When Jaimee Swift started at Temple, she was unaware her journey would be so transformative. Feeling a lack of confidence her freshman year, the communication studies major decided to get involved on campus, and in the process found her purpose empowering and leading other women as the president of Her Campus Temple. Despite juggling her responsibilities along with a job in the School of Media and Communication’s study abroad office, Swift still managed to earn high enough marks to gain acceptance into Lambda Pi Eta, the National Communication Association’s honor society. 

Temple Times: Why Temple?

Jaimee Swift: As soon as I stepped on the campus, I knew it was home. I knew I belonged here and that I would thrive here. I saw all of the students from all different backgrounds, ages, races, ethnicities — and I thought ‘wow, this school is for me.’

TT: Why did you get involved with Her Campus Temple?

JS: Growing up in not so great of a household, I took the pains of my past with me to Temple. Insecure and unsure of myself, I was too nervous to even go out and join organizations, but a friend of mine inspired me to pursue my dreams. When I saw an email about Her Campus Temple and read that it was an organization that promoted female unity and empowerment through an online magazine, I took a chance and got involved. Looking back, I am so grateful that I took that leap of faith.

TT: You said the Her Campus nonviolence and suicide awareness music and theater festival Peace in the City was your favorite event. What was the motivation behind it?

JS: There have been four suicides on campus, and I was hurt and saddened to know that my fellow Owls lost their lives this way. So many thoughts went through my head. What was going on in their lives that they thought life was not worth living anymore? What could I have done to help? Afterall, suicide affects everybody — I don't care if you are Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Atheist, Asian, Black, White, Republican, Democrat, Independent. That was the message behind Peace in the City.

TT: What stands out in your mind when you look back on your four years here?

JS: The people. As I said, my journey hasn’t always been easy, but over the course of my time here I have met so many diverse and brilliant people who have inspired me so much. A lot of people at Temple are persevering, and it makes me want to dig deeper — it makes me want to try harder myself.

TT: What are your plans for the future?

JS: I am attending graduate school at Howard University this fall, where I’ll be studying political science with a concentration in international affairs. I would like to one day become a foreign correspondent or foreign service officer, so that I can travel the world and help others. I feel really passionate about aiding women survivors of rape, war and famine.