8 minute read
Ask the Canes: Senior edition
Erika Banks
What I’ve done at GSW: I have been a member of Educators Rising for 4 years! I have also been a member of the Christian Student Center for 4 years, and I have served on the planning team as an intern!
What I liked most: Having the opportunity to form a family and a home away from home!
What I’m taking into the future: I am taking with me the ability to communicate effectively, manage my time, being able to adapt to any situation, problem solving, collaboration, patience, and empathy.
My extra thoughts: Be kind to yourself. Though the journey through college may be tough, you are tougher. Remember to make time for loved ones, cherish your moments with friends, and above all, prioritize self care, and have fun! Enjoy the ride, as these years go by fast! You’ve got this!
Josie Battaglia
What I’ve done at GSW: I started my journey at GSW during my senior year of high school. I dual enrolled, and as a homeschooled student, it was exciting and nerve racking to be in a traditional school setting. I made it into the School of Nursing and achieved my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I mainly focused on my studies during school. I was accepted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing this fall. I was also nominated to be GSW’s student for the 2024 Academic Recognition Day. I received a resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives and a letter of commendation from USG Chancellor Dr. Perdue.
What I liked most: The most important thing is that I was able to fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming a nurse! I still have to pass my boards, but I am almost there. I was truly blessed that GSW was close to home and has a wonderful community of students and teachers. Every teacher knew my name and cared about my journey in nursing school.
What I’m taking into the future: While earning my degree, I grew a lot as a person. I have learned that I can achieve anything I set my mind to, and that God will place you exactly where He wants you if you trust in Him and obey when he tells you to move.
My extra thoughts: Something that helped me during school was realizing that you only have to live one day at a time. It is very easy to get overwhelmed by everything you have to do, especially in school, but all you have is today and what you can do today. You don’t have to do everything all at once even if it feels like you do.
Elizabeth Haire
What I’ve done at GSW: I have been involved in a few campus organizations over the past few years. I have been involved in Educators Rising, both as a member and as the treasurer, for a few years. I have also been involved in BCM and CSC over the past few years as well. Through these past few years I’ve also been a part of a lot of campus events. I have been a part of Waffle with Weavers, the Big Event, and other yearly campus events.
What I liked most: What I like most about GSW is the community. I have been at this school for 4 years, and every time I needed help I was able to find someone on campus that could help me. Everywhere I go on campus, I have the chance to talk to peers and new friends. Through this, I have developed a family away from home.
What I’m taking into the future: I will take everything I learned from my classes and apply it into my future classroom.
My extra thoughts: College is a time to figure out who you are. It is okay to change majors and make changes to better yourself. Take your time to go through college, make friends, and live your life.
Christina Wynn
What I’ve done at GSW: I started at GSW in Fall 2020 intending to stay less involved than in high school, but that soon changed. My roles at GSW have included Thunder Camp Counselor, Student Engagement Team member 2021-2022, Residential Leader 2021-2023, Thunder Camp Director 2022-2024, and Senior Residential Leader 2023-2024. I also helped with the Special Olympics each year.
What I liked most: To say I liked one thing about GSW would be showing favoritism for one of my favorite places on Earth. GSW became home for me. GSW has given me so many memories, from my first preview day to the last Waffles with the Weavers, to when I will walk across the stage. More than high school, GSW is a place of growth, from heartbreak to triumphs and shedding tears to conquering fears.
What I’m taking into the future: I am taking all the leadership skills and experiences I collected at GSW to further me into teaching middle school students. I am taking the FYE UNO game rules as well for an end-of-the-year game. I am taking my knowledge of planning and implementing events for college students to help me with planning for my future students. I will also be taking the contact list for food trucks (thanks SET).
My extra thoughts: I want to thank everyone on the third floor of the Storm Dome. Student Engagement gave me a chance to thrive and use my passion for teaching and camp. Thunder Camp will be an experience that I will never stop talking about.
Thaddaeus Whitaker
What I’ve done at GSW: I joined Chi Phi Fraternity, and I’ve held 2 positions within them (Kappa and IFC Representative). I joined the Upsilon Pi Epsilon Honor Society, I was in SGA for 2 years, I was the president of Presbyterian House, I was Vice President of the Computer Club for 2 years, and I was a founder for the Tabletop gaming club.
What I liked most: Joining my fraternity and becoming more involved in other organizations that allowed me to meet new people with new perspectives.
What I’m taking into the future: My experience, and my fraternity.
Jackson Carlstrom
What I’ve done at GSW: I’ve gotten to do so much during my four years here at GSW. I’ve served on the Sou’Wester newspaper staff since my freshman year, as a Staff Writer for my first two years and then as Editor-In-Chief for my final two years. I have also been involved with BCM all throughout my college journey, as well as CSC this final year of college. I’ve also gotten to both volunteer and be a part of so many different events on campus, like the Special Olympics, Waffles with the Weavers, and so many more.
What I liked most: As a commuter for all four years of college, BCM was an essential outlet for me, allowing me to serve and connect deeply on campus. Offcampus, I engaged with the Americus community through initiatives like the Harvest of Hope Food Pantry and Hands of Hope Pregnancy Center. Additionally, Spring Break mission trips to Harlan, Kentucky, and New Orleans pushed me out of my comfort zone; door-to-door evangelism in Kentucky deepened my reliance on God, while manual labor in New Orleans showed me how small efforts can have a significant impact on God’s kingdom.
What I’m taking into the future: As a computer science major, I’ve developed critical technical and problem-solving skills essential for my career. Serving as Editor-In-Chief of our college newspaper enhanced my leadership and deepened my storytelling and communication skills. My involvement in BCM and CSC was pivotal in strengthening my faith and helping me understand the value of community and spiritual growth. And also, the lasting friendships I’ve made and that have deeply enriched my time in college are definitely treasures I’ll carry with me forever.
My extra thoughts: College is a time of unprecedented freedom for most students, so I’ll share something that helped me get through college and everything that comes with it: stay true to your core values and beliefs as you navigate your college journey. It’s so easy to get swept up in the multitude of paths available, but remaining anchored in your values will guide your decisions and ensure you pursue what truly matters to you.
