Graduate student Kristina Taylor came to UGA from Texas in 1999 to play basketball for the Lady Bulldogs and go to business school, but she says fate dealt her the “toughest years of my life.” Injuries, including serious knee injuries last year and during her freshman year, have plagued her basketball career. On top of it all, her father died suddenly during her junior year. Still, she was one of only two players to play in every game during the 2002-2003 season, and she started in the Sweet Sixteen game against the Duke Blue Devils. She is no slacker in the classroom either. She finished bachelor’s degrees in accounting and finance, and she is now working on a master’s degree in accounting at UGA’s top-20 ranked Terry College of Business. This year, she is playing for the Lady Bulldogs after receiving a sixth-year waiver from the NCAA, and after graduation this summer, she plans to become a Certified Public Accountant.
Hometown:
Longview, TX
High School:
Longview High School
Degree objective:
Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
Other degrees:
B.B.A., University of Georgia (Finance), 2004
B.B.A., University of Georgia (Accounting), 2003
Expected graduation:
Summer 2005
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
I think that my greatest achievement has been graduating with my first accounting degree. While I was pursuing that degree, I went through many ups and downs. During my second semester in my major classes, my dad passed away suddenly, and I missed a considerable number of classes. In addition, my willpower to stay at the University was waning, but I knew that my dad’s dream was for me to finish. As far as basketball is concerned, I have endured numerous injuries since I first stepped foot on campus. Being unable to participate in an activity that I love was very hard to deal with, and when you mix it with the difficult school load and the death of my dad, I have faced significant struggles. So, graduating is something that I am very proud of because I know that I got through the toughest years of my life while I was pursuing that degree.
Family Ties to UGA:
I have one sister who attends Texas A&M. She is definitely my best friend and my biggest supporter. My mom is the person who I admire the most because she has so much strength, even when difficult times arise. My dad, although gone now, was the person who pushed me to do well in everything that I did. He was the person to put the basketball in my hand, and he taught me about the importance of a good education.
I chose to attend UGA because…
…I loved the basketball program that existed here. I loved the great team chemistry and their willingness to work hard to achieve the ultimate goal—a championship. In addition, I knew that I wanted to be an accountant, and the Terry College of Business was a school ranked among the top schools in the country. Those were just a few reasons why I picked UGA.
When I have free time, I like…
…going to the movies. I either go to the movies once or twice a week or I rent two or three movies each week.
My favorite place to study is…
…at my apartment. I enjoy studying there because I can control the atmosphere.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…
…to go the sad route, I would say my dad. However, I would also like to spend an afternoon with my mom and my sister. I have learned one thing with my dad’s death, and that is to love those who are living to the best of your ability because we never know when our time is due.
If money was not a consideration, I would love to…
…go to underdeveloped countries and help children who are dealing with AIDS and other terminal illnesses. There are so many people in need over here and abroad, and I would love to help them if there was any way possible.
After graduation, I plan to…
…get a job (God willing) and then pursue my CPA license.