Story submitted by Ali Householder, junior English major from Ranson, W.Va.
Angie Nseliema, a double major in Political Science and Criminal Justice at West Virginia Wesleyan College, remains heavily involved in campus life alongside her busy academic career. She cited this ability to balance both extracurricular and academics as one of Wesleyan’s main appeals.
“Wesleyan on paper looked good, but in person it was even better,” said Nseliema, a Prince George, Md., native. “One thing that drew me to this school was the small class sizes and the fact that I was able to be a part of so many things on campus and still be able to strive academically.”
Additionally, Nseliema stated it was her involvement in countless organizations that helped her grow into the person she is today.
“Not only did these programs remind and teach to be myself unapologetically, but they also pushed me to strive for more.”
Nseliema is currently a team leader of the women’s Track and Field team, her events being the open 400-meters and the 400-meter hurdles. Last year in 2019, she placed seventh overall in the Mountain East Conference for the 400-meter hurdles.
“The Track and Field team has provided me with a sense of home and an immediate family here on campus. The team has a family culture, which is something that can be seen with many teams on this campus,” Nseliema explained. “The coaching staff is beyond supportive and extremely understanding. I was fortunate enough to make instant friendships on this team that will last a lifetime.”
But that is only one of the many accomplishments of this WVWC senior. A volunteer at the Stockert Youth center in Buckhannon, Nseliema also serves as the Vice President of Pi Sigma Alpha, the campus’ Political Science honorary, the Student Senate’s Diversity Chairperson, the Class of 2020’s Treasurer, and a member of the Student Athlete Association Committee (SAAC). She also serves as a Student Ambassador on campus.
“Through the student ambassador program,” she said, “I am granted the opportunity to share my love for Wesleyan with prospective students from all over the nation about the several opportunities that this campus offers, and on that one day, our experiences can align.”
Among other activities, Nseliema is president of the Black Student Union (BSU). When asked about the importance of having a BSU on campus, Nseliema said this: “Serving as the president of the BSU on a campus like this has taught me is that the voice of the minorities is critical and important everywhere, and that it is up to us, the students to make a change and educate others. Whether it is hosting events that inform students, or by simply allowing everyone to feel included in anything we do as an organization, having a BSU impacts WVWC campus for the better.”
Nseliema noted that the BSU has a key role on campus.
“It creates a safe space to inform everyone on the various cultures that this world has to offer,” she said. “This organization allows all students of color to feel welcome and wanted on this campus. All students of color do not necessarily have to be members of the BSU to feel this way: it is a simple fact that the organization exists on campus that creates a sense of security for them.
“Dr. Robert Quarles, director of the mulitcultural office, does an amazing job working with students to allow their voices to be heard. With the BSU active on campus, it sets a precedent for the acceptance and understanding of everyone.”
After graduation, Nseliema plans to attend law school with a focus on either copyright and patent law or family and immigration law.
When asked about her goals for the future, she commented, “Ultimately, I would like to open my own law firm where I offer families and immigrants the opportunity to have a better life here in the United States.”
