Sha'Mar Barnes

When Sha’Mar Barnes first enrolled at CCBC, he wasn’t convinced he was the type to get involved on campus. Now, the Computer Science Major serves as a First-Year Experience (FYE) mentor, participates in the Male Student Success Initiative (MSSI) and has earned a Pinnacle Award for his leadership.

Sha’Mar shares what prompted him to take a chance on getting involved and how finding community at CCBC helped him build confidence, discover new opportunities and see his own potential.

Q: You weren’t always convinced that getting involved on campus was for you. What changed?

A: To be honest, I wouldn’t say I looked down on joining clubs, but some things just don’t seem like they would fit you. You’re like, yeah, I don’t know about that. That was my thought process.

Toward the end of my first semester, I started working at Target, doing like 30-something to 40 hours a week, and I felt like I couldn’t focus on school the way I wanted to.

I started asking about different on-campus resources. I went to MSSI, and they told me about the FYE program, where student mentors help new students connect with the college and its resources.

Working as an FYE mentor gives me a way to make a little bit of money while still focusing on school. I also work in the Student Engagement office, so I can work a couple of hours, go to class, come back and finish the day. Everything works around your school schedule.

Q: It sounds like what started as an on-campus job opportunity turned into something more. What did you start getting out of the experience?

A: A lot of people I meet are from different states or countries. Being able to connect with different nationalities and personalities has broadened my horizons. I’ve gained the ability to step out of my comfort zone and talk to many different types of people.

We’re also a community. I can chase my goals, help other people achieve their goals and they can help me. We share support and opportunities with one another.

Q: You went from being reluctant to get involved to becoming a student leader and receiving one of two Pinnacle Awards for First-Year Experience mentors. What did that recognition mean to you?

A: I was surprised that I got it because sometimes we have that imposter syndrome where you feel like, I might not be doing bad, but I could do better.

After I won the award, I was like, dang, maybe I do have this in me. Having other people see qualities in me that I didn’t see in myself gave me confidence to keep stepping outside of my comfort zone.

Q: What did stepping outside of your comfort zone look like beyond campus?

A: Through MSSI, I got a summer job with Johns Hopkins at the Center for Talented Youth. I worked with a student from Japan, and he went home and told his parents about me. His parents emailed the program and said I had made it a unique experience for him.

I realized that mentorship might be something I’m actually good at and want to keep doing. I’ve even thought about starting my own group, organization or foundation.

Q: What would you tell other students who are reluctant to get involved? What might be waiting for them?

A: You’ll find that some others were just as reluctant, but they did it anyway.

And, truthfully, it brings the best out of you. You get to connect with people from different places, learn about opportunities you might not have known were there and build relationships that can help you move forward.

Sometimes people just don’t know what’s available because they’re caught up in their day-to-day lives. But there are people here who can help connect you with resources and opportunities. You never know what getting involved could lead to.

Thinking about getting involved? Discover what student life at CCBC has to offer and connect with the Office of Student Engagement.