Nicole Machado ('11) first ventured into textiles after become fascinated with the television show Trading Spaces. The show offers homeowners a unique way to re-imagine themselves in new surroundings – something Machado says she was able to do on a personal level since her arrival on campus.

"When I came to NC State, I was very conservative and realized how sheltered my upbringing had been," said Machado, a textile and apparel management major. "I really branched out of my norm and learned so much about different aspects of life that I previously wasn't focused on, like politics and large-scale change and development.

"I've also improved my leadership skills and professional skills through organizations and with the help of my peers and role models."

Machado is heavily involved in serving the Latino community both on and off campus, and is an active member of Mi Familia, SHPE and Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/Lambda Pi Chi Sorority. The Fayetteville, NC, native has participated in Service NC State, Service Raleigh, Shack-a-Thon and volunteers at both Kids Café and a local high school.

"Through these different avenues I have been able to positively impact a variety of people while developing as a college student and professional," she said.

Cycling across America may seem like a daunting task to most, but not Taylor Massey ('10), who rode 4,056 miles to support Habitat for Humanity and share NC State's passion for service with those who crossed his path.

A works project officer for the campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity, Massey traveled from Charleston, SC, to Santa Cruz, CA over the course of 81 days, working on homes in seven different cities with local affordable-housing organizations.

"As I traveled across the country, I was able to bring NC State to the rest of the country," said Massey, who helps lead local Habitat workdays and mentor volunteers almost every weekend. "I brought our dedication to service and community involvement to many small towns all across the nation."

Massey is currently the president of the Tompkins Textile Student Council, and helped research at Hong Kong Polytechnic University two summers ago.

"NC State has helped me develop into a leader and someone who is dedicated to helping the community around him," Massey said.