Hi! I'm Ava, a psychology and criminal justice major in my junior year at the University of Georgia! I transferred from the University of North Georgia my sophomore year, and UGA has quickly turned into my second home. You’ll usually find me lounging on the grass of North campus writing stories, dragging my friends to O-House (the best dining hall ever!), or locking myself up in a study room at the MLC to do homework. I truly love this campus and all it has to offer, from all its most memorable spots to the hidden gems most people don’t know about (I’ll show you!). I’d be happy to show you the best study spots on campus, all the good places to get a quick snack and a cup of coffee, the prettiest parts of campus, and give you the completely honest lowdown on what everyday life looks like here on campus. From discussing the quirky traditions and chaotic football games to the best dining halls (in my “professional” culinary opinion) — I’m excited to show you the place of which I’m so proud to be a part! Come with questions about both UGA and Athens, I'll be happy to answer any you may have!

Hometown

Peachtree City, GA

Major(s)

Psychology, Criminal Justice

Clubs, organizations & involvement

I am involved in the Psi Chi Honors Society, the Criminal Justice Society, and the Forensic Science Society at UGA. I intend to join even more clubs and organizations and am on the lookout for ones related to my personal hobbies and interests!

Describe your college experience

My college experience so far has been incredible. I started my freshman year at UNG Oconee in Watkinsville. I lived off campus with my best friend here in Athens and still experienced a lot of the wonders of campus while attending another college! I had a conditional transfer to UGA, so I had a guaranteed spot for my Sophomore year; when my freshman year ended and it was time to start my journey at UGA, I was thrilled. It has only been a little over a year since I started attending UGA, and I have already met so many amazing friends, involved myself in campus events and organizations, and learned how to balance my social life with my schoolwork at a rigorous university! Adjusting to the workload of UGA was a little difficult at first because I used to be a "wing-it" student in high school and didn't quite know what to expect here (as UNG was very manageable), but I quickly dropped those habits and got into the swing of things. I have been having so much fun here and I have grown a lot as a student!

Tip for future students

A few tips I would like to share with future students would be: come in as your authentic self, maintain an open mind, don't be afraid of approaching​/​talking to others, keep a calendar of assignments, and to find out what motivates you to study and to do your work (it will sneak up on you fast, and you do not want to fall behind)! Throughout my college experience, being my true self has been the one thing that has helped me the most. Coming into college is horrifying for so many, as it was for me, and it can be really easy to look around and see what's working for others and to adopt those characteristics (whether it be styles, personalities, etc, of your peers). The only way you'll find your true people is to be yourself and to not change for anyone, even if it seems easiest in the moment. One other very important thing is to not be afraid of talking to people! I was a little reluctant at first, but the moment I leaped to start talking to strangers in my classes and on campus, I made some of my best friends. It can be scary, and the fear of judgment or embarrassment can cloud the vision, but I want future students to know that social life at college is so different than it was in high school. Here, almost starting fresh, meaning so many people are in the same boat! So I would say to please not be scared of taking that chance; it's how you meet so many people! I could go on and on, but I'll leave it at that!

Favorite class

Human sexuality! I took it last semester at UGA, and it was so interesting and really eye-opening. We discussed plenty of social topics and issues that are extremely important to today, including ones that are currently being threatened. We also learned valuable information surrounding sex education, STIs, human anatomy, sexual deviance, and other related topics that many students often miss out on. I'm very passionate about inclusivity and making everybody feel welcome, especially in places where some might feel less welcome than in others.

Career goals

I hope to be a forensic psychologist! I adore both psychology and criminal justice​/​law. The legal system of the United States, paired with abnormal psychology, interests me to no end, and I intend to combine the two to make a genuine impact on changing the way the legal system views and treats those with cognitive disabilities and mental health illnesses. I want to be a representative for those who are unable to stand up for themselves in legal situations and to aid in criminal investigations and evaluations.

Ideal way to spend a free night

I absolutely love hanging out with my friends whenever possible! I have always been a very social person, and I thrive in settings with lots of people. When I'm not hanging out with my friends or my roommate, I also enjoy time to myself. I love creative writing, drawing, puzzling, or anything creative! If I had to describe the perfect free night, I would go out to dinner with my brother and friends, then come back to one of our houses to play lots of board games, have a movie marathon, and talk for hours about anything and everything!

High school or secondary school

McIntosh High School

Previous college

University of North Georgia

Favorite spot on campus

My favorite spot on campus is anywhere on North Campus! I enjoy going to both the Main Library and the Law Library to study. When it gets nice and cool outside, I love to sit outside in the green space in front of the Main Library and do homework​/​read. The MLC is an incredible place to get work done, and I find myself there almost every other day​/​every weekend when I need to hold myself accountable and get stuff finished. There are so many incredible places to hang out on campus, whether it be knocking around with friends between classes or studying!