Meet Our Team

Junior
Biology Major & Music Minor
Mobile, AL

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
I chose Georgia Southern because I loved how beautiful the campus is. Also, I was telling my siblings who had already been through college some of the incredible programs and amenities here and they were shocked with how many things we got here that a lot of colleges don’t offer!

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
Sweetheart circle because of the greenery and atmosphere. Love to go there for picnics & painting.

What are you most excited about this summer?
Spending time with the fellow SOAR Leaders and trying new restaurants around the area!

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
Don’t just be a part of someone’s college experience. Make sure you’re making your own memories here. Always take pictures to look back on them!

One fun fact about you!
I have an amazingly convincing fake sneeze.

2021 Graduate
Nursing Major
Grayson, GA

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
I chose Georgia Southern because I instantly felt at home the day I came to visit the school. I loved the people I interacted with, I loved the campus, and all it had to offer me. I also really loved how green and beautiful our campus is especially down our pedestrian!

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
The Student Union! I love this place because not only can I grab a quick meal from CFA or a quick cup of coffee from Starbucks but I can also study or hangout with my friends and make memories while at it!

What are you most excited about this summer?
I am very excited to connect with you all! I am also very excited to spend my last summer in Statesboro with my SOAR teammates! They are some of the best people I have met in college and I can’t wait for you all to get to know them too.

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
My advice would be to try your best to avoid comparing your collegiate career to someone else’s. Everyone’s journey and experiences in college is bound to be different. Let me be the one to remind you that that is okay! Whether you graduate in 3 years or 5 years, make the most of your time in college. Step out of your comfort zone. Be present and make those meaningful connections while you are at it. Get involved and let your voice be heard. Your time in college will fly by and it will be worth it in the end!

One fun fact about you!
I am a coffee addict and I have found a new passion in weightlifting!

Senior
Marketing Major
Rentz, GA

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
I chose Georgia Southern because of large scale-small town feel of the campus. Even with over 20,000 students, there is an opportunity for every student to make GSU home!

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
Paulson Stadium! I love every little tradition that takes place there is awesome! From the very beginning of the game with Eagle Walk and Freedom’s Flight to the very end with the singing of the Alma Mater with the band, it is always a rad time!

What are you most excited about this summer?
I am super duper excited to get to welcome home the Class of 2025! I am also excited to make awesome memories with the SOAR team!

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
College can be scary, so it is okay to ask for help! It can be super intimating coming to college with 20,000+ students, but you will find your place here. These are amazing memories to be made at GSU!

One fun fact about you!
I am a first-generation college student!

Senior
Political Science Major
Richmond Hill, GA

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
I chose GSU because I felt like I would not be a number on campus and that I would have the opportunity to be involved in student organizations.

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
The bouldering cave at the RAC is my favorite place on campus because of the welcoming culture and friends I have made there!

What are you most excited about this summer?
I am most excited to welcome students to campus on tours!

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
One piece of advice I would give to incoming students is to join at least one student organization that meets weekly.

One fun fact about you!
I enjoy rock climbing!

2021 Graduate
Nursing Major
Lawrenceville, GA

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
By the end of the day of my first visit to campus, I felt this was my home away from home. GSU has such a community-based atmosphere, and it made me feel like I was wanted and valued here. That’s continued to prove itself every single day I’ve been here!!

What is your favorite place on campus and why?

It used to be the Sweetheart Circle which is still downright amazing, but I’ll have to say that the Wildlife Center takes the cake. It’s a hidden gem on campus! I love going to hang out by the duck pond and just watching them. It’s so relaxing. Shoutout to SOAR Leader Noah Sheridan for showing me after 4 years!!

What are you most excited about this summer?
Welcoming you all into the Eagle Nation!

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
Try. new. things!!! There are so many organizations, events, and opportunities out there for you. Get out there and try something new. Who knows? You might love it.

One fun fact about you!
I’ve never traveled to the West Coast!!

Senior
Mechanical Engineering Major
Warner Robins, GA

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
I chose GSU for their accredited engineering program!

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
IT Building because I like having study sessions on the 3rd floor.

What are you most excited about this summer?
I am most excited in making students feel welcomed and excited about coming to campus. Also to make memories with my SOAR team.

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
Get Involved!!!

One fun fact about you!
I am the President of Men’s Club Volleyball here at GSU.

Fabrice Valentin‘s Information Coming Soon

Senior
Computer Science Major
Suwanee, GA

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
When I first toured Georgia Southern I loved the campus, its environment, and the atmosphere everyone has built here so I knew this was the college I wanted to attend.

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus is sweetheart circle because I love getting together with friends there, having picnics, doing homework, or grilling.

What are you most excited about this summer?
I’m super excited to be working on the SOAR team and welcoming all the new freshmen this fall.

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
Get to know your professors! Professors are here to help you but they can’t if you don’t communicate with them.

One fun fact about you!
I’ve climbed the Great Wall of China and have visited the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Senior
Music Education and Vocal Performance Major
Charleston, SC

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
I chose GSU for the wonderful opportunities to travel abroad and the one-on-one time I get with my professors.

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus is the fourth floor library on the couch next to the fire place!

What are you most excited about this summer?
I’m excited to meet the upcoming class and spend time with my SOAR team!

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
Manage your free time wisely. Find a good ratio between academic life and social life, make sure that it is benefiting you as a student and you as a person!

One fun fact about you!
I was born outside of the country and have lived in 3 continents.

Senior
Multimedia Journalism Major and Anthropology Minor
Woodstock, GA

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
I chose Georgia Southern because of the large scale, small feel it really emulates. I love constantly meeting new people, while still seeing familiar faces every time I step onto campus. Their faculty here really wants to see their students thrive, not just academically but also individually to succeed in college and beyond. Campus is also incredibly welcoming, and the nature is beautiful, always putting a smile on my face. Georgia Southern can lift you higher on your most difficult days with all the resources and support they provide their students, while also creating a place where your happiest days can create lasting memories and connections that will always be a part of you as an Eagle and eventually an alum.

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place is Sweetheart Circle because of how beautiful all the trees are, and how fun it is to have picnics out on the grass with friends. My favorite study spot on campus is the Williams Center!

What are you most excited about this summer?
I am so excited to continue making more mems with the rest of the SOAR team, and crossing off some items on my Statesboro bucket list. Particularly the GSU Annual Watermelon Cutting, checking out the local sunflower field, strawberry picking, watching the sunset on Tybee, beating everyone at ski ball at Nonna Picci’s new arcade, and more!!

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
Change is a hard thing, especially when you are potentially coming to a new town with no one you know. To help with the transition to this next chapter, keep an open mind to all the new experiences coming your way and people you are meeting, try not comparing yourself to others (no one has it figured out I promise, even if it seems like they do), and always remember that you get out of college what you put in. You create your college experience, it is in your hands to create the community you want and hope for, and GSU is here to give you the resources to do so. So give it your all.

One fun fact about you!
I really want and hope to live in a Tiny House one day!!!

Senior
Communication Sciences & Disorders Major
Warner Robins, GA

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
After coming to visit campus, I had this feeling that Southern was where I was supposed to be! I loved everyone that I met, and I felt like I could really find my place here!

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
Definitely Sweetheart circle! It is so pretty and the best place to hang out and picnic or hammock. There is also so many fun traditions including my favorite, The Lighting of Sweetheart!

What are you most excited about this summer?
To get to know the incoming students and help them to feel confident and prepared for life as an Eagle!

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
This sounds cheesy, but be yourself! There is only one you and you are a valuable part of Eagle Nation! You are literally the coolest you there is! You are loved and wanted here!

One fun fact about you!
I love going to concerts! I have been to over 20! Hit me up if you ever need a concert buddy!

Senior
Psychology Major
Marietta, GA

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
I chose Georgia Southern because I fell in love with the campus when I first visited. I also loved how Gsu has a large population but still has a small school feel. I never felt like I was just a number here.

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
One of my favorite places on campus is sweetheart circle. I really enjoy going with a few friends to hang out on the lawn. I also love how organizations on campus have different events there from movies to paint parties.

What are you most excited about this summer?
I’m most excited for working with my team to welcome the class of 2025. I hope to make an impact on future students and help them in anyway I can. I want them to feel excited to be apart of the eagle nation after their SOAR experience and to know that I’m still here as a resource for them after their SOAR session.

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
A piece of advice that I would give to students is to trust the process. Sometimes they may not know exactly what they want to major in or do with their lives, but college will give them different experiences, the resources and people to help them figure it out throughout their time here.

One fun fact about you!
I host a radio show with my friend called “The Naked Truth”!

Junior
Music Education Major
Atlanta, GA

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
I chose Georgia Southern because of the campus! Everyone is so nice and I love the nature around the university.

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite spot is sweetheart circle. I love going there, hanging up my eno and reading a book.

What are you most excited about this summer?
Enjoy some time with my friends and meeting- you -the new students!

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
Be ready and open for change-embrace it.

One fun fact about you!
I love going camping and want to get an RV to travel around the U.S.

Millenia Daniels’ Information Coming Soon

Junior
Criminal Justice & Criminology Major
Atlanta, GA

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
I chose Georgia Southern because of the supportive and friendly environment, the small but beautiful campus, and the affordable price of tuition and housing. I wanted to ensure I left my undergraduate debt-free.

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus is the library because it’s a place I come to not only do work but relax. You can grab a snack from the vending machine or simply take a nap on the 4th floor. I have done this many times when I didn’t have time to travel back home to my dorm or apartment. It was so relaxing and the end result was “an energized Monique”

What are you most excited about this summer?
I am most excited to interact with the incoming students and be a continuous source and supportive in there lives, if the opportunity becomes available.

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
One piece of advice I would give to incoming students would be to join organizations and get involved on campus. Stop by the tables that you see around the rotunda and learn about the different organizations on campus! This benefited me so much freshman year, and even to this day. It helped me gain friends and supports, learn about fun FREE on-campus events, and helped build my comfort with the GSU community.

One fun fact about you!
One of my eyes is nearsighted and the other is farsighted.

Senior
Secondary Education (Mathematics) Major
Adel, GA

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
I chose Southern because of the beautiful campus and the warm and welcoming environment that I felt as soon as took a tour. I felt nothing but kindness, and everyone that I encountered during my visits had a genuine interest in getting to know me. Seeing so many smiling faces around campus is also a great mood booster.

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
The College of Education’s “break room.” It’s a nice, relaxing place for me to study, eat lunch, or meet with friends and classmates. I sometimes feel that I’m more productive there than I am at the library or anywhere else on campus.

What are you most excited about this summer?
I’m excited to meet the incoming students and help them prepare for what would hopefully be one of the best experiences of their lives!

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
Your college experience is what you make it. There are so many resources, including people, at your fingertips. Build relationships, join orgs, try new things, and explore as much as you can. It will make you time here worthwhile.

One fun fact about you!
I can say the alphabet backwards.

Senior
Exercise Science Major
Suwanee, GA

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
It was far enough from home to discover myself as an individual but close enough where I can always go back when I need to.

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
Sweetheart Circle-so many different spots to study, have a picnic or chill in my ENO.

What are you most excited about this summer?
Getting to know all of the new freshman and helping them adjust to living on their own.

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
Have confidence in the person that you are. This will help you make friends and succeed in any goals you set for yourself while you’re here.

One fun fact about you!
When I smile really hard, I have three dimples in both my cheeks!

Senior
Elementary & Special Education Major
Grovetown, GA

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
One day late into the second semester of my senior year, my mom and I decided to go on a quick tour of the school. I did not know much about the school at first and it was not really on my radar; that was until the tour stepped onto campus. The moment that I saw the campus for the first time I knew that I was at home. Southern provides such a warm and welcoming environment that truly helps build many people’s first home away from home. That is why I  chose Southern and that is why I have been happy about my choice ever since.

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus is the Wildlife Center. I love going almost every week to see our eagles and look at all the different creatures they have there. It is just such a calm place to go to and definitely serves as a good place to stop and take a quick break from the craziness of our personal worlds. The center does so much for animal rehabilitation and education and I truly believe that their work is not recognized as much as it should be. If you ever get the chance to go, go ahead and make your way there! It is amazing.

What are you most excited about this summer?
To work with an amazing group of people and welcome the class of 2025!

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
Live in the now. It is so easy to get caught up in looking at when the next exam is or having the countdown till when you finally graduate, but it is extremely important to take a breath of fresh air and look at the world that is currently around you. A Spanish teacher that I had in high school  said the wisest words I have ever heard when she said, “Work to live, don’t live to work.”  College can be crazy at times but don’t let the mounds of work bring you down, just focus on today. Focus on what you can accomplish now and worry about what can be accomplished later tomorrow.

One fun fact about you!
I have changed my major 5 times, but I have finally found the one that is perfect for me.

Senior
Chemistry Major
Thomasville, GA

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
The reason I chose Georgia Southern is because of the beautiful campus and the welcoming environment. When I arrived, I knew that I had found my home away from home!

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus is the Williams Center because of their beautiful piano!

What are you most excited about this summer?
I’m most excited about meeting new residents and giving them insight of what it is like to be a Georgia Southern student from a student’s perspective.

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
Wait to see what your professors say before you purchase books!

One fun fact about you!
I have actually broken my eye socket before!

Senior
Art History Major
Dublin, GA

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
I chose Georgia Southern because it felt like my second home. I transferred from a community college, so when I moved to Statesboro it was like I had finally found my place. Partly because I got out of my hometown, but also because the community and environment were so welcoming here! Plus the campus was so beautiful and still is!

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus is Sweetheart Circle because I love to go there to relax after class by stringing up a hammock, throwing around a frisbee, or reading a book. It is just an extremely beautiful place with all the different flowers and trees!

What are you most excited about this summer?
I am so excited to meet all of the incoming students this summer and be a warm, welcoming face for them. I also want to share in any excitement they may have about coming to Georgia Southern because I have so much love for this University!!

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
I would tell incoming students to not be afraid to ask for help if they need it. Whether it applies to seeking out help concerning academics, mental health, or physical health. There are so many resources on campus that are rooting for you every step of the way while you are here at Georgia Southern.
Also, make sure to take care of yourself!

One fun fact about you!
I had reconstructive spinal surgery when I was fifteen!

2021 Graduate
Computer Science Major
Reynolds, GA

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
I chose Georgia Southern because of the “large scale, small feel” that the school brings. Being from a small town, I knew that I wanted to go to a university with a large amount of opportunities , but also be small enough that i did not feel like a number and Georgia Southern was the perfect fit!

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus is the Williams Center because the inside has many phone charging stations lol and it’s a great place to relax in between classes and take a quick nap!

What are you most excited about this summer?
I am most excited of getting to share my story of why I chose Georgia Southern with all of the new eagles and get to meet the incoming class.

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
Don’t be afraid to try and learn new things.

One fun fact about you!
I once at 48 peppermints in a day!

Senior
Marketing Major & Business Analytics Minor
Hinesville, GA

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
Since I stepped on this campus, I’ve learned so much about myself & others. I’ve developed better communication skills & relationships with faculty and students. College can be confusing & difficult but it is a learning experience to help you grow. Georgia Southern is truly my home & it has changed my life.

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite places on campus would have to be Sweetheart Circle & the Wildlife Center as it truly highlights the beautiful nature that Georgia Southern has in Statesboro. If I have free time while on campus, I typically try to check out one of these spots to get a breath of fresh air.

What are you most excited about this summer?
I’m most excited to build close relationships with my fellow SOAR leaders as well as with the incoming students. I want to be a resource to new students but I’d also like to be a helping hand or shoulder to cry on if needed. I’ve met people at Georgia Southern that will be my life long friends & one call away whenever I need them so I hope I can become that person to at least one incoming student & SOAR leader.

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
Make memories. Make your college experience your own because it’s your life. These will be memories that will last a lifetime so surround yourself with people that love & care about you. Be adventurous. College is a new beginning & your comfort zone will change but that is okay. Take those big steps & make spontaneous trips.

One fun fact about you!
I have an emotional support cat, also known as Pumpkin. She’s an orange cat that is vocal with a lot of sass but she’s my world without a doubt.

Junior
Political Science (Pre-Law) Major
Savannah, GA

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
I decided to attend Georgia Southern because during my Armstrong Campus visit, which was during my senior year of high school, I felt right at home!

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus is the Armstrong Recreation Center because I thoroughly enjoy physical activities. It’s also where I work on campus.

What are you most excited about this summer?
I am most excited about interacting with the incoming students and welcoming them to Eagle Nation!

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
Take advantage of every opportunity to get involved, make connections, and have fun. Don’t let the time pass you by!

One fun fact about you!
I like to play the piano and trombone.

Elisa Raider’s Information Coming Soon

Junior
Radiological Science (Sonography) Major
Guyton, GA

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
The friendly people and beautiful campus!

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
Health Professions Academic Building (HPAC) because a good bit of my program classes are going to be there and the building it’s self is just so beautiful.

What are you most excited about this summer?
Getting to know all of the new students!

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
You can do anything you set your mind to!

One fun fact about you!
I have two dogs and one cat.

Junior
Psychology Major (Physician’s Assistant track)
Lawrenceville, GA

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
The beautiful campus and unbeatable location of Savannah, Ga! The community feel also makes you feel right at home the second you step on campus!

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
The sky bridge in the Science center! The view of campus is amazing and it’s a perfect place to do homework between classes.

What are you most excited about this summer?
Meeting all the incoming students and being a mentor! I also am looking forward to some beach time on my days off!

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
Get involved! There are so many opportunities to get involved on campus through clubs and organizations! This is a great way to make new friends, have fun, and create lifelong memories!

One fun fact about you!
I’m going into my 3rd season with the Savannah Ballet Theatre!

Sophomore
Biochemistry Major
Moscow, Russia

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
I chose Georgia Southern because of the academics-specifically science.

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
I love food- so the Galley (dining hall).

What are you most excited about this summer?
I am most excited to meet new people!

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
Do not sit in your room. Get out and go to the events on-campus.

One fun fact about you!
I translate books.

Sophomore
Psychology Major
Belfast, Maine

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
For the strong sense of community and the amazing academic opportunities offered here!

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
The International Gardens! I found the International Gardens when my philosophy professor moved our class outside to that location last semester. It’s a great place to just relax, study, and take in the scenery!

What are you most excited about this summer?
Meeting new people! I’m really excited to continue to get to know the other amazing SOAR Leaders, as well as meet all of the incoming students!

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
Be sure to prioritize balance in your life, and don’t be afraid to ask for help! Also, try to be open to new experiences and make the most out of your time here.

One fun fact about you!
I love art and photography!

Senior
Elementary Education Major
Savannah, GA

Why did you choose Georgia Southern?
I chose Georgia Southern because I heard that the best elementary education program was there. I also chose it because it was close to home and I liked how the campus was so calm.

What is your favorite place on campus and why?
My favorite place on campus would be the Academic Quad because it is so beautiful there and quiet.

What are you most excited about this summer?
Im excited to meet the incoming students and have an impact on them in some way.

What is one piece of advice you would give to incoming students?
Have fun while you are in college & meet new people and join organizations. While also being involved on campus make sure that you stay on top of your work and pay attention in your classes.

One fun fact about you!
I have my own business where I create many different products.