Morgan Easley is passionate about being of service to others and believes her well-rounded education at UGA has opened many opportunities for the future.
Hometown:
Fairburn, GA
High School:
Creekside High School
Degree objective:
B.S.F.C.S. Human Development and Family Science, Communication Studies Minor
Expected graduation:
May 2018
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
When I came to UGA, I was concerned about finding my place and having a memorable experience. I had no need to worry because my memorable experience was already underway.
I began working in the Student Success and Advising Center as a work study. Here, I was introduced to all the programs in the college, and even met one of my dearest college friends in the center. After interning at the state Capitol, I returned and began as an intern in the center last fall. This year, I serve as lead intern in the center, promoting all our programs and recruiting students (current and prospective) into the college, student leadership and experiential learning opportunities offered.
I serve also as a FACS ambassador, where I represent the college on campus and at various events. On a daily basis, you can find me sharing my authentic self and experiences in FACS especially with others in hopes to help them progress to the next level.
Additionally, I serve as the executive director of the Student Association of Family and Consumer Sciences — the general organization for all majors in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. I enjoy leading this organization and am so excited to hone my leadership skills to benefit the organization and our members.
Current Employment:
I currently serve as lead intern in the Student Success and Advising Center, UGA College of Family and Consumer Sciences. In this position, I interact with prospective and current students as well as faculty, staff and other stakeholders. My role includes recruiting new students and families during college and UGA Admissions sessions and training new student staff.
Family Ties to UGA:
The greater majority of my family are die-hard Georgia football fans, but none actually attended. It was a dream come true for me and my family to be one of the first to attend the finest institution in the land! Go Dawgs!
I chose to attend UGA because…
UGA was my school of choice for several reasons. It is a large public university with many options and opportunities for student leadership and involvement. Also, UGA is known across the nation for exemplary research and profound academic achievement among its students. Above all, UGA has a rich history and heritage that reflects excellence, progression and success; I am so proud to be a part of such an amazing institution and to call myself a Georgia Bulldog.
My favorite things to do on campus are…
I enjoy being a part of different organizations on campus. I love dancing with my friends in Pamoja Dance Company and serving on the executive board of the Student Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. The two organizations are the perfect balance for me — all about business and all about having some fun, too!
When I have free time, I like…
… to sit on the steps on the front porch of Dawson Hall and watch buses go by, students walk by, and just to see the movement of campus. And if I’m not on the front porch, I’m on the side bench soaking up some sun.
The craziest thing I’ve done is…
Applying for the FACS Legislative Aide Program was the craziest thing I’ve probably done at UGA, but also one of the most rewarding. I applied as a sophomore, with little to no interest in policy or government. Once I received my acceptance into the program, I was thrilled, but did not know what I was getting myself into.
I had an amazing experience working as a direct aide to Rep. Chuck Williams. I had many opportunities to explore my areas of interest, while providing support to him during the fast-paced legislative session. It was during this time that I discovered my interest and involvement in policy and government.
My favorite place to study is…
… in the MLC study rooms. It’s typically quiet, but also very energized at the same time. I thrive off knowing there are others studying, but I also like the fact that the study rooms provide just enough privacy for me to focus on the task at hand.
My favorite professor is…
Dr. Melissa Kozak is my favorite teacher at the university. She is non-traditional yet so inclusive that it’s contagious. Her assignments are always thought-provoking, and her personality reflects that of the culture in FACS and at the university. It’s so comforting to have a faculty member who is also realistic and relatable. When I took a “Family Policy” course with Dr. Kozak, it sparked something that was already in me. Her feedback let me know that I had chosen the right major; many were the times her response to my questions was, “It depends.” A lot of times, it does depend! But this response is always thought-provoking due to its open-ended nature. She inspires me to take on the challenge of making a positive difference in the world.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…
… the late Maya Angelou. Angelou spoke profoundly and inspired many, but she also served as a pioneer creating the standard for excellence in truth, love and all things excellence. I would have loved to sit down and just listen to her speak.
If I knew I could not fail, I would…
… bring people together to live productively and harmoniously. While I know differences exist, I also believe that collaboration is necessary to effect change.
If money was not a consideration, I would love to…
… travel the world. I’d love to take my family along with me. I value family and wouldn’t be here without the love and support from them. I hope to one day show them my appreciation for all they’ve done throughout my growth and development before college and especially for sticking by me during my time at UGA.
What is your passion and how are you committed to pursuing it?
My passion is being of service to others. Whether it be helping to develop professional skills or working to have someone treated fairly, I aspire to do my part to help others. I am committed to pursuing my passion by pursuing professional higher ed and applying my knowledge to an array of groups/individuals who can benefit from it.
After graduation, I plan to…
I am considering several options after graduation: law school, working at the university and graduate school. These are all tracks that may potentially lead to my niche in public service. I also plan to pursue my own consulting company to exercise many of the event planning and interpersonal skills I’ve gained at UGA.
The one UGA experience I will always remember will be…
I will always remember my freshman year at UGA. Moving onto a HUGE college campus, living in Brumby, community bathrooms — the freshman experience is something I will never forget. In retrospect, freshman year zipped by, but it began such a memorable experience for me here at the University of Georgia, and for that I am ever grateful.
