One day, she plans to be an attorney and newscaster. For now, Caroline Daniel of Elberton is relishing in her UGA experiences that have taken her from campus to Washington, D.C. to Spain and beyond.
Hometown:
Elberton
High School:
Elbert County Comprehensive High School
Degree objective:
A.B.J. in Digital and Broadcast Journalism
Other degrees:
A.B. in Spanish
Expected graduation:
Spring 2012
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
I’ve had numerous highlights and achievements while I’ve been a student at UGA! Highlights of my experiences include:
-Studying abroad in Valencia, Spain, traveling throughout to Madrid, Barcelona, and Bari, Italy during summer 2010. Spain was definitely the highlight of my experiences here at UGA. I met my best friend – Janda Ward – there. If anything, this trip was more than just a “study-abroad program.” This was a self- building exercise. I purposely put myself in this situation – a situation in which I would have to leave home for a while and do without my comfort zone and support system. It was another challenge, another obstacle I put in my way to help me grow. I pushed myself because I knew it would better me. Soon after, I pushed myself further…into the Washington Semester Program.
-Participating in the Washington Semester Program in DC and interning with Congressman Jack Kingston (R-GA). This program lasted for the entire spring semester of 2011. I lived with 19 other students right behind the Supreme Court and worked on Capitol Hill – everyday. It was the toughest environment I have ever been in, but I learned so much. I attended numerous hearings, wrote reports for the congressman and dealt with constituents. It was not the easiest internship – not by a longshot. But I learned an incredible amount about myself and how to better who I am.
-Interning at WTOC news station in Savannah, Ga in summer 2011. This was by far the best internship I have ever been involved in. I absolutely loved it. I worked closely with some amazing reporters and anchors and learned the ins and outs of the business. I don’t think I have ever pushed myself so much as when I was interning here.
-Being involved in Delta Gamma sorority, Sigma Alpha Lambda Honors Society and Sigma Alpha Pi Community Service Fraternity. I also have been on the Dean’s List.
Current Employment:
YoGirl at YoDawgs Yogurt on Baxter Street
Family Ties to UGA:
I have several family ties to UGA. My mother attended UGA for pre-nursing and was a Delta Gamma member. My uncle, Bill Daniel, attended UGA Law. My sister, Kelly, is currently a student at UGA.
I chose to attend UGA because…
I wanted to challenge myself. I come from a small town. Growing up, I only knew of the “small” things – small business, small schools, small environment in general. I wasn’t satisfied. I chose UGA, because I knew it would give me the challenge I wanted, the challenge I needed. Whether or not I would rise to the challenge, I did not know. However, I was willing and ready to try.
My favorite things to do on campus are…
-to hang out in the Broadcast section of the Journalism building. There are so many amazing professors and volunteers who are down there. It’s like finding diamonds in the rough.
-go to football games,not to WATCH the game but rather to watch my baby sister perform at half-time with the other majorettes. She’s definitely one of my role models.
-when I’ve had a really rough day…my favorite thing to do on campus is to find the nearest bus off of campus.
When I have free time, I like…
-to lay by the pool and just take a break
-exercise/take a walk
The craziest thing I’ve done is…
get a tattoo in Spain. It’s an Ichthys – a Christian fish – on my foot. I’ve never been the type of person to even really consider it, but I wanted to do something to remind myself of who I am and who I will always be – a Christian.
My favorite place to study is…
outside on a fall or spring day.
My favorite professor is…
Dr. Howard Wiarda – He taught the International Affairs course during the Washington Semester Program. He has done so many amazing things in his life (and still is) and I admire his incredible work ethic.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…
I’d share it with my grandmother who just recently passed away. If I’ve learned anything in my short life, it’s that family is THE most important thing. Without this, you have nothing. There is an entire list of questions and conversations I’d love to have with her. Yes, I think she would be the best person to have an afternoon with.
If I knew I could not fail, I would…
climb to the very top of any cathedral, lighthouse, statue of liberty, etc. I’m deathly afraid of heights and I always turn back. Just once, I’d like to succeed in making it to the top.
If money was not a consideration, I would love to…
start up a huge animal shelter. It breaks my heart to go and see how small and closed in the animal shelters are. The cages barely have enough room for the animal to stretch. If I had the money to do it, I would love to purchase a couple hundred acres and increase cage size and space for both cats and dogs. It’s wishful thinking, but I wouldn’t permit euthanization of the animals.
After graduation, I plan to…
ttend law school and become a prosecutor and news anchor. I would actually love to specialize in both and practice both during different intervals of my life. I am passionate about both – so, why not do both?
The one UGA experience I will always remember will be…
my study abroad trip to Spain. I can honestly say I have never been happier and more free to be me than when I was in Spain.