By Gil Pound

J unior Erin Young came to Georgia College & State University with a plan.

The Marietta, Georgia native went from an undecided major with transfer plans to an economics major who found community on a campus where there are 166 student organizations. She was going to transfer to a larger school, but friendships, the smaller campus vibe and a more personalized learning experience convinced Young to continue her story at Georgia College.

"The communal factor makes GCSU different," she said. "I can't walk from one class to another without seeing at least two of my friends. Feeling so close to the people on campus really makes this place different from a school like UGA where I'd probably never see any of my friends throughout the day."

Getting involved early in her academic journey also played a role in Young staying. She joined GC Shelter Buddies, the organization for animal-loving students to volunteer at the local Baldwin County Animal Shelter, and became a part of the Georgia College Council of Student Ambassadors. Student ambassadors promote GCSU among the student body, prospective students and their families, staff, alumni and friends.

"I really love talking about the college and telling people my story," Young said of being an ambassador.

Her story also includes an invitation to join Georgia College's John E. Sallstrom Honors College after her first semester, making her part of the 93% of Georgia College students who report having transformative learning experiences beginning in year one.

"The Honors College has a ton of cool opportunities," Young said. "I was really interested in all the lunch and dinner seminars, specifically surrounding books because I love reading."

Young says she enjoys the small, discussion-based honors classes where students engage in classroom dialogue, exchanging ideas and differing viewpoints. Other honors opportunities include networking within the honors community, holistic advising, alumni mentoring and unique study abroad programs. Young took advantage of the study abroad option last summer when she traveled to Strasbourg, France. There she honed some of her economics knowledge for a research paper on common agricultural policy in Europe and how culture can influence the affectability of policy within the region.

Young's involvement around campus doesn't stop with volunteerism, being an ambassador and an honors student. She's pursuing a Leadership Certificate through a nine-credit academic program designed to help students identify issues that matter to them and help create positive change. Young also participates in the Georgia Education Mentorship program, a one-of-a-kind partnership between Georgia College and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce that matches students with senior state leaders in a yearlong mentoring partnership.

As if all that weren't enough, Young, who came to GCSU with a singing background, serves as vice president of membership for women's music fraternity Sigma Alpha Iota.

"We do a lot of volunteering through the music fraternity, reaching out to local schools to see how the teachers need help," said Young.

With many diverse experiences already on her résumé, the junior is weighing multiple career paths, including being an economist and leading her own classroom where she can impact students the same way she's been impacted in her time as a Bobcat.

"Georgia College's low ratio of professors to students has helped me have a really personal learning journey," Young said.

Header Image: Young, an econ major, is shown outside Atkinson Hall, which houses the College of Business & Technology. (Photo: Anna Gay Leavitt)