Hi! I’m Gracey, a senior on the pre‑med track double‑majoring in Biology and Neuroscience with a minor in Chemistry. I am originally from Germantown, Tennessee, where I grew up surrounded by football and basketball, and love experiencing the game‑day energy here at UGA. I’m a former member of the UGA women’s track and field team, so I love to stay active. If I’m not studying in the library, you can usually find me running around Athens, going on a Milledge walk, or playing pickleball. Even though I love fitness, I'm always down for a sweet treat and can share all the best spots for late-night cravings. I’m also a bit of a STEM nerd and am always excited to chat about all things science-related! I would love to share my favorite places to study, watch game days, or listen to live music and I'm happy to answer any and all questions you might have about UGA! Go Dawgs!

Hometown

Germantown, Tennessee

Major(s)

Biology, Neuroscience

Minor(s)

Chemistry

Clubs, organizations & involvement

UGA SWAB (Shop With A Bulldog) UGA Backpack Project Books for Keeps UGA Women's Track and Cross Country Team Chemistry Learning Assistant Undergraduate Research Assistant in a Nutritional Neuroscience lab

Describe your college experience

In the weeks leading up to college, I was terrified to move far away from home and begin living a life on my own. However, once I got to Georgia, I immediately found my place on campus. I was lucky to be a member of the UGA track team, which gave me an instant friend group. These friends carried me through the good and bad times and are the main reason my college experience has been so fun. Everyone at UGA is extremely nice, and I learned by simply introducing myself to other students it was easy to make new friends. By staying busy with practice, my courses, and hanging with my friends, I avoided becoming extremely homesick and have had an amazing college experience.

Tip for future students

I would seek out organizations and clubs in areas that you are interested in and join as many as possible. I recommend doing this early in the school year, as it is a great way to meet new people with similar interests to yours. Also, don't be afraid to go up and talk to other students. Most incoming students are also scared of college and hoping to make new friends, so simply introducing yourself can lead you to meeting a good friend.

Favorite class

My favorite class at UGA has been Dance Appreciation, a course that filled my Humanities and the Arts credit. Dance Appreciation focused on the history behind five major dance styles, as well as the signature moves that characterize each style. For our assignments, we had to design choreographed dances for each respective genre, utilizing the major movements we practiced in class. As someone with no background in dance, this course pushed me out of my comfort zone, allowing me to learn and grow in an area that I knew nothing about. Overall, this class challenged my creativity in a way that no other course has, and ultimately sparked a newfound respect for the art of dance.

Career goals

After college, I hope to go to medical school to become a doctor. I am currently interested in physiatry, but am open to all specialty types. I also would like to remain involved in medical research in some way, so becoming a practitioner that also contributes to research would be ideal.

Ideal way to spend a free night

My ideal way to spend a free night would be hanging out with my friends around a campfire. Many of my favorite college memories were from campfires in my friend's backyard, where we all sat around playing games, telling stories, and making s'mores.

High school or secondary school

Houston High School

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is a bench in North Campus near the Main Library. I believe that North Campus is the prettiest area in the UGA campus, and this bench gives me the perfect view of the trees, greenery, and old architecture buildings. During long study grinds at the library, I like to give myself a mental refresh by sitting out on this bench and enjoying the scenery. It allows me to reconnect with the beauty of nature and wash away the stresses of class. It has developed into a place of peace for me never fails to provide mental clarity during finals or exam season.