Hometown: Americus, Georgia

Major: Senior information technology major

Graduating: Spring 2025

Why did you choose to attend GSW?
I chose to attend GSW because it was closer to home and its affordable option for me as well.

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

• President’s List, 4 semesters (Fall 2022-Spring 2024)
• Dean’s List, 1 semester (Summer 2024)
• Upsilon Pi Epsilon, 1 year
• Helpdesk Assistant for IIT, 1 semester (May 2024 – August 2024)
• Data Analyst Intern for the office of Institutional Research (2024)
• IT Assistant for the Office of Information and Instructional Technology, 2 semesters (Jun 2024 – current)
• Teacher’s Assistant/tutor, 2 semesters (Jan 2024 - current)
• Secretary for the Computer Club, 2 semesters (Jan 2024 - current)

Are you currently receiving any GSW scholarships? If so, which one(s)?
Yes, I have been receiving the T. Harvey Mathis Scholarship and the Southwestern Promise Scholarship for two years.

Why did you choose your major, or what do you love about your major program at GSW?
I chose my major because I grew up with computers. My dad especially was a huge influence because he was always the one in our community that would be called to fix anything technology related, and I knew I wanted to be that person as well. My mom was a huge motivator and supporter in me pursuing an IT degree, especially for a field that doesn’t have a huge representation of women or women of color, which was a bit daunting at first. This is also why I wanted to be part of the representation of women in IT. Especially now, working with the Office of Information and Instructional Technology (IIT) confirmed to me that I truly enjoy fixing technical issues and helping others.

Who is your favorite professor or staff member and why?
My favorite professors would definitely have to be Dr. Karen Cook and Dr. Jonathan Hobbs. Dr. Cook genuinely cares about her students and will go the extra mile to ensure that they are on the right track. This was particularly special to me because I am a first-generation student that had little idea about what it was like to be in college, and she made that experience much more comfortable for me. Even as I was settled in, she was still there for me and guided me every step of the way and helped me get the opportunities I have now. As for Dr. Hobbs, his classes implement real-world situations and recent trends in the IT field with our assignments and his lectures which make his classes more interesting. He is also very supportive of his students to make sure we succeed in his classroom but outside as well.

What has been your greatest challenge?
As a first-generation student, learning how to navigate college was difficult in general. I faced a lot of pressure being first-generation but also just being a student in general. Finding a routine, the time to connect with people, and gain experiences seemed more unreachable to me than it really was because I didn’t know where to start or how. However, once you start surrounding yourself with the right people and you have the motivation to learn, it can take you a long way.

What advice do you have for incoming students?
It is never too late to ask for help. It goes a long way to reach out. Also try to make connections with your peers, especially those that are seniors or juniors, because they have been through most classes and generally can guide you away from mistakes they may have made throughout their journey.

What is your favorite class and why?
My favorite class is Dr. Hobbs’ security class. A lot of our assignments involved mimicking real-life security exploitations and learning about why it happens and how. Learning about the different measures that help prevent these security vulnerabilities was also very interesting to see how we keep our information secure. I ended up seeing some of the content that we learned about in my position as an IT assistant with our IIT office.

What is your favorite place to eat, shop, or hang out in Americus?
It would have to say Kairos PeMo’s Coffee Shop, they have very versatile coffee, a nice setup, and kind workers. I particularly like their iced Boho Chai with a cinnamon coffee cake.

What is your favorite vacation spot or a memorable trip you’ve taken?
A memorable trip I’ve taken was my trip to Japan I took when I was in high school. It is a country I would definitely like to visit again, especially for its culture, the architecture, food, and the people. In general, it is a very beautiful country with very welcoming people.

Posted November 11, 2024