See Yourself at GSU is a special Honors College series that uses real student stories to understand common student experiences — for example, how to contribute to your community through service.
ATLANTA — When Salem Mutata graduates in December 2025, she’ll leave behind a legacy of service at Georgia State University. She’s been the executive director of the Spotlight Programs Board since April, working to make beloved events like the Silent Headphone Party and Georgia State’s Got Talent happen.
Mutata has an extensive resume full of service work, volunteering and research. As a biology major with a chemistry minor, she’s found ways to grow as a leader outside of the labs. She received the esteemed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award in April, awarded to students who embody MLK’s values, alongside the Royal Flame Leadership Award.
For now, she’s still enjoying her time as a student and working to complete the Social Change Leadership Certificate offered by the Honors College. Opportunities like these allow students like Mutata to thrive by expanding their understanding of the world and challenging them to grow personally and professionally. Mutata learned how to implement effective change at the personal, group and community level through the certificate.
What's Important to Mutata?
Mutata comes from Zimbabwe. She moved to the United States when she was 16.
“I am somebody who loves community,” said Mutata. “That goes back from the way I was raised and my home country. We're very much a community-driven country. We do everything together.”
When she began attending events as a first-year student at GSU, she noticed how much fun the people who organized the events were having, even though they were hosting. Attending events and eventually becoming the person who helped make them happen created a more colorful and positive college experience for Mutata.
“I just found a sense of belonging and purpose by engaging in these communities that definitely aligned with my own values,” said Mutata.
Mutata participated in the Alternative Spring Break program, where students dedicate their extra time during the break to community service.
Mutata became involved in campus organizations like Cultures, Communities and Inclusion, focused on creating spaces where every student felt like they belonged. Her confidence and leadership skills grew as she gained experience as an organizer of the same events that helped her feel welcome when she first arrived on campus.
“When you're out there with Spotlight doing things on the ground and a vendor doesn't show up,” said Mutata, “you really just learn how to problem solve and not panic.”
From helping conduct supplemental instruction sessions for biology courses to being a blood donor ambassador for American Red Cross, Mutata’s extensive community involvement allowed her to meet people from a variety of backgrounds and develop cross-cultural and interpersonal communication skills.
Since Mutata wants to work as a medical professional and continue to conduct medical research after she leaves GSU, these communication and leadership skills will help her work to find medical solutions to problems faced by the community.
How Does She Do It?
Through so much involvement on and off campus, Mutata learned the importance of time management. She calls her color-coded Google Calendar her “bestie.”
Mutata conducted research with her Co-Culture group in summer 2024.
“If it's not in my calendar, it does not exist, unfortunately,” said Mutata.
She even makes sure to schedule her “time off.” Using this system helps her keep herself accountable and organized. She also avoids procrastination, saying “if you have a lot on your plate, you don’t have time to procrastinate.”
When things are particularly difficult, she looks to her older brother, who she calls her “voice of reason.”
“I would wake up at midnight and I would see him studying,” said Mutata. “That inspired me to do so much better.”
Family support keeps Mutata going. She’s inspired by the service work her family is involved in. She says they challenge her, but they’re always there for her when it counts.
Why Mutata Thinks You Should Get Involved with Service
- You can find a sense of belonging and connection with others. “You will find yourself in the communities you are meant to serve in,” said Mutata. “Just keep going to events.”
- She believes by engaging in service, students discover who they are, what they value and can learn to see the “loving and caring” side of the world.
- Opportunities like the Social Change Leadership Certificate help students step out of their comfort zone and grow their capacity for empathy. She’s learned about successful social movements through the program, which may not have happened in her other classes.
- It helps you become a well-rounded citizen. “I'll just say to the incoming prospective students that every experience outside the classroom, even in the classroom, really prepares you for your life after graduation,” said Mutata.
- Mutata believes college is a time when you can make mistakes and learn from them, without risking as much as you would at a full-time job. “Just take advantage of that space because, well, you only have it for a short while,” said Mutata.
The Honors College at Georgia State University is a destination for high-achieving students who embody curiosity, take pride in their work and dream about how they can make an impact through their studies and careers. Its mission is to serve students in a welcoming space by engaging students’ curiosity, empowering them to achieve their highest potential and inspiring them to find their place in the world. Its students form life-long friendships, participate in community service, perform research, excel academically, explore their interests and chart their career paths.
Story By:
Heather Fields:
Heather Fields is a third-year journalism student in the Honors College who serves as a reporter for Honors College Communications. She loves philosophy, foreign language studies and cats.