Catch up with a Libraries student scholarship awardee: Hailey Conner

The NC State University Libraries awards a number of part-scholarships every year to our outstanding Libraries student workers as part of a concerted effort to support student success and affordability. Since 2018, we've awarded 60 scholarships of varying amounts to 37 students. For the academic year 2023–24, philanthropic support for the Libraries Student Scholarship Fund has allowed us to support 18 of our talented students with scholarship support worth $67,760 in total. This profile is one in a series that lets our scholarship winners tell their stories.

Hailey Conner is a freshman Civil Engineering major and works at the Natural Resources Library. Her interest in environmental design started at birth—her parents raised her to turn out lights upon leaving a room and to think about recycling and water usage in their home. Growing up, she developed a sense of the connection between her daily actions and the large-scale environmental problems we all face together. Then, on a family trip to San Francisco, it all clicked when she saw how integrated the bike lanes were and how city layout and architecture were designed with environmental science in mind. She wanted to do that kind of design.

What are your hobbies and activities outside of school?
When I am not going to class, I like to take cycle classes at the gym. I also enjoy doing anything outside like hiking and reading. 

Why did you choose to work at the Libraries? What roles have libraries played in your life in general?
Throughout my life the library has always been a space for learning and growing. As a child, it introduced my love for books, and as I grew up, it also became a great place to study and do homework. The environment has always been calm and welcoming. That is why I chose to work at the Libraries. In my role, I hope to continue to foster a calm and welcoming environment for everyone who enters. 

What do you hope to do after you graduate?
After I graduate I hope to either get a job as a civil engineer or continue my education by earning a Masters of Urban Planning. 

How will a Libraries scholarship help you on your educational/personal path? Is there anything specific that the scholarship will enable or help you to do?
One of the main challenges that my friends and I have faced is finding affordable housing. Many of the apartments near campus are very expensive. The further away from campus you go the cheaper they get, but that also adds to the commute. 

Learn more about the Libraries Student Scholarship Endowment here, and donate directly here.