Hometown: Leesburg, Georgia

Major: Junior history major

Graduating: Spring 2025

Why did you choose to attend GSW?
I chose GSW because it is close to home, an affordable city, and it has small class sizes, so I'm able to have better relationships with my professors and classmates.

Please list your University highlights, achievements, leadership and awards.

• • Canes Leading Canes: Student Engagement Team (2022-2023)
  • Sirroco co-editor (Spring 2023)
  • Excellence in History Award 2023
  • Honorary City Council member for Americus (Spring 2023) (made possible by GSW's Department of History and Political Science)
  • Dean's List (2 semesters)
  • President's List (3 semesters)
  • Intern, Andersonville National Historic Site

Are you currently receiving any GSW scholarships? If so, which one(s)?
Yes, I am receiving the Harold Issacs Scholarship this year.

Why did you choose your major?
I chose history because I've always had a passion for learning about the past and understanding how it has shaped the world we live in today. I appreciate the stories and experiences of different cultures, and I believe that studying history allows us to gain valuable insights and create a more inclusive and informed society.

What makes GSW special?
I love GSW because of the campus size. Because it's smaller, I've been able to build closer relationships with my professors and peers. I've made so many great friends that share my interests and have grown so much since my first semester with the help of everyone on campus.

What is a cause you’re passionate about?
I'm extremely passionate about advocating for historical accuracy and inclusivity. I try to focus on raising awareness about the importance of understanding history in shaping our present and future and by making sure that everyone's voices are heard, we can gain a better understanding of our world.

What’s your favorite spot on campus and why?
I love the glass studio, any time I have anything going on or feel overwhelmed i can always depend on molten glass to lift my spirits. Working with glass requires constant attention so it helps take my mind off things I have going on and is almost therapeutic .

What have you learned from other GSW students?
Since GSW’s campus is so diverse, I've learned so much about other cultures and practices from other students. Growing up in rural South Georgia has never really given me the opportunity to learn about people that are different from me, so other students from diverse backgrounds have helped me learn so much more about the world outside of the South.

What is your favorite memory or experience you’ve had at GSW?
My study abroad trip to Bulgaria was the most amazing spring break of my life. We stayed in Dr. Iordnova’s hometown where we had a barbeque of local food while her friends played instruments, and I've never felt more at home, even though we were 5,000 miles away. Going to Bulgaria was hands down the best experience I've ever had while at GSW.

Who is your favorite professor or staff member and why?
My favorite professor on campus is Dr. Susan Bragg. She has helped me grow so much within the history department, and I look to her as a mentor. She is always so understanding and helpful with every one of her students and does so much for the department. Anytime I am not feeling confident in myself or my work, she always has a way to bring the best out of me, and I will always be overly appreciative for that.

What have your learned (or are learning) that has made the biggest difference for you?
I have had to learn how to space out my time and start saying "yes" to things i wouldn't normally say "yes" to. Doing so has helped me better balance my time and energy between whatever I am doing as well as open up new opportunities for the future.

What has been your greatest challenge?
I started college later than my peers, and I was worried that I wouldn't be able to do well after being out of high school so long. With the help of other non-traditional students and my professors, I've been able to build much more confidence than I had at the beginning and have done way better than I ever could have planned.

What is your plan after graduation?
I would love to have a job interpreting in museums. I love public history, and my internship at the Andersonville National Historic Site really solidified my decision. I love doing research and writing and felt right at home there.

What advice do you have for incoming students?
I think it is really important to find what you are interested in and go for it. I've seen so many younger students pursue a degree based on future paychecks (which I totally understand), but I've found that following your passions makes actually doing the work so much easier and more enjoyable than something you aren't into.

What would people be surprised to know about you?
Even though I am personally not as artistic as I wish, I am an admirer of art and art museums. I'm a huge fan of Michael Cheval; I love absurdism and his paintings are so whimsical and fun.

What is your favorite class and why?
I love my glassblowing class. Since it is a studio class that isn't as structured as traditional classrooms, it allows me the freedom to work on what im interested in and focus on doing my own thing. I also have the ability to have one-on-one sessions with my instructor, who is insanely talented, so if I ever need to improve upon a skill, I have everything that I need.

What is your favorite place to eat, shop, or hang out in Americus?
Gyro City is the best place in Americus to grab a bite. The staff is incredibly friendly, they let you use wifi, and the food is awesome. Everyone has to try their baklava at least once!

What is your favorite album? Why?
I love SZA’s album CTRL. The album is a reflection of SZA's personal experiences of losing and gaining control in her life. She deals with themes such as trust, insecurities, emotional health, and mortality. It is a coming-of-age album that also tackles the deeper adult issues and has definitely helped me in times of need.

Posted February 16, 2024