Student Spotlight
Jazmine Melton

While at Mississippi State, Jazmine Mone’ Melton has been involved in the Black Student Association, NAACP, National American Home Builders Student Chapter and the Associated Builders and Contractors Student Chapter. Jazmine will be graduating from the Building Construction Science program in May.

Student Statement

“I, Jazmine Melton, am an African American female from Huntsville, Alabama. I am the second oldest of four and grew up in a single parent home. I went to New Century Technology High School, and after high school I decided to start my college career at Mississippi State University. When choosing a major, I wanted to choose a career that would bring me satisfaction. I started Building Construction Science without any construction knowledge, but I worked hard to retain the information that my program had to offer. This program is rigorous, and it involves a lot of dedication and hard work. Our studio class alone is a six-hour credit course that needs three times as much attention outside of the classroom for the work that is given. This program is built in a cohort form, meaning the people you start the program with are the people you see at the finish line. My colleagues have become great friends that I can keep for a lifetime. In this major you have to have a great support system behind you. During my four years in this program, I have had support from my family, friends, faculty and colleagues. I have been given great opportunities and made great connections. I am a program ambassador, and I have also worked as a shop helper. I have helped with recruitment and advising for Building Construction Science. I was the head counselor for the iBuild Summer Camp 2019, where the program teamed up with Mississippi Construction Education Foundation to host a camp with 21 students ranging from the ages of 12-17 for four days on campus. I have also participated in Forge Your Path Career Expo, where I had to come up with a hands-on activity for 1,000 eighth graders to introduce them to a career path of construction. I participated in the NAHB Competition 2020 that was hosted in Las Vegas. My journey in the program hasn’t been easy, but if I could go back in time, I would still make this choice. I came from not knowing anything about construction to growing a love for this industry. Construction has truly changed my life as a whole. My favorite thing to say is, 'Construction is not a career; it is a lifestyle'.”

Q & A

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

A project manager managing multiple million-dollar jobs.

What is your favorite tradition at MSU?

The cowbell

What has been your favorite thing about your program at MSU?

Being in a cohort, the people you start with are the ones you end with.

What advice would you give an upcoming senior at Mississippi State?

Enjoy every moment, because in a blink of an eye, your last year of college is over.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I will be going into full-time employment at a contracting company.

By Lauren Skelton | April 2021