N’ninah Freelon (Photo by Todd Weddle/Northwest Missouri State University)

Many students join clubs and organizations at Northwest Missouri State University to stay involved and connected, but N’ninah Freelon took the term “busy” to a different level.

Freelon, a native of Kansas City, Missouri, who graduates this week with her bachelor’s degree in human services, stayed busy at Northwest by participating in a multitude of campus groups and organizations.

She served as president of the Nu Gamma chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, was a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, a student ambassador and a member of the Spiritually Involved Sisters Together Achieving Harmony (SISTAH). She also worked in the Student Engagement Center and the Office of Student Involvement.

Before joining organizations and clubs, Freelon felt lonely and homesick at Northwest.

“When I first came here, I was so shy,” Freelon said. “But now, I can walk into any building and say ‘hi’ to somebody I know. I’m honestly surprised how many people I know on campus.”

Freelon believes her sorority helped her feel welcome and connected to the campus.

“I love the sisterhood aspect,” Freelon said. “That’s my favorite part. I can go anywhere and know I have sisters everywhere.”

Freelon also was nominated this fall for Northwest’s Homecoming court.

 “It was a super big moment because typically there aren’t African American girls on the court,” Freelon said. “This is huge for our community here at Northwest.”

Freelon created a special college experience for herself through her involvement with the campus.

“People think of home as where your basic needs are getting met,” Freelon said. “I feel very secure here. This place has become my home.”

As she graduates, Freelon believes she is career ready because of the support she received from faculty and peers.

“Everything that I gained from this place, I’ll be able to take it and use it in the future,” Freelon said. “Everyone here has believed in me and helped me to believe in myself and build me up. I’ll be able to take that with me anywhere.”

After graduation, Freelon plans to attend graduate school and study child psychology. She hopes to obtain a doctorate degree to become a child psychologist and work with children who have suffered trauma and abuse.