Sylvia Niccum
(far left)
Honors, achievements and special recognition:
- Founder, Daily Bread Food Recovery Program at the University of Kansas.
- McNair Scholar
- Vice President of the International Student Ambassadors Program
- Greenpeace Lead Activist and Intern
- Agnes Brady Scholarship Recipient 2008-2009
- Dean's Honor Roll Spring 2005-present
- Puerto Rico Cultural and Educational Experience Scholarship Recipient 2009
How I became interested in my area of study/research/discipline:
I recently graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Education Degree with a concentration in Spanish. I first became interested in learning Spanish when I went to Juarez, Mexico in High School with my youth group to help build a home for an impoverished Mexican family. That trip changed my life in many ways. One way was by wanting so badly to be able to communicate with the family and the children there but not being able to because of the language barrier. That is when I realized how important learning another language was; it opens the door to other cultures and gives those that learn another language more of a global perspective and understanding.
An honor, achievement or accomplishment that is most meaningful to me and why:
Starting the first food recovery program at the University of Kansas is the most meaningful accomplishment to me because it is such a great solution to food waste and community hunger. I am very happy that with persistence and dedication the program has been adopted by the KU Dining services, Center of Community Outreach and the volunteers that make it possible. My hope is that it will grow and expand even further within our university and then to other restaurants in the Lawrence community. This program as proven to me that out of a little idea can come big things when people work together.
Someone who has been a role model for me:
God. His he has taught me how to love others and how to live. I strive to be like His Son Jesus.
My sister has always been a great role model for me. I being the little sister and her being the older sister, I have always tried to follow in her footsteps ever since we were little. She is one of the biggest reasons why I even came to college. With she and I both being first generation college students, she paved the way for me and helped guide me along the way. She is my best friend and counselor.
Someone who has been influential or had a significant impact on my life:
My Mom. She is the strongest, most persistent women I have ever met. She has taught me to always finish anything that I start and to put my whole heart into everything that I do. She has been my biggest support and encourager.
Most favorite college-related memory:
Starting Daily Bread food recovery program and then watching students come together to volunteer for it and are the ones that truly make it possible.
An important life lesson I have learned:
To always remain humble.
It is so important to not think of one's self more valuable than another because of education, money, circumstance, or for any other reason. We are all equal. We all must strive to be our best and then help others to achieve their own personal greatness as well.
If I had a sister just entering college, I would want her to know...
You can move mountains if you really put your mind to it. To change yourself and the world around you takes persistence, perseverance, discipline, ambition, and a vision. My new motto is that the only difference between those that lead and those that follow is a planner. You have to plan, organize and stay one step ahead of the things you want to achieve in order to achieve them.
A favorite quote or saying (and why it is meaningful to me):
"Only a life lived for others is worth living"-Albert Einstein
This quote is very meaningful to me because I agree with it wholeheartedly. Helping others in any way, big or small, I am convinced is the most fulfilling and rewarding way to live. The fortunate should, no, must help the less fortunate.