Scholarship, the AAMI Achieving the Dream Scholarship, the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minorites Participation Research Grant & Scholarship Funds, the L. R. Towson Scholarship, and the Michael Gillis Science Scholarship.

Q: What is a cause you’re passionate about?

A: Allowing others opportunities they may not have realized they had or a new opportunity that they decided to avoid. As a chemistry major, I often hear people say something akin to “I’m not good at science” or “Science just isn’t my strong suit.” Hearing those things is like hearing a deafening wail. Science is a field that takes time, precision, and dedication.

So while everyone may not want to do something involving science, why run from what you don’t understand instead of trying to better yourself and become more knowledgeable about something that has a practical application to you? Also, as a Christian, I’ve enjoyed discussing philosophy with a few of the students and professors here at GSW because, just like with science, there is a finite amount of information that we know is true, but there is also information that isn’t known and yet to be discovered or debated.

Q: What have you learned (or are learning) that has made the biggest difference for you?

A: I’ve learned that head knowledge, in either something physical, mental, or spiritual (if religious) isn’t enough to get you through what you need to do in life. You have to have that head knowledge and that practical experience that you get only by becoming involved in something whether it is on or off campus. My chemistry labs and undergraduate research have helped me learn and grow as a student, which is something that lectures can only try to impart as well as experience can.

Q: What is your plan after graduation?

A: I want to be involved in the environmental chemistry field, and some of the higher-end jobs require a master’s degree. So I plan to look for a work-study program where I can perform research, have tuition costs waived, and live on campus as most work-study programs require.

Q: What advice do you have for incoming students?

A: You must be observant of how you act, who you plan to be, where you want to go, and why you want to get there. College tests students’ dedication and discipline. If you come here and plan to graduate, you have to put the proper time in to become proficient in your specific field and get that degree. 

Q: Why did you choose your major?

A: My grandfather is a farmer, and typically during elementary school he or my grandmother would pick up my sister and me on Fridays, and we spent the weekends with them. We also got to help on the farm, and that opened my eyes to how important our environment and our resources are. And with my Christian background, it’s also beautiful seeing what we can do to preserve God’s creation.

Q: If you had a time machine, when/where would you travel? Why?

A: I’d travel to see my funeral. I’ve already told my parents that I’d want to be cremated, and if some ceremony is held that I’d want them to play “Last Train Home” by the Pat Metheny Group and to ask all in attendance if they would take a picture together so that everyone in attendance could have a copy for a keepsake. I’d want to hear what people think of the actions I decided to take with my life. I also want to get “Memento Mori,” which means remember you are mortal; remember you will die, tattooed onto my back down my spine vertically. It seems morbid, but as a Christian, it’s a lot easier for me to live following God’s will as best as I can and being able to be accepting of your death because you lived your life to the fullest.

Special Photo: GSW