Chloe Thompson has been taking advantage of the opportunities she has had at UGA. Like most honors students, she had several options when it came to choosing a college. She settled on UGA because it was close to home, because she could get student-priced football tickets, and because the Foundation Fellowship allows her to see the world. She has traveled from Costa Rica to Vietnam and believes that the experiences enhance her studies—and her future—as a student of international business. After graduation, she plans to become an investment banker and then pursue a career in law.
Hometown:
Lithonia, Georgia
High School:
Stephenson High School
Other degrees:
B.B.A. in International Business with a Spanish minor
Expected graduation:
May 2006
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
As a Foundation Fellow, I have had the awesome opportunity to travel to several different countries in a matter of two years. From Costa Rica to Vietnam, I have had first hand experience with various cultures. These travel opportunities have supplemented my international business courses greatly. I have also had the opportunity to meet some of the world’s greatest business minds through the Leonard Leadership Scholars Program. Having the opportunity to sit down with corporate CEOs, investment bankers, and high level executives has certainly been a highlight of my UGA career. In addition to these programs I am also involved in various honor societies and organizations on campus. I was a Co-Coordinator for the Tate Honor Society’s Tate Days philanthropy this year. I am the current treasurer of Rotaract UGA and Vice President of Public Relations for the International Business Society. I am also a former participant in the LeaderShape Institute, and I have volunteered at the Boys & Girls Club, Athens homeless shelter, and with the WOW Playground Project.
I chose to attend UGA because…
I received scholarship offers from other colleges, but the travel opportunities of the Foundation Fellowship were unmatched by the other schools. I had never been out of the country and the idea of traveling around the world really sealed my decision. I also liked UGA’s reputation. I realized that UGA would give me the opportunity to meet some of Georgia’s best, brightest, and most successful citizens. I knew that I would receive a quality education without going too far away from my family. I also love football. I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to get a great education, the chance to study abroad, and student tickets to the Georgia Bulldogs football games.
My favorite things to do on campus are…
I love to walk through North Campus on a warm, sunny day. There are always people outside reading, playing frisbee, or walking their dogs. It’s a relaxing setting. I also like to hear different speakers when they visit campus. Whether it’s a special lecture in the chapel or a local businessperson at a student organization’s meeting, it’s always interesting to hear different people’s life stories. I always try to leave with at least one quote or new perspective that I can incorporate into my life.
When I have free time, I like…
…to read. I’ve always loved reading for leisure, so it’s the first thing on my agenda when I have extra time. Books can take me places and teach me things I’ve never even heard of before. I also love to cook in my free time. Contrary to popular belief, you can learn things from TV. I’ve personally gained a lot from the Food Network. I like to watch different shows and try the recipes myself. Sometimes I get them right, sometimes I don’t. It’s still fun to try, though.
The craziest thing I’ve done is…
I spent last summer volunteering in Costa Rica and Guatemala through a program out of New York called Cross Cultural Solutions. The program is structured so that the volunteers have the opportunity to spend time on the weekends exploring the country they are in. I only spent one weekend in Guatemala , but I used that weekend to climb to the top of an active volcano in Antigua. I actually saw the lava as I stood at the edge of the volcanic crater. It was the most terrifying, yet most exhilarating, experience of my life. I don’t think I’d ever do it again, but I’m glad I had the experience.
My favorite place to study is…
…the SLC. I like the availability of the computers there. A lot of my professors use WebCT or Blackboard to post notes, assignments, etc. I can go to the SLC and quickly access the most of the information I need in order to study. I also like the SLC because I’m bound to run into a friend who can provide a distraction if I need one.
My favorite professor is…
…Vikki Clawson. She was my professor for ILAD 4100 last fall. I really learned a lot about myself and how I relate to other people from her. She taught me a lot about integrity and leadership. Dr. Clawson is a living example of the things she teaches in class. She leads by example and always keeps her word. She really takes a personal interest in her students and makes it her business to see that they succeed. I never felt like she was there solely for the paycheck. I always felt that if something mattered to me, then it also mattered to her. She still sends the class encouraging quotes just in case we ever feel uninspired.
If money was not a consideration, I would love to…
…start a scholarship fund to provide international travel to underprivileged youth. Since I have had the opportunity to travel, I feel that it is only right for me to pass that opportunity on to someone else. Traveling around the world has really opened my eyes. It has taught me how to retain my identity while still being respectful of other cultures and ideas. It has also taught me independence and flexibility. These are important things for young people to learn, but most of them will never have the opportunity to have the experience. You have to understand that the world is a huge place in order to compete in today’s global society. I want to give underprivileged kids that understanding so that they can have a chance to succeed.
The one UGA experience I will always remember will be…
…watching Georgia beat Florida in Jacksonville this season. After witnessing two heartbreaking losses in Alltel Stadium, I didn’t get a ticket to the game this year. I still went down to Jacksonville , though, and watched the game on the big screen outside of the stadium. While I wish I had actually been inside the game, being in that victorious atmosphere was good enough. I’ve never been so proud to be a Georgia Bulldog.
