News from the Nest

Meet Our Fall 2023 Student Ambassadors! – News from the Nest

Written by Hawkes Learning | Sep 29, 2023 4:00:00 AM

We’re excited to once again partner with students from colleges and universities across the country for an exciting internship program we call our Hawkes Learning Student Ambassadors! Each semester, selected students offer guidance and one-on-one assistance with all things Hawkes to fellow students on campus, helping them to find homework assignments, create practice tests, learn best practices for using Hawkes’ courseware, and more.

Read below to get acquainted with this semester’s team of bright and talented ambassadors.

Kandice Smith, Prairie View A&M University

Kandice is currently a sophomore at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), where she is passionately pursuing a major in Nursing along with a minor in Health.

PVAMU has a rich history of producing many STEM majors, and Kandice is thrilled to be a part of this legacy. She is actively involved in various organizations, including Women of H.E.R., Purple Jackets, the Honors Program, and PALS, all of which she believes will provide valuable insights into bedside manners, a skill she aspires to perfect on her journey to becoming a Pediatrician. Beyond her academic pursuits and extracurricular activities, Kandice enjoys meeting new people and trying new restaurants. Here’s to Kandice and her exciting journey ahead!

Lillie Justice, University of North Carolina – Charlotte

Lillie Justice is a Junior at UNC Charlotte where she is studying English and Secondary Education. In her free time, she channels her creativity by playing guitar, scrapbooking, reading, and baking. Alongside being a Hawkes Ambassador, Lillie is involved with Team Teach, a recruiting program within UNC Charlotte’s Cato College of Education.

In her hometown, of Asheboro, North Carolina, Lillie generously volunteers with the Randolph County Public Library and Randolph Arts Guild where she helps organize events for families and children. Looking beyond graduation, she aspires to share her passion for English by becoming a high school teacher in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school district or its neighboring areas post-graduation.

Dylan Dietz, University of Mississippi

Dylan is currently a devoted sophomore at the University of Mississippi where he maintains a remarkable 4.0 GPA while pursuing a degree in business.

Before college, Dylan was an avid athlete in his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, making his role as the Ole Miss football team’s equipment manager the perfect match. Looking to the future, he aspires to build a career within a professional sports team, leveraging his knowledge and experience in both business and athletics.

Matthew Albert, Long Island University

Matthew Albert is a sophomore at Long Island University – Post, majoring in psychology with plans to pursue a career as a guidance counselor. His lifelong passion for helping others is deeply rooted in the profound impact his own high school counselor had on his high school years.

In high school, he proudly showcased his passion by giving back to his peers and community through organizations such as the Pay It Forward Club and the Buddy Program. Matthew is excited to continue supporting his fellow students in his role as the Hawkes Student Ambassador for LIU Post. In his free time, Matthew finds joy in watching basketball games, listening to music, and spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoys attending Broadway shows whenever possible.

Margaret Weimer, College of Charleston

Margaret Weimer is a senior Finance major at the College of Charleston. Originally from Buffalo, New York, Margaret was raised alongside her three brothers by her loving parents. Margaret is an active member of Chi Omega Fraternity on campus and in her free time she enjoys traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends and family. Upon graduation in spring 2024, Margaret aspires to secure a rewarding career in the financial sector.

Jay Jain, University of North Carolina – Charlotte

Jay Jain, born in Gujarat, India, brings a rich cultural background and global perspective to his endeavors. Growing up in Gujarat instilled in him a strong sense of community, resilience, and an appreciation for diverse cultures.

Currently a junior at the University of North Carolina Charlotte, Jay is pursuing a major in Business Analytics. His roots in Gujarat, known for its entrepreneurial spirit, significantly influenced his passion for business and analytics. Jay’s multicultural background and exposure to different ways of thinking have shaped his perspective and drive for success. With his unique blend of cultural heritage and academic ambitions, Jay is well-prepared to make a meaningful impact in the field of business analytics. Aside from academics, Jay has a deep passion for cricket, a sport that holds a special place in his heart. As an avid player, he finds joy and excitement in the strategic and competitive nature of the game.

Jalecia Claytor, Wilberforce University

Jalecia, a sophomore at Wilberforce University, is pursuing a major in Political Science. She is from Cleveland, Ohio and proudly graduated as valedictorian of her high school class. Maintaining an impressive GPA of 3.9 at Wilberforce, she has set her sights on attending law school to pursue a career as an attorney. Among her peers, she is affectionately known as the “mom of the group”, always considering their well-being and nursing them back to health when they’re unwell. She is known for being very optimistic, outgoing, independent, and having strong interpersonal skills.

Esther Dhiramo, West Virginia State University

In addition to being a Hawkes Learning Student Ambassador, Esther is a senior at West Virginia State University majoring in computer science. Beyond her academic endeavors, Esther plays forward for the women’s soccer team and her contributions have helped her team win accolades such as 1st Team All-Conference. In her free time, Esther enjoys coding and watching movies.

Esther’s commitment to both her studies and her role as a mentor exemplifies her outstanding leadership qualities and her unwavering commitment to the betterment of her university community.

Sara Al-hachami, Wayne State University

“Each person has their own definition of peace; therefore, life is a puzzle that you must solve to find your own peace.”

Sara Al-hachami is a sophomore at Wayne State University where she is pursuing a major in Computer Science and a minor in Statistics. Sara is a very outgoing individual who hopes to one day work in the cybersecurity field. When she’s not at school or work, she spends her time doing a variety of hobbies such as writing music, singing, reading, working out, and more. Sara’s favorite subject is math and credits Hawkes’ mastery-based software with helping her persevere through tough Statistics courses. She takes pride in being a Hawkes Ambassador and feels honored to help her fellow students adapt to new methods of learning thanks to Hawkes.

Ahsanur Rahman, West Virginia State University


Ahsanur Rahman thrives on embracing fresh challenges and activities. His role as a Hawkes Learning Student Ambassador aligns perfectly with his enthusiasm for tackling new tasks, offering opportunities for personal growth and self-improvement. As a student of science, he understands the demands of balancing academic pressures with personal life. Because of this, he appreciates the Student Ambassador program because it lets him draw upon his own experiences to help other students achieve academic success. In Ahsanur’s free time, he enjoys watching movies, playing video games, and working on coding projects as these activities help him learn new things and gain real-life, practical experience.

Cari Meeks, Lyon College

“I enjoy helping others and spreading knowledge. If I’m able to be a helping hand for others, then I will always take the task.”

Cari is a sophomore at Lyon College with an impressive 3.9 GPA. She is heavily involved at her college taking on the role of a Lyon College ambassador/tour guide, a math tutor, and an Apple mentor. Her involvement also extends to the gardening club, SPECTRA, her role as a TKE sweetheart, and membership in the Alpha Lambda Delta honor society. Although Cari’s major is not officially declared, she envisions pursuing a psychology degree and ultimately earning a doctorate. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, gardening, hiking, and spending time with her cat, Zeppelin.

Samuel Brumley, Ball State University

Samuel Brumley, a Computer and Information Technology sophomore at Ball State University, originally hails from Tampa, Florida, and launched his educational journey at Yorktown High School in Indiana. His academic focus is on IT and systems administration, where his exceptional coursework performance reflects his genuine passion. However, it’s his role as a Student Ambassador for Hawkes Learning that truly distinguishes him. Samuel’s commitment to fellow students is unwavering, offering invaluable support, motivation, and insights to nurture a vibrant learning community. This dedication mirrors his deeply rooted values.

In addition to his ambassadorship, Samuel serves as a Computer Service Technician for Ball State University’s Housing and Residence Life department, where he plays a pivotal role in maintaining the seamless operation of computer systems, further enriching his practical IT experience. Beyond academics and work, he actively participates in various activities, ensuring a well-rounded life that fuels his personal and professional growth. As Samuel continues to navigate the IT landscape, his bright aspirations drive him toward a future where he can make a profound and lasting impact in the field while inspiring others on their educational journeys.

Cassandra Berry, Guilford College

Cassandra Berry is a junior at Guilford College, pursuing a double major in Biology and Health Sciences. She is currently working toward attending Pharmacy school, with plans of acquiring her PharmD. In the upcoming semester, she will also begin working as an intern in a local, small-town pharmacy in addition to her Student Ambassador internship. She enjoys playing soccer, reading, and being outside in nature whenever she has the chance. While she stays busy with school, Cassie makes it a priority to visit her dogs back home as often as possible.

Aaliyah Whyte, Mississippi Valley State University

Aaliyah Whyte, originally from Kingston, Jamaica, is currently a sophomore at Mississippi Valley State University. She is majoring in Accounting with a minor in Pre-Law. Aaliyah finds joy in dancing and cherishing moments with her family. Her future plans involve obtaining a law degree with a focus on corporate law post-graduation.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Aaliyah is an active member of the track & field team at her university and is an active member of the Student Government Association. She is deeply honored to serve as a Hawkes Ambassador for the current semester.

Christian Barksdale, Mississippi Valley State University

Christian Barksdale is a sophomore at Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, MS where he majors in Biology.

Christian hopes to someday enter the nursing field and become a nurse practitioner. He is from a small city named Cleveland, Mississippi, where he grew up with both parents and three siblings. Christian is a member of the Mississippi Valley State University’s band where he is a part of the percussion section as he plays bass drum. He is also a part of the University Innovation Fellows team. He plans to continue his academic success and is very thankful for the opportunities he has been given.

Interested in being a Student Ambassador?
Click here to learn more and see when applications are open!