Abigail Harrison, a third-generation Bulldog, volunteers in the community, is an ambassador for the College of Family and Consumer Sciences and was nominated for the Blue Key Honor Society. For someone who loves UGA and Athens so much, it’s no surprise she plans on becoming a “Double Dawg.”
Hometown:
Athens, Georgia
High School:
Oconee County High School
Degree objective:
Magazine journalism degree in the Grady College of Journalism; consumer journalism degree in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences
Expected graduation:
May 2017
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
During my time at the University of Georgia I have been blessed by wonderful friendships, professors who push me to be my very best, and memories that I will cherish forever. The people I’ve met and the experiences I have had here have helped shaped me into the person I am today. I have been given the opportunity to give back to the university and Athens community through various student organizations, including Shop with a Bulldawg, Freshman Greek Leaders and the FACS Forward Mentor Program. I am able to represent the College of Family and Consumer Sciences through the College Ambassador Program, where I participate in various recruitment and college events throughout the school year. I am also an active member in the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, where I was given the opportunity to serve in an executive officer position during the 2015 school year. Working with my 12 fellow Executive Council members was definitely a highlight of my college career. And I know I will keep those friendships for a lifetime!
During the spring of 2016 I was nominated for the Blue Key Honor Society, which was a huge honor to even be considered for membership in this organization. I was also selected to serve as the FACS college representative on a board of students who selected the 2016 Academic Advisor of the Year. This particular experience was a highlight of my college career because I was able to meet and collaborate with representatives from each college at UGA. Other activities I participate in include being a student writer for the College of Family and Consumer Sciences and a contributing writer for Southern Journal Magazine based out of Atlanta. Both of these experiences have greatly improved my writing ability, while also preparing me for a future career in journalism.
Attending the University of Georgia has truly been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I have made so many wonderful friendships and memories during my three years as a student here. I am proud to be a Bulldawg and very grateful to have one more year in the Classic City!
Family Ties to UGA:
As an Athens native, I would definitely say being a Georgia Bulldawg has always been in my blood! I am a third-generation Bulldawg with my grandfather, both parents, an aunt and older brother all attending the University of Georgia. Both of my parents’ families are from the Athens area and have lived here for many generations. My family is not only tied to this university but to this city as well! And because of this, Athens will always be home no matter where I end up in the future.
I chose to attend UGA because…
… there is honestly no place like Athens, Georgia. Growing up in a family of Bulldawgs, I have always been a Georgia fan. It honestly just made sense for me to become the next Bulldawg in the family. I cannot wait until I can join my other family members under the Arch after I graduate in May 2017.
My favorite things to do on campus are…
I have so many favorites so I will just narrow it down to my top five!
1. Enjoying a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream cone with friends on the historic North Campus.
2. Reading in the Founders Memorial Garden when the flowers are in bloom. This area of campus is so therapeutic.
3. Ringing the Chapel Bell. It just puts me in a great mood!
4. Hanging out in Dawson Hall with my fellow College of Family and Consumer Sciences ambassadors. We call it the “Dawoffice.”
5. Cheering on the Dawgs in Sanford Stadium. Nothing beats a Saturday in Athens.
When I have free time, I like…
Anyone who knows me knows there is nothing I love more than my family. I take every opportunity to be with them that I can. And going to college so close to home makes this easy.
I was a competitive cheerleader in high school and I have made it a priority to keep my tumbling and stunting skills up even in college. If I need a study break, I will take a trip to the local gymnastics gym to let off some steam while also getting a good workout in.
If I have a few days of free time, I can be found strolling the beach at Amelia Island. Having grown up going to this beach, I have so many wonderful memories here and it’s one of the only places I can truly relax. I also enjoy photography, reading and playing piano.
The craziest thing I’ve done is…
When I was in sixth grade, I shattered several bones in my left hand during competition cheerleading practice. I knew it was seriously hurt, but I didn’t tell my mom because I had a horseback riding lesson the following day. I knew she would make me skip it if I told her about my hand, so I decided to hide how much it was actually swollen until after my lesson. As I was completing my hunter/jumper course my mom saw me reining the horse with one hand. She then noticed how swollen my hand was and made me get off the horse and immediately took me to the hospital. We are able to laugh about it now, but at the time I was in big trouble!
My favorite place to study is…
… Two-Story Coffee Shop in Five Points. Two-Story is super cozy and has the best cup of coffee anywhere in Athens. I definitely recommend this shop for both studying and socializing with friends.
My favorite professor is…
Both the Grady College of Journalism and the College of Family and Consumer Sciences have incredible professors. I have been blessed to have had so many great professors during my time at UGA. However, if I had to pick my favorite, I would without a doubt pick William Lee in the Grady College.
I took Dr. Lee’s Communications Law class during the fall of 2015. Though this was the most challenging class I have ever taken, it was also my most enjoyable. Dr. Lee was so knowledgeable on the subject and it was obvious that he wanted each of his students to succeed. He was always engaging and kept the lectures exciting, which can be a difficult task when talking about libel law. He’s not only one of the best professors in the Grady College, he is without a doubt one of the best professors at UGA. We are blessed to have him as a faculty member!
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…
… designer Joanna Gaines and her husband, Chip, from HGTV’s “Fixer Upper.” The couple’s determination, faith and hard work has been an inspiration to so many people, including myself. Beginning a single business, Magnolia Homes, the couple has a created a business empire in their hometown of Waco, Texas. Their influence on the design industry has popularized the “rustic chic” trend seen throughout homes across the country. Without any previous education in interior design, Joanna has become one of the most sought after designers in the industry, which is a testament to her skill and keen eye. And Chip is absolutely hilarious so I would love to see what kind of shenanigans he would get into during our afternoon together.
If I knew I could not fail, I would…
… take a moment to evaluate the situation at hand. I am an extremely driven and determined individual, so the first thing I would do is create a plan of action that would help me complete the task(s). I would establish what my goals are and what challenges I might face while trying to accomplish these goals. I have always believed that obstacles are not setbacks; rather they are stepping stones toward success. With this mindset, it is impossible to fail!
If money was not a consideration, I would love to…
… buy a historic home in Charleston, South Carolina. I would completely restore the home to its original glory. Every year my mom and I take a trip to Charleston and since a young age I have felt a connection to the city. I have always been fascinated by architecture and history, so Charleston is heaven on Earth for me! And buying a home here is definitely a lifelong dream of mine.
After graduation, I plan to…
… become a “Double Dawg” and receive a master’s degree in education from the University of Georgia.
The one UGA experience I will always remember will be…
During my three years at the University of Georgia, I have made so many wonderful memories and friendships with the people I have met here. One experience that will forever stay with me actually occurred during the spring of 2016. For the 2016 G-Day game I was given the incredible opportunity to watch the game from one of the stadium’s skybox suites! I had the best time watching the game from this vantage point. I will never forget the view of the stadium from the box and looking at the beautiful Athens skyline on the horizon. This experience was also special because I was able to witness the return of Coach Kirby Smart to the Bulldawg family! This will forever be one of my most cherished memories.
