Honorable Mention Winner
Aina Kristiansen
Daytona Beach Community College
Sophomore in Journalism
4.0 GPA
     "Believing that you only get out of it what you put into it, I’ve put my heart and soul into my education as well as my extracurricular activities," says Aina Kristiansen, 22. "I believe I’ve made a great difference in promoting diversity, cultural exchange, involvement, and unity at my school."
     An international student from Hønefoss, Norway, Kristiansen is involved in Phi Theta Kappa, the Student Government Association, the In Motion student newspaper, DBCC History Club, and Global Friends, DBCC’s International Student Organization.
     As editor of In Motion, Kristiansen encourages the staff to "be creative and develop their own personal style in their writing and artwork," she says. "Several students who had previously been discouraged to work for the newspaper have joined our staff and told me how they appreciate my open-mindedness and my acceptance and encouragement of personal expression."
     Also, Kristiansen took over the position as editor at a time when there was dissension in the ranks and most of the staff had quit. "Through her persistent efforts and exemplary people skills she was able to rebuild the staff, quell all dissension, get the paper back on schedule, and even begin the 2000 academic year with an issue of In Motion the very first day of school," says Joanna Milton, co-advisor of In Motion.
     Kristiansen says her greatest accomplishment is encouraging students to get involved on campus and in the community. She promotes unity and diversity by trying to get other international students involved with campus activities.
     Her role as chairperson of the service committee of the Mu Rho chapter of PTK helps her participate in the community. She helps organize programs including book drives for local childcare centers and blood drives for Red Cross of America.
     On campus, Kristiansen is senator of public relations, chairperson of the Publications Committee, and a member of the Student Disciplinary Committee. "I have worked to give students a voice in administrative meetings," she says. "Often it is easier for students to express their concerns and opinions to a fellow student than to members of the administration."
     Kristiansen also is actively involved on campus with tutoring students in English and math. "Aina is such a good tutor and so reliable and professional that I hand-picked her to be our on-line tutor for English," says Theresa Torisky, learning specialist at the tutoring lab at DBCC.
     "Ms. Kristiansen completes her duties with a mastery that would be impressive for any student, let alone a young woman whose English is actually her second language," says Milton.
     Her tuition, personal, housing, and academic expenses are covered by full scholarships, her part-time job, and her parents’ support.
Contact Kristiansen at kristia@dbcc.cc.fl.us.