“I always had a passion for helping people and thinking about different communities, especially marginalized groups while looking at ways I can be beneficial to them,” says Madeyson, a Community and Justice Studies major.

Also drawn to Guilford for its small class sizes and the chance to have one-on-one time with professors, Madeyson noted professors Krista Craven and Christian Matthias for pushing her to be her best and helping her realize she has a lot of potential as she prepares for a career in social work.

Bringing Out Her Best at Guilford

Encouraged by Christian to join Emerging Leaders for Liberation, a program for young people looking to deepen their understanding of justice and build leadership.

 “We, as a cohort of 19 social justice minded people, go out into our communities to make a social change,” Madeyson says.

She recently completed her Action Project as part of the program, which involved the healing power of an art.

“My project centered around racial justice and pain and was actually held on campus for Guilford College students to come in and just create and paint about what racial justice is for them, or any type of form of social justice that they want to do.”

In the past, Madeyson has also worked with those experiencing homelessness through Urban Ministries and shelters. She is also involved in the Black Student Union (BSU) and African Student Union. In 2023, she began an internship with the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement in which she will help with the organization of campus events.

Creative Outlet

Amid all these endeavors, Madeyson finds time to minor in music. She is specializing in piano, specifically in jazz piano and jazz combo. After having taken drum lessons as a child, she says she is looking to increase her skills in this genre of music.

“Guilford has an amazing music program, and the chance to learn more about jazz and enhance my skills is so edifying,” Madeyson says. “It has helped me express myself and put feelings to music, much like the way those who participated in my Action Project were able to express their thoughts and emotions in art.”

Because doing so has served her well, she advises other students to always seek to be the best version of themselves and to take everything day by day.