Madi Lea

Why did you choose Dalton State? Dalton State is close to home for me. I knew several members of my graduating class were going, and I knew that would ease adjusting to a new environment. Dalton’s campus is small compared to other colleges. This is really what drew me to DSC; the community is tightly-knit.

What does it mean to you to be part of the Roadrunner Nation? When people ask me where I go to college, I answer with pride. I would not want to be at any other college. To be a part of the Roadrunner Nation is to be someone who is hardworking and determined; students lift other students up and encourage them. The Roadrunner Nation is a community of students that I would not trade for any college.

What do you plan to do after graduation? After graduation, I plan to use my English degree to open my own editing and publishing business where I can read novels for a living: my dream.

Who is/was your favorite professor and why? This is a difficult question to answer. My favorite professor is Dr. Jenny Crisp. Dr. Crisp is the one who gave me the idea of opening my own business. In all the classes I have had with her, she has been incredibly supportive and open-minded to every student in the room; she is understanding and wants every student to succeed in their endeavors. Dr. Crisp has helped me in numerous situations and I am grateful to have the ability to go to her if I need to.

What activities are you involved in on campus? I am the vice president of the English Honor Society, Sigma Tau Delta. I am also a member of the English Club, Colloquia.

What are some of your biggest achievements or accomplishments at Dalton State? I am one of the 10 charter members for Sigma Tau Delta and for one year, I was the president of the organization. To be a member of Sigma Tau Delta is an achievement in itself; my membership is a recognition of my hard work and love of literature. I have also made the Dean’s List several times in my college career.

Where is your favorite study spot? My favorite study spot is the library. Why would I not want to be surrounded by books? I love looking out the window into the trees (when I’m not looking at my notes).

What is the last book you read? I have honestly read so many books, I cannot remember. I carry several with me every day, everywhere I go. One of the most recent I’ve read is The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick.

Favorite comfort food? Nachos

Favorite line from a movie? This is too hard. Probably one of my favorites is said by the character Chris Knight from the movie Real Genius: “Self-realization. I was thinking of the immortal words of Socrates, who said, ‘… I drank what?’”

What do you feel most proud of? I am proud of my artwork. I’m rather quiet about it to be proud of it, but I am not one to boast. My art is a way for me to relax.

If you won the lottery, what would you do? I’d build myself a library and painting studio, and then I would donate the rest to charity.

What cheers you up? Taking time away from my busy life and either reading or painting.

What is your favorite book? This is the worst question for a bookworm. My MOST favorite is The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern.

If you could go back in history, who would you like to meet? I would love to meet Edgar Allan Poe, though it would not be the liveliest of conversations…

Where is your favorite place to eat? Amigos in East Ridge.

What did you want to be when you were a kid? I wanted, and still want, to be an author.

As a Roadrunner, what does it mean to Run Boldly? To Run Boldly is to go into the world with confidence. To someone who struggles with self-confidence, this phrase really makes me think. I think of the poem Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night. My life on this earth is short, and I will live it boldly with confidence, love, respect, and bravery. Life is not easy, but I am not one to back down from a challenge. To Run Boldly is to live and be proud of who you are.