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: Tess Kayal
Hometown: Madison
Major: Chemistry
Class: May 2028
Email: tkayal@clemson.edu
Introduction: Hello! My name is Tess and I'm a freshman chemistry major from Madison, CT. I like to paint, read, swim, and go to the gym. In the future I plan to take a gap year and travel then pursue graduate school.
Ask me about...: Science, art, music, or history!
My advice for prospective students: I would recommend that prospective students take a tour! It makes a huge difference to be able to see the school in person and talk to real students.
My advice for current students: I would tell current students to really be active members of the community. There's so many organizations and events going on every day and there's truly always new things to try here.
Why I chose Clemson and the Honors College: I chose Clemson to experience a different atmosphere than the small northern town I grew up in. The Honors College was appealing to me because I liked the idea of having a smaller community within the large Clemson community to feel integrated in.
My favorite thing about the Honors College: My personal favorite thing about the Honors College has to be the Honors Center. The kitchen, Great Hall, study room, and library all end up being spots that you spend lots of time and see friends from the Honors College in frequently.
My involvement in the Honors College: So far I have involved myself in the Ambassador program and thoroughly enjoyed my time doing that and the group I've been working with.
My involvement in Clemson University: I've really enjoyed attending lots of different events largely through the CSLE program and intend to start working with them as well. I'm also a part of the star gazing club, surfing club, and the SAACS club!
If I could travel anywhere: I would go to Madrid because I love history, architecture, and exploring the cultural scenes of different cities.
My spirit animal: My spirit animal is a dolphin because I love swimming, I'm very energetic, and I like spending time with others.
My favorite Clemson class: My favorite Clemson class so far has been Race, Medicine, and Modern Imperialism because I found the readings very interesting and made connections that I had never thought of before.
What makes me happy to be alive: Listening to music on the beach or by the lake with a big group of friends.
Favorite place on campus: I spend a lot of my time on campus at the Amphitheater. I'm usually reading or painting with watercolors.
Three interesting facts about me: 1. I'm a tea barista 2. I've hiked to the highest point in CT 3. I like to scrapbook
My future goals: I want to travel a lot, both within the US and internationally. I also want to go to graduate school and possibly pursue my PhD.
What did you do this summer?: I traveled to Curacao, Wyoming, the Dominican, and around New England. I also learned how to surf and paddle board!
What are your plans after graduation?: After I graduate I plan to take a year or two to work some seasonal jobs and then travel. I want to spend at least a season working in a National Park and preferably some time working out West as well.
How has the Honors College made a difference in your life?: The Honors College has helped me find some great friends as well as been very helpful when it comes to academic opportunities and connections.
