Samantha Meyer, a senior majoring in public relations and women’s studies, keeps herself busy in a handful of student organizations, loves traveling and enjoys the “traditional” college experience that UGA offers.
Hometown:
Originally from Howard Beach, N.Y.; currently from Villa Rica, Ga.
High School:
Robert S. Alexander High School
Degree objective:
A.B.J. in public relations and A.B. in women’s studies
Expected graduation:
Spring 2013
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
My time at UGA has really been defined by the activities I’ve become involved with outside of my classes. As a public relations intern at the Georgia Museum of Art for the past three years, I’ve gained valuable experience and have become part of the GMOA family. I’ve also been involved in a total of five organizations and have held leadership positions in many of them. I’m currently on the executive board of the Women’s Studies Student Organization, and the annual event we do every year in April, Take Back the Night, has truly been a highlight of my time here—it’s one of the most meaningful activities I have ever been involved in. I’ve also been honored with being asked to be a part of UGA’s team that will compete in the Bateman Case Study Competition, a national competition through the Public Relations Student Society of America.
Current Employment:
I am a work-study intern at the Georgia Museum of Art in the communications department.
Family Ties to UGA:
I did not have any prior ties to UGA—I’m the first Bulldog in my family!
I chose to attend UGA because…
…I came on a campus tour as a senior in high school and fell in love. I was taken in by the gorgeous campus and the city of Athens. After seeing the campus and hearing all about the university on the tour, it was everything I had always imagined my college experience would be: that “traditional” college experience. I also found out UGA has a great study abroad program, particularly through Oxford, and I always wanted to study in England.
My favorite things to do on campus are…
…spend time on North Campus. It’s my favorite place at UGA. It’s absolutely gorgeous and reminds me why I decided to come here. I also love doing yoga at Ramsey. It keeps me relaxed through my hectic schedule.
When I have free time, I like…
…to catch up on my favorite TV shows and spend time with friends. My roommate and two neighbors are my best friends, so we always have something going on.
The craziest thing I’ve done is…
…plan a trip to Scotland in three days and then do it. I traveled every weekend I was in Oxford last summer, and my procrastinating tendencies followed me everywhere I went. After I had other plans fall through one week, my friend and I tagged along on our friends’ trip, but we had to do it on really short notice. It actually turned out to be the best trip I took. Edinburgh is my favorite city after that weekend.
My favorite place to study is…
…my room. I work much better studying quietly on my own, with some tea and a blanket. Going somewhere like the SLC or the library stresses me out from being around a bunch of other people frantically working.
My favorite professor is…
…Nichole Ray in women’s studies. I’ve taken three classes with her since starting my degree, and she is a women’s studies goddess. I have learned so much from her, and the knowledge I’ve gained from her classes is the cornerstone of my feminist perspective. Anyone planning on taking either of the intro classes should look into taking it with her.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…
…Amy Poehler. If you are so much as my Facebook friend, you know I am obsessed with my favorite show, “Parks and Recreation,” in which she plays Leslie Knope. Amy is hilarious, a feminist and a great role model. I would love to just sit and talk with her and hear some of the great stories I know she has.
If I knew I could not fail, I would…
…work on implementing some large-scale PR campaigns focusing on social issues. I think the conversation needs to be opened up in the country about some very important topics, including race and racism in America, the prevalence of sexual and domestic violence, the struggles transgender individuals face, and so many others. It would be amazing to get people more informed and talking about these things.
If money was not a consideration, I would love to…
…travel more, but take my family with me. When I was in the UK last summer, I found myself wishing they were there with me most of the time, and we’ve only been able to travel outside of the States together just one time. An extended European vacation would be lovely. My parents could use the break and I know my siblings would love it.
After graduation, I plan to…
…hopefully attend the graduate program I am applying to through the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. So, stick around Athens for another year!
The one UGA experience I will always remember will be…
…studying abroad through the UGA at Oxford program last summer. There are many UGA experiences I will always remember, but none as fondly as this. I made great friends and did things I have always dreamed of. Six weeks of traveling, high table (fancy) dinners, nonstop tea drinking and studying at one of the most prestigious universities in the world will always be one of my best experiences.
