Finding Greatness: Katie Gray
Author: News Bureau
Posted: Monday, September 21, 2015 2:26 PM
Categories:
Finding Greatness | Students | Honors/Awards | College of Arts and Sciences
Macon, GA
Full Name: Katherine “Katie" Sharon Gray.
Age: 23.
Hometown: Monticello.
Residence: Macon.
High School: “I graduated from Jasper County High School in 2011. I was in drumline and performed with the Marching Hurricanes for three years. I was also involved in percussion ensemble, FCCLA, yearbook, student government and Beta Club.”
Family: “I’m blessed with an enormous support group. I don’t know where I’d be without the love and support of my husband, Hayden Gray, my mother, Susanna Causey, my father, Tommy Brockman, and my grandparents, John and Sharon Brockman. Also, support comes from my aunt, Dollie Mitchell, cousin Michael Mitchell, in-laws Melanie and Jerry Gray, and brother-in-law, Parker Gray.”
Current Employment: Full-time student, part-time work at Publix.
Degree Objective: Bachelor of Arts in English, Associate of Arts in Foreign Language.
Class Rank: Senior.
Primary Campus: Macon.
Activities: Vice president for RSA (Resident Student Association) as a freshman. Currently president of the English Studies Organization, a tutor at the Writing Center and a student intern for the Office of International Programs.
Career Goals: “After graduation, I plan to earn a master’s degree in teaching. I want to teach English literature to either middle or high school students. Recently, I’ve become interested in international studies, as I’d love help other students have the same experiences I had while studying abroad. I’d also like to publish my own fiction and do a little freelance writing and editing.”
She chose Middle Georgia State University because … “I heard that the school had a great academic reputation. I was also drawn to the small class sizes, beautiful campus and location, since it is only an hour away from my hometown. My original intention was to transfer to a larger university after I finished my core classes, but I love it so much here I decided to stay!”
The one thing that surprised her about Middle Georgia State was … “How supportive our community is. My professors in the English department have been fantastic. They encourage us to do our very best and take our thinking and writing to the next level. It also amazes me how supportive my peers have been. Our English majors consist of a close-knit group of friends who all know each other by name, study together, critique each other and encourage each other. “
Her favorite professor is … “I don’t know if I could pick a favorite, as I’ve had so many wonderful English, history, and foreign language professors. One professor who has been a tremendous influence to me is Dr. Benita Muth. I’ve been in several of her classes, including Intro. To Literary Studies, World Literature, Milton, and Scottish literature. She has molded me into a better reader and writer, and thanks to her, I’ve developed a love for Scottish literature and culture.”
Her favorite place to study is… “In the comfort of my own home. But when I need to get away from distractions, I love to study in the Macon Campus library.”
One thing people don’t know about her is … “I’ve always had a secret dream to become a Broadway star. I absolutely love musicals. There are two things standing between me and my dream: I can’t sing or dance!”
Her friends make fun of her because … “I have an obsession with animals. I’ve taken care of a squirrel in the past, and I currently have a sugar glider, two rescue dogs and a 10-year-old miniature dachshund. My friends tease me for constantly spamming their Facebook newsfeed with pictures and videos of shelter animals.”
The one person she’d most like to meet is … “John Lennon. I’m a Beatles fanatic, and I’d love to have the opportunity to sit down with him and discuss music, art and politics.”
Five years from now she sees herself … “Teaching, raising children and working on publishing my first novel. I’ll be making biannual visits to the United Kingdom and exploring Europe with my family."
Photo: Katie Gray on a study abroad trip to Scotland.