When she was younger, Xariah Godfrey enjoyed listening to her mother and grandfather debate about politics. Though they had different opinions, they always shared their points of view with a passion that influenced Xariah’s interest in politics. “I don’t just want to help my family but other families that are struggling,” she stated in an essay. This passion to help not only other Americans, but people world-wide, has influenced her to major in political science.
Not only does Xariah have an interest in politics and international studies, she also loves creative work. Some of her favorite things to do in her spare time include writing, reading, editing videos and theatre. When she discovered her passion for theatre and television, Xariah decided to combine it with her interest in politics. This encouraged her to focus on broadcasting. She is currently a freshman at Longwood University where she is majoring in political science with focuses in broadcast and political analysis. The opportunities and the small campus attracted her to choose Longwood over other universities. Not only is it easier to get to know professors, but Xariah also noticed how helpful everyone has been.
One lesson Xariah learned in high school was just how helpful her teachers were. 
“Don’t take your teachers for granted because it is accurate that your teachers here are a lot different,” she said. Though college professors are different, she appreciated how her high school teachers tried their best to prepare their students. She also learned to not take her friends for granted. “Make sure you keep them with you always because they’re going to be the ones that are by your side and helping you along,” Xariah said. “And your friends are the ones who push you up and forward instead of the ones that try to drag you down.”
While she is in college, Xariah plans to join multiple clubs. In high school, she was in the theatre program, Environmental Club, Honor Council, Japanese Club, Dance Club, and helped set up for other organizations’ events. One of her favorite clubs was the Environmental Club. Being a member allowed for her to do a lot of community service. “It’s nice to know that there are people in the world that care enough about the environment that they’re willing to give up time out of their day to help others,” she said. Because of her environmental teacher’s excitement and passion for cleaning up the community and recruiting new members, Xariah named her as one of her inspirations in school.
Now that she is in college pursuing her degree, Xariah plans to be just as passionate in her future career. “My dream job would either be behind the camera or in front of the camera bringing out news to people and helping people feel better or entertained,” Xariah said. Her main goal is to bring a smile to someone’s face through the power of television or broadcasting.
