Clemson Honors Student Ambassadors
Looking for a Student Perspective on Clemson Honors?
Clemson Honors Student Ambassadors are Honors student volunteers who are official ambassadors for the Honors College and who are passionate about Honors at Clemson University.
Ambassadors meet with prospective students and their families to provide a student perspective on their various Honors experiences.
They are a diverse group of students, representing each of Clemson's academic colleges listed below, and they are involved in all aspects of campus life. They are developing communication, teamwork, and leadership skills as they interact with prospective students and their families.
You can read more about each ambassador within their major's college.
Name: Alaura Cakley
Hometown: Columbia
Major: Chemical Engineering
Class: May 2025
Email: acakley@clemson.edu
Introduction: My name is Alaura Cakley and I am from Columbia, SC. My current major is Engineering and I plan to go into Chemical Engineering. I enjoy dancing, reading, and spending time with friends. In the future I plan to attend grad school for Chemical Engineering and later go into pharmaceuticals with my degree.
Ask me about...: Ask me about different ways to get involved at Clemson! Whether it’s concerning the social scene, service, or organizations.
My advice for prospective students: Take note of what you’re looking for in your college experience and try not to compromise. Of course, it’s nearly impossible to not have to change your plans a little bit here and there, but you know what you’re seeking most and you should not give that up for any reason.
My advice for current students: Never feel like you have to stick with something because you started it. College is a completely new experience, so it’s okay to take time to try new things and rule out what’s not for you. Sometimes that means leaving things unfinished, like dropping a class or giving up a leadership position in an organization that’s not right for you, but it’s all part of the process.
Why I chose Clemson and the Honors College: I chose Clemson because it is a great Engineering school that is neither too close or too far from home. I also got to connect with current students prior to committing, and their openness and guidance sealed the deal for me. I chose the Honors College because I knew having a more family oriented community within the larger community that is Clemson would benefit me. I also joined for the opportunities, challenges, and guidance it would provide.
My favorite thing about the Honors College: My favorite thing about the Honors College is the amount of study space we have in the residence halls. These are only available to Honors students, so they’re more easy access than most study rooms and they’re very relaxing.
My involvement in the Honors College: I am an Honor’s Ambassador as well as a member of the Black Honors Association.
My involvement in Clemson University: I am involved in Gospel Choir, Clemson Black Student Union, and Collegiate Curls.
If I could travel anywhere: I would go to Dubai because ever since I was a kid I have always wanted to see it. I saw a picture of it one day and immediately started researching it.
My favorite Clemson class: My favorite class, from the one semester I’ve been here, has been Calc 2 because I can see my growth as a college student. I did not do the best on the first exam because I didn’t know how to study and prepare well, but the next exam I figured it out and did significantly better.
What makes me happy to be alive: Spending time with friends and family.
Favorite place on campus: I can most likely be found on the second floor of the library in one of the closed off chairs or walking around headed somewhere completely random.
My future goals: I plan to go into pharmaceuticals with my Chemical Engineering degree and help increase access to medicine for those who need it.
How has the Honors College made a difference in your life?: The Honors College has made a difference by providing me with a community in which I can share ideas and significantly grow.
