Senior Shari McIntosh has found her voice. She says the University of Georgia has been the catalyst for her to fulfill her “personal mantra of being able to lead, serve, impact and grow.”
Hometown:
Lithonia, GA
High School:
Chamblee Charter High School
Degree objective:
A.B.J. in public relations, minor in communication studies
Expected graduation:
May 2013
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
Being a member of the Student Alumni Council has been one of the greatest highlights of my college career. Since I interviewed my freshman year, my three years on the council have opened up a wealth of opportunities that have truly enriched my experience at UGA. Promoting the traditions and history as “G Book” senior editor and coordinator, traveling to various freshman sendoffs and UGA Days, networking with some of our greatest alums and announcing the fastest-growing alumni-owned businesses at Bulldog 100 are just a few of the exceptional opportunities I’ve been exposed to in this organization. Through the Student Alumni Council, I’ve been able to find my voice, understand my value and promote a mission that allows me to lead and serve my university. Now serving as president, I continue to put forth my best effort in leaving a legacy that will inspire others to make the most of their time at UGA.
I’ve also had the privilege of being involved in various organizations and leadership capacities on campus. I’ve served as a hall representative for the Residence Hall Association, a member of the Student Union, a New Orleans Alternative Spring Break volunteer, assistant social chair for Women in Business, member of the Public Relations Student Society of America, National Society of Collegiate Scholars member, National Residence Hall Honorary, and honored as 2011-12 Member of the Year for the Student Alumni Council. As a student, I’ve also worked throughout my college career as a desk assistant at Russell Hall, a SkySuite ambassador for Georgia Athletic Hospitality, currently a student worker of events at the UGA Alumni Association, and completed internships with the Alumni Association and Target. As I complete my senior year, I continue to be blessed with endeavors advancing me personally and professionally.
Current Employment:
Student worker of events at the UGA Alumni Association
Family Ties to UGA:
I will be the first in my family to graduate from UGA and hopefully not the last. My brother-in-law, Demario Minter, played football at UGA from 2002-2005 and was recruited to the NFL in 2006.
I chose to attend UGA because…
The reason why I came to UGA doesn’t compare to how I feel about my soon-to-be alma mater. My first year going here I didn’t have the same intrinsic feeling many of my peers had about this university. UGA isn’t imbedded in my family, and the size of this school at first seemed difficult to tap into. This was also what compelled me to stand out and make my mark at this university.
I can better answer the question, “What does UGA mean to me?” My three responses to this are:
1. It means that I am now a part of a legacy much greater than myself. I have a duty to uphold the standards of this institution while I am here and as an alum. I will support this university and give back to it in all the ways it has done for me.
2. It means I can confidently say that I’ve fulfilled my personal mantra of being able to lead, serve, impact and grow. UGA has been my catalyst for those personal efforts. I will be forever grateful knowing that I will leave here a better person than when I came.
3. It means that I have family members in all parts of the world who can share with me the pride, tradition and spirit of this institution. These are the reasons why I will be proud to say that I am a graduate of the University of Georgia.
My favorite things to do on campus are…
… walking around North Campus both at sunset and nighttime. It is a sacred experience to be surrounded by buildings and history more than 200 years old.
It should also be no surprise that I love attending football games “between the hedges.” There is no better venue or experience than being surrounded by 92,745 of your closest friends, cheering on the Dawgs.
When I have free time, I like…
… enjoying anything Athens has to offer. I don’t have too much longer to take advantage of the restaurants, shops, boutiques and vibe this college town has to offer.
The craziest thing I’ve done is…
… intern full time and take a four-week accounting class at the same time. It wasn’t the wisest decision considering all of the work and traveling I was doing, but it surely taught me a lesson in balancing my work and not overcommitting. Sometimes it takes an experience like that to teach you the best lessons.
My favorite place to study is…
… the law library. I may not be a law student, but I surely feel like one surrounded by them in that environment. It’s something about those long desks and gigantic books that makes me that much more productive.
My favorite professor is…
… Belinda Stillion Southard, because she refined the lens through which I see the world. She was my Women and United States Public Discourse professor and taught our class with such elegance, confidence and interest that allowed us to be fully enthralled in the content. Her teaching not only provided us with the historic context of what we were learning, but also the modern implications and results of it as well. She is a phenomenal educator and her gift is certainly worthy of accolade.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…
… Michelle Obama. She is the epitome of strength, intelligence, class and confidence. Her work is commendable and her words of empowerment would be worth me giving up an afternoon to hear.
If I knew I could not fail, I would…
… stay on the path I am now. There is no certainty what my future may hold, but I intend on staying confident and believing in whatever God has in store for me. Failure may seem like a fear, but I turn it into fuel for getting me to wherever I may go. Without failure, I wouldn’t be the person I am today, and I am proud of who I am.
If money was not a consideration, I would love to…
… travel around the world and learn the history, culture, struggles and overall vision of our world community. I would take that opportunity to also give back in any way I can. I can’t go without saying that I’d enjoy the best places to eat that have been featured on the Food Network. I’m a foodie and it only comes with the territory of experiencing other cultures.
After graduation, I plan to…
… do my best to uphold the pillars of the Arch while striving to meet my goals. As I figure out the exact path I will take after graduation, I hope to work for a company that will allow me to grow and prosper personally and professionally. Wherever I end up, I intend on continuing my diligent work ethic and gaining the skills necessary to one day own my own business and give back in the capacity of which I choose.
The one UGA experience I will always remember will be…
… seeing the gates of Sanford Stadium open to more than 3,000 first-year students for the inaugural Freshman Welcome event in 2011. I played an integral role in planning this event. All of the effort put into it was worth seeing the impact it made. This event will serve as one of the first memories freshmen will have during their UGA career. It was even more special in 2012 to have spoken in front of 4,000 freshmen on the field. I was able to communicate the message of the history and traditions of this university through the “G Book,” as well as the reason why they should give back to the university as members of this Bulldog family. Planning this event will forever be a memory I will cherish.
