Taylor Lamb found out early in her college career about the importance of getting involved in extracurricular activities. The journalism and international affairs double major (and future lawyer) says her time at UGA will have a lasting impact on her life.
Hometown:
Valdosta, Ga.
High School:
Lowndes High School
Degree objective:
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (public relations) and a Bachelor of Arts in international affairs with an emphasis in security
Other degrees:
Certificate in global studies
Expected graduation:
May 2016
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
Attending the University of Georgia has been a dream of mine since I was 5 years old. Sometimes, walking around campus still feels surreal. My time in Athens has been the best years of my life, full of incredible people, experiences and challenges. I have grown so much in these past few years, and I’m extremely proud to say that this university and community have had a lasting impact on who I am and who I hope to become in the future.
A huge influence on my collegiate journey has been my involvement in the Student Government Association. From my start as a freshman senator on Freshman Board, I knew that SGA was a platform for me to make real change on campus, as well as collaborate with other people as passionate about UGA as I am. The following year, I had the opportunity to serve as a Franklin senator, University Council representative, and president pro-tempore. As a sophomore, I was thrown into a role usually designated for upperclassmen, but I loved the challenge. I’m too stubborn to let titles get in the way of doing my job. My junior year, I had the opportunity to give back to the program that gave me a home at UGA: Freshman Board. Having the chance to mentor 12 freshmen on legislative processes, SGA procedures and life in general was an experience unlike any other, and it was the most fulfilling experience I have had in my time here. This year, I am lucky enough to represent the Grady College in SGA and University Council. Working alongside Grady administrators to create the first Public Affairs Communications program in the nation has been incredibly exciting and rewarding. I am so blessed to forge a new pathway for students like me interested in both journalism and politics, once only possible through double majoring.
For the past two years, I have served as a justice for University Judiciary. I sit in on hearings and have a role in the proceedings, deliberations and sanction assignments. We are designed as an educational body, and we often conduct outreach programs to various areas of campus. This role has really solidified my choice to pursue law school after graduation.
This year, I was chosen to serve on the first Student Advisory Board for the vice president for instruction. Dr. Rahul Shrivastav is phenomenal and dedicated to serving the students’ interests. It has been a really interesting and rewarding experience to speak on behalf of the student body directly to an administrator who makes changes based on our recommendations.
I also serve as a student lobbyist for AIPAC. Along with two of my best friends, we travel to Washington, D.C., about three times a year to network with other students, attend informative seminars and lobby on Capitol Hill. The trips are always full of crazy adventures and unforgettable encounters, like the time we got stuck in an airport on Christmas Eve.
My time at UGA has been nothing short of lively. I’ve co-created a bipartisan political organization, been inducted into the Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society, and earned the title of brand ambassador for The Skimm. The people I’ve met and the places I’ve been these past few years have provided me with new perspectives and pushed me to become the best version of myself. UGA will always be home, and I’m incredibly thankful for this chapter in my life.
Family Ties to UGA:
I’m the first of my family to attend UGA. My acceptance letter was a dream come true for both me and my dad. He may be the biggest Dawg fan on the planet. My mom went to Auburn (bless her heart, I know), but she definitely has come around. She even has a “Georgia Mom” sticker on her car and UGA scrubs for work. They are my biggest cheerleaders and have been so supportive of all of my choices. I owe them everything in the world.
I chose to attend UGA because…
The only school I submitted an application to was UGA. I’ve been calling the Dawgs since I could talk, and my blood has always run red and black. The Zell Miller scholarship is an amazing privilege to have, and I’ve taken advantage of it. I am about to graduate with two degrees from two highly ranked colleges, and I plan on carrying the banner of Bulldog pride wherever my next steps take me.
My favorite things to do on campus are…
I absolutely love coffee dates with friends. We have so many places on and around campus to get together and talk over a cup of coffee. All of my friends will tell you I am thoroughly addicted. The staff at Jittery Joe’s knows me by name and order. I take (somewhat misplaced) pride in that.
When I have free time, I like…
Reading a book with, you guessed it, a cup of coffee. I feel like my public relations and international affairs majors supply me with plenty of reading material, so I don’t have as much time as I would like to read for pleasure. I walk to class, so I’ve really gotten into audiobooks. They are great for people on the go!
The craziest thing I’ve done is…
How to pick just one? I’m not a very “crazy person,” but I am quite clumsy, so I frequently get myself into silly mishaps. I am also very outgoing, so I set myself up for embarrassment at times. For instance, my senior year of high school, student council was putting on the homecoming skit in front of all 3,300 students. One of our actors backed out, so people were panicking and asking me for help. I was class president, so I decided to just bite the bullet and take on the role. And that’s the story of how I ended up as William Wallace in a kilt with blue face paint screaming “FREEEDOMMMM” in front of my entire school.
My favorite place to study is…
… my apartment. I have everything I could need — a big table, good lighting and an endless supply of coffee. I used to practically live at the SLC, but now I live in an apartment that is really quiet. AND I don’t have to fight for a parking spot! Added bonus.
My favorite professor is…
I’ve been really fortunate to have amazing teachers all throughout my college career, so it’s hard to pick just one. But I think I’d have to say Audrey Haynes. I’ve had her twice now, and she always makes learning a joy. I don’t mind getting up early for her lectures. They are always thrilling and hilarious.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…
Hands down, Elvis Presley. I am a huge fan of the King. I’m an old soul, and I really appreciate his music. Elvis was a societal rebel who came from humble beginnings. I’d love to hear his story in his own words. I can see us wandering around Memphis and talking in a small local restaurant over barbeque.
If I knew I could not fail, I would…
… become a Disney imagineer. My middle school art teacher told me how the studio is full of every sort of material imaginable — and artists just bounce ideas off each other in creative brainstorming sessions. I love to draw, paint and write, and I’m a huge kid at heart. I grew up watching everything Disney, and I feel like surrounding myself with some of the most creative minds would be … magical.
If money was not a consideration, I would love to…
… travel the world. There are so many places to see, and I feel like I’m already behind! I would love to bounce from country to country and try to learn some new languages. We live in an amazing country, but there is so much to see beyond our own borders. I want to see it all!
After graduation, I plan to…
… go to law school. I am currently in the middle of the application cycle, so I will be making some really big decisions soon. I’ve never lived outside of Georgia, so I’m very excited to expand my horizons a bit. This is a thrilling time in my life, and UGA has really prepared me for this next step.
The one UGA experience I will always remember will be…
… getting selected for Freshman Board. The reveal process is a roller coaster of emotions; you go from nervous, to disappointed, to absolutely elated. This was the beginning of my involvement at UGA, and my first family on campus. I will never forget how amazing it felt to realize that I was a part of the Bulldog Nation.