Name: Carrie Swinney
Age: 41
Hometown: Kennesaw
High school: Sprayberry High School
Major: Biology
Expected graduation date: Fall 2018
Why did you choose Dalton State? A friend mentioned DSC to me after I moved to Pickens County from Cobb. I was torn between going back to a university or an online alternative. After speaking with a representative, I felt right at home at Dalton State and enrolled. I knew Dalton State was for me.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Roadrunner Nation? It means I’m a part of a network of outstanding people, and that our professors are some of the most encouraging people in the world!
What do you plan to do after graduation? To hopefully obtain a job in the biology field, and make that a life-long career!
Who is/was your favorite professor and why? Oh, this is a very hard question because there are so many wonderful ones here at Dalton State. Dr. John Lugthart would be my favorite; he is always so kind and willing to help in any way. Instructor Chris Manis has been a fav as well, and I’m so proud to work with him in Turtle Assurance Colony!
What activities are you involved in on campus? Beta Chi Nu, Environmental Club, Study Abroad, and the TAC
What are some of your biggest achievements or accomplishments at Dalton State? Working with TAC and the wonderful endangered turtles and tortoises! Also, after receiving a stipend from the DSC Foundation, I was able to perform research and then present it at a conference this last spring.
What are some of your favorite activities in and around Dalton? I love going to Lakeshore Park to see the turtles, birds, and frogs. Some of the cutest salamanders can be seen here as well, if you know where to look.
Where is your favorite study spot? In the Math Lab; the people in there are incredible and are willing to help you, even if the subject isn’t about math!
Where is your favorite hangout? In Peeples, whether it’s in the second floor tutor room or downstairs by the café.
What is your best memory so far as part of the Roadrunner Nation? A former classmate and now friend said to me “we think of you as one of us.” That made me smile because the traditional students have been so kind and open to me. They do not see an older person, and are willing to help me learn.
What is the last book you read? “Guns, Germs, and Steel” by Jared Diamond
What’s on your iPad? A collection of various genres of music (mostly R&B from the 90’s and Hip-Hop from the 00’s), the movies Dark Crystal and How to Train Your Dragon, and an awesome collection of various Adult Swim TV shows!
Favorite line from a movie? “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” The Godfather Part II
What is your guilty pleasure? Bruster’s ice cream and shopping
If you won the lottery, what would you do? Purchase land in south Tennessee, build a home for my parents, and build a home for me and my husband, and then build a cat sanctuary to care for senior and special needs cats!
What is a skill you’d like to learn and why? Outdoorsman skills, so that I will have a better chance of being hired by agencies such as GA DNR or U.S. Fish and Wildlife.
Who is your hero? My dad is my hero. He worked long hours and went back to school when he was my age to obtain his associates degree, just so he could better our lives. My dad has had some tough times in his life, but has always persevered. He has always tried to look at the brighter side of life and has always taught me to see the good in people, and not to judge someone by their appearance.
Who would play you in the movie version of your life? I’m pretty sure Kate McKinnon would do me justice.
What is your favorite childhood memory? Spending time with my paternal grandparents, who are deceased now. Just sitting with my grandpa in his recliner watching Walker Texas Ranger and having my grandma make us a big country dinner brings tears to my eyes, and I wish I could be there right now.
If you could go back in history, who would you like to meet? Rachel Carson, an amazing scientist and pioneer of environmentalism!
As a Roadrunner, what does it mean to Run Boldly? To proudly represent DSC while achieving my goals!