Madison Jones has found that she can combine rigorous academics with service to the community at UGA, and considering she has been a Bulldog fan her whole life, her college choice was a pretty easy one.
Hometown:
Norcross, Ga.
High School:
Providence Christian Academy
Degree objective:
English and English Education with a Spanish minor
Expected graduation:
May 2017
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
When I first came to UGA three years ago, I had no clue how many opportunities I would find in this town to grow, lead and excel.
Academics have always held an important role in my life, but UGA revolutionized education for me, as college should. I came to UGA with a Zell Miller Scholarship, and I have maintained this honor throughout the years along with other honors such as the dean’s list and a Joshua Brown nomination. These academic successes, however, do not come close to the growth I have experienced inside the classroom. The devoted professors of the English department here have taught me to expand my mind, perspective and self. I came to this school obsessing over my testing scores and GPA, and while those aspects are still important to me, I leave valuing challenges and intellectual pursuit over a number.
Volunteer work has been a large part of my university experience. As a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, I am honored to serve our philanthropy (Alpha Gamma Delta Foundation) supporting children with diabetes and their families. As an Athens Church small group leader, I have also been able to mentor and befriend many girls from the community in the past three years. Because of this enriching experience, I’m thrilled for the opportunity to work as the Student Ministries LDP (summer intern) this summer. Along with these organizations, I have served as a tutor for Oasis tutoring and Thomas Lay. Both services allowed for me to learn about my city and grow as a teacher and person. Volunteer work has provided me an opportunity to develop my leadership and communication skills while giving back to the community around me.
These experiences are only a few of the many highlights of my college years. I am excited for those still to come in my last year of my undergrad.
Current Employment:
— Student ministries intern for Athens Church
— Assistant volleyball coach for Athens Academy
Family Ties to UGA:
I was born and raised a Georgia Dawg. My parents took my brother, sister and me to Georgia football games our entire lives. My parents always took us by the journalism building to see the crosswalk where they first met while roller skating, like all adorable couples from the ’80s. I spent my middle school and early high school years sleeping over in my older sister’s dorm room in Myers Hall and seeing all her favorite spots on campus. By the time I received my acceptance to UGA, Athens had already become a part of my family.
I chose to attend UGA because…
… UGA was my No. 1 school. I looked into some other options to pursue athletics, but I couldn’t find anything with the rich history of a town like Athens and the elevated academics of UGA. The English and education departments at Georgia both impressed me and motivated me to attend UGA.
My favorite things to do on campus are…
I love meeting friends for a quick bite at Bolton between classes since cooking is hard and the commuter meal plan is a gift to mankind. My favorite activities on campus probably happen inside the classrooms, though. My English professors and fellow classmates provide amazing discussions and a wonderful atmosphere, especially in my creative writing classes.
When I have free time, I like…
Whenever I find a spare hour or two in my schedule, I walk straight to Jittery Joe’s for some writing time. If I have less than an hour but more than 15 minutes, then you’ll probably find me in the Cookout drive-thru ordering a seven-flavored milkshake.
The craziest thing I’ve done is…
My sister, sister-in-law and I all took a weekend trip to New York City this past October. It has always been on my bucket list to go ice skating in Rockefeller Plaza, but we all decided the price was a little too steep for that trip’s budget. Our last night there, we were falling asleep when I decided I didn’t think I could give up the Rockefeller dream. The last round of skating started in 20 minutes and we were more than a couple of blocks away. Fast forward 20 minutes and there we were, ice skating alone in Rockefeller Plaza in our pajamas.
My favorite place to study is…
… Hendershot’s. The chair facing the rest of the shop at the table by the large window. Please leave this gold mine untouched. I’m trusting you. Much appreciated.
My favorite professor is…
Hard to pick one so I won’t. Professors LeGette and Menke were definitely two of my favorites during my underclassman days. They were both so engaging and knowledgeable. Currently I have professor Saxton for “Age of Johnson,” and I love it. I took the class begrudgingly because I needed to fill the requirement but due to Saxton’s engaging approach, it has become one of my favorite classes of my undergrad.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…
First, my sister. Second, Meryl Streep.
If I knew I could not fail, I would…
…become an actress. I always loved theater as a kid but gave it up to pursue more athletics and academics. I’m secretly jealous of every theater kid on campus.
If money was not a consideration, I would love to…
… move to London and buy an amazing flat for me to live in when I’m not running my bookstore/bakery downstairs.
After graduation, I plan to…
As of now, I hope to teach for a few years before returning to pursue my English degree further.
The one UGA experience I will always remember will be…
… studying abroad. I was fortunate enough to live in Valencia, Spain, for two months with one of my best friends and many other fantastic UGA students. I’ll never forget sleeping on the beach with all of my old and new friends on our last night in Valencia. It was a once in a lifetime summer if I’ve ever had one.
