From her troubled upbringing to her treasured college experience, elementary education senior Chauncey Stephens knows the true meaning of community. Based on Stephens’ journey, it takes a village to raise a child and a few more to raise a Truman Scholar.
Truman Scholarships are merit-based awards given to students from across the United States who plan to go to graduate school in preparation for a career in public service, according to the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation’s website.
As one of this year’s 54 Truman Scholars, Stephens marks the University’s 11th honoree since 2003, according to an LSU Media Relations release. However, the Gonzales, Louisiana, native said the road to success was anything but easy.
Growing up wondering each day whether the bills would be paid or if food would be on the table, Stephens said she looked to school as a positive outlet in her life. She also found a close network of support among her Ascension Parish community.
“That’s when I really discovered that education is so important to me,” Stephens said. “I want to be able to provide those types of supportive opportunities for other students.”
Following her December 2016 graduation, Stephens said she still plans to apply to a variety of graduate schools. As a Truman Scholar, she will receive up to $30,000 toward graduate school expenses.
After a semester of student teaching in the fall, Stephens hopes to work for AmeriCorps VISTA and then pursue a dual Master’s degree in education and social work, as a way to “bridge the gap” between the two fields. Offered at the University of Pennsylvania, the degree focuses on the intertwining relationship between public schools and local communities, she said.
The relationship has characterized Stephens’ leadership capabilities and initiative throughout her four years at the University.
Since her first day as a Tiger, Stephens has dedicated her college career to service. In addition to her position as Volunteer LSU’s student director, Stephens also served as the organization’s associate international ChangeBreak chair and later international ChangeBreak chair.
“I would say that I’m really proud of the opportunities that I’ve had to work with other students on campus and help build capacity within them so that they could grow as leaders and promote service on campus as well,” Stephens said.
When she is not helping out with Community Bound, Geaux BIG Baton Rouge or other service projects, Stephens dedicates her time to the Ogden Honors College.
For the past three years, she has lived in Laville Honors House as a Residential Assistant. She also takes honors courses as part of the Louisiana Service and Leadership (LASAL) curriculum.
Honors director of fellowship advising Drew Lamonica Arms, who helped Stephens and other applicants throughout the process, said Stephens embodies the “change agent” that Truman Scholarships seek to reward and enable.
“Chauncey serves, wherever she goes, in every role she takes,” Arms said. “She is a thoughtful and active servant-leader dedicated to understanding the complex interconnections between poverty and unequal educational opportunities.”
With her final semester of college a few months away, Stephens said her success is a testament to those who raised her — both in Ascension Parish and at the University. She said she looks forward to obtaining a degree that could benefit future communities.
“I hope to use that insight and that passion for others to pay it forward — to do similar things that others have done for me throughout my life,”Stephens said.