Age: 20
Hometown: Chatsworth
High school: Murray County High School
Major: Early Childhood Education
Expected graduation date: 2020
Why did you choose Dalton State? I feel like God led me here when I was trying to decide which school was right for me. The campus life here is amazing and opportunities are endless. Dalton State is close enough to home that I could still see my family and hometown friends, but also have the college experience!
What does it mean to you to be part of the Roadrunner Nation? For me being a part of Roadrunner Nation is being a part of something that is growing more and more every day and showing people just how far you can come with what used to be a tiny college. Being here helps you see growth not only in the school, but in yourself.
What do you plan to do after graduation? After graduation I want to work at my old elementary school and slowly move up to the high school so I can give back to the school I started and ended at. I want to be the instructor over the auxiliary program at my high school and travel to different areas and schools to do public speaking conferences on the power of being yourself, accepting others, and accepting life throughout school.
Who is/was your favorite professor and why? Jackie Daniels. She is retired now but I was lucky enough to have her on her last year here. She always pushed us to go above and beyond during speech class and truly was just such an inspirational woman when it came to giving advice or just having a conversation. She helped me get out of my comfort zone and give 100 percent in school.
What activities are you involved in on campus? I’m an orientation leader, and I’m a part of Colloquia!
Where is your favorite study spot? The Learning Commons in Mashburn!
Where is your favorite hangout? I love hanging out in our orientation workroom in Westcott so I can be around my team and the best bosses ever (shout out to Katelyn and Laurely) or hanging around the front so I can see Crystal and Alleigha! If I’m not there I like to be in my room watching Netflix.
What is your best memory so far as part of the Roadrunner Nation? Becoming an orientation leader! If it was not for my position on this team, I would not be where I am today. My first year I not only got to go to a bomb-dot-com conference in Orlando to represent Dalton, but I got to know all the staff on a friendship basis including the goddesses themselves, Dr. Venable and Dr. Jodi Johnson.
What is the last book you read? “Pillow Thoughts” by Courtney Peppernell.
Favorite comfort food? Absolutely anything my mom cooks! Or it could also be anything from the Chick-fil-A in Walnut Square Mall. I work there so being there every day you get accustomed to that amazing chicken; I guess you could say we are on a first name basis now.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? Is it embarrassing if I say “Redneck Woman” by Gretchen Wilson? Oops.
Favorite line from a movie? “There’s so much static electricity in this room, I pick up everything but boys and money.” – Truvy on Steel Magnolias
What do you feel most proud of? How far I’ve come. Growing up I didn’t come from a lot; I pushed through every obstacle to get where I am today.
If you could only keep five possessions, what would they be? 1) my grandfather’s blanket that I got after he passed away, 2) my Bible, 3) my cellphone, 4) my family photo from our first vacation together, and 5) my journal
What cheers you up? Being around my family or my friends! And sometimes just long drives with no destination windows down and the music turned all the way up.
Who is your hero? My mom! She’s been my rock and the person who always knows me better than I know myself. We may get on each other’s nerves, but I wouldn’t trade that woman for the whole world.
What is your favorite childhood memory? Being in grade school, getting off the bus on a Friday afternoon, calling my bff from the landline so she could stay the night, and being on Omegle chatting until 3 a.m., praying my momma didn’t wake up and take the computer mouse away.
What is your favorite app? Instagram! You can follow me @ _kelso.13
As a Roadrunner, what does it mean to Run Boldly? For me it means to be a part of something that is growing more and more every day and to go with that growth. Dalton State is a college where not only is the school growing, but the people here are as well. You can find yourself in this place I have learned to call home.