In the weeks before the Thanksgiving holiday break, and in honor of the wonderful mentors and mentees at UGA, the Giving GRAD-itude survey provided a space for members of the Graduate School community to express their GRAD-itude to those who have made a positive impact on their UGA graduate experience.
Responses collected from the survey were shared on the Graduate School’s social media outlets and are listed below.
(photo courtesy of Amanda Murdie and Mallory Hoffman)
Amanda Murdie (International Affairs), thank you for weathering the rage of the belligerent and bearing the brunt of the backlashes with poise and grace. Thank you for breaking the glass ceiling so many of us graciously pass through. Thank you for being a shining light of hope and inspiration for so many. Thank you for raising us up with you as you continue to climb. More importantly, thank you for simply being you! Your humble graduate student, Mallory. — Mallory Hoffman, School of Public & International Affairs
Christine Hargrove, you have never hesitated to be supportive and provide any help that you can. You have been an essential part of me making it this far. — Sheldon Uriah Kay, Couple and Family Therapy PhD program
Dr. Laura Zimmermann (Economics, International Affairs), thank you for your unwavering commitment to empowering women in academia. Your leadership has shown me that it’s possible to be both compassionate and assertive and that there’s no limit to what women can achieve when we support each other. You’ve taught me the importance of speaking up for myself and others, and have encouraged me to take risks to pursue my passions. Thank you for your guidance as I navigate my academic pursuits and thank you for believing in me. Most importantly, thank you for simply being you! Your humble graduate student, Mallory — Mallory Hoffman, School of Public & International Affairs
My encounter with Dr. Ruth Harman began this semester, and it has been a truly enlightening experience. The course she teaches, LLED 7503 Disciplinary Languages and Literacy, is phenomenal, introducing me to concepts I had never encountered before. Every moment of the course is filled with her encouragement and praise, which I deeply cherish. Dr. Harman is a warm person. In times when I needed support, she was there without hesitation, extending her help selflessly. I am immensely grateful for her assistance and the positive impact she has made on my academic journey. Thank you so much, Dr. Harman! — Jiaqi Wang, Department of Language and Literacy Education, Mary Frances Early College of Education
Shane Singh (International Affairs), thank you for your unwavering effort to support the academic pursuits of graduate students, and for your continued fight to secure funding. You’ve not only taught me the components of good research design and methodology but also the ins and outs of navigating the job market and the hidden curriculum within academia. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and I appreciate your valiant efforts to make our program increasingly better from year to year. You are an inspiration to those who are pursuing academia with your many publications (including 2 books last year, as if that isn’t enough), your presence at events, and the energy you bring to our department. I’m truly honored to be your graduate student. To making the world a better place, Mallory — Mallory Hoffman, School of Public & International Affairs
Avery Campbell, you have been so supportive and inspirational each time we meet. I draw such courage from you. The path ahead seems a little less daunting each time we meet. Thank you. — Sheldon Uriah Kay, Couple and Family Therapy PhD program
Andy Owsiak (International Affairs), I want to express my sincere appreciation for all the guidance and support you’ve provided me over the years. Your leadership has shown me that it’s possible to be both compassionate and assertive, and I intend to take that with me when I leave UGA. You’ve taught me the importance of speaking up for myself and others, and have consistently listened to my concerns, rants, and struggles as I navigate my program. I thoroughly enjoyed your class on conflict and found myself challenged yet fulfilled as I moved from despising models to appreciating their utility for my own work. If the folks who leave this department are half as good as you are, I think they’ll be alright. To the continued study of our world, Mallory — Mallory Hoffman, School of Public & International Affairs
I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with Dr. David Chiesa this semester! His commitment to supporting my teaching and providing me with the opportunities to be part of the GATESOL conference organizing committee has truly been an inspiration. Across all the work we’ve done together, Dr. Dave placed so much trust in my abilities. His genuine enthusiasm and encouragement has been pivotal in shaping my confidence. I am sincerely grateful for the mentorship Dr. Dave has generously offered! — Shuang Fu, Department of Language and Literacy Education, Mary Frances Early College of Education
(photo courtesy of Dr. Mark Abney and Madison)
Dr. Mark Abney is a true definition of what a role model and adviser should be. His eagerness to teach me things and always pushing me to do better, is one of the many reasons I’m so grateful for him. His patience to help explain something I maybe confused on, as well as his uplifting attitude that he so graciously brings into our lab everyday. Life would be dull without Dr. Mark Abney. He truly doesn’t know the impact he makes on not only myself but each individual that has the chance to meet him. — Madison, Entomology, College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
I was paired with Cayla Bellamy in the UGA Mentor Program, and it was just the best option. She was very helpful, welcoming, and gave me all the support I needed for the goals we sent on the first week. It exceeded my expectations by far. — Alvaro Henrique Siqueira Campos Santos, Hugh Hodgson School of Music
Thank you Dr. Dave Chiesa for your expertise and instructions, leading me to find my passion. Thank you for always being supportive both within and outside of your class every time I need help. How lucky I am to have such a responsible mentor, guiding me as I begin my graduate studies in another nation. — Taibin Xiong, Department of Language and Literacy Education, Mary Frances Early College of Education
Teena Wilhelm (Political Science), thank you for your unwavering commitment to empowering women both in and out of academia. Your leadership has shown me that it’s possible to be both compassionate and assertive and that there’s no limit to what women can achieve when we support each other. You’ve taught me the importance of speaking up for myself and others, and as a feminist mentor, you’ve helped me understand the ways in which gender inequality can manifest in the workplace, and have given me the tools to navigate these challenges with confidence and grace. Thank you for your guidance as I navigate my academic pursuits and thank you for believing in me. Most importantly, thank you for simply being you! Your humble graduate student, Mallory P.S.– I’m already excited for this year’s National Parks Program Maymester! Thank you for letting me serve on this program with you. I can’t wait to see what it looks like 5 years from now. — Mallory Hoffman, School of Public & International Affairs
Dr. Nic Holt, just wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU for your kindness and invaluable support in my grad school journey thus far. Through our informal engagements, you have been the NORTH STAR that inspire me in my moments of uncertainty. Thankful to have met you and may God bless you. – Your pal, Kwame — Kwame Owoahene Acheampong, Lifelong Education, Administration and Policy, Mary Frances Early College of Education
Dr. Diann Jones (Department of Lifelong Education, Administration, and Policy), I cannot thank you enough for every moment of your guidance, thoughtfulness, compassion, firm honesty (when I needed it), and mentorship during my time in the LLOD program. You saw my capability even when I lost sight of it, and I wish I had more than mere words to convey my gratitude for you as my professor and advisor. You have no idea how much you have inspired me to continue forward–not just to conclude my studies with your program, but with my passion in organization development and training. Of all of the educators in my life, you stand out among the top 3. I hope you always know how much of a positive impact you have, how appreciated you are, and how incredibly lucky your students and UGA are to have you. Thank you! Thank you for going that extra mile and for caring and believing in the discipline of LLOD and in the future practitioners of the world. You are the best! — Jessica, Mary Frances Early College of Education
Even while on sabbatical, Dr. Melisa Cahnmann-Taylor has scheduled time to give thorough and meaningful feedback on my work. I am so grateful for her support and mentorship. — Elizabeth Dubberly, Department of Language and Literacy Education, Mary Frances Early College of Education
Dr. Usree Bhattacharya, it’s been an incredible 5+ years working with you. Words cannot adequately convey my gratitude for being deeply entangled with you throughout my graduate studies. In a country far from home, you and your family have shown immense kindness and support, offering comfort in various ways. Thank you for being a significant part of this not-so-easy journey. You will always be in my sanubari. — Wisnu A. Pradana, Department of Language and Literacy Education, Mary Frances Early College of Education
To Dr. Sung-Hee Kim (College of Engineering): As I stand on the precipice of my graduate journey, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude. The guidance, support, and unwavering belief in my potential have been the wind beneath my wings. You’ve not only imparted knowledge but also instilled in me the confidence to tackle challenges head-on. Your dedication to nurturing my growth has been nothing short of remarkable. Today, as I don this cap and gown, I owe a significant part of my success to you. Your wisdom has been a guiding light, and I am thankful beyond words. — Ahmad Abdelmawla, School of Environmental, Civil, Agricultural and Mechanical Engineering/College of Engineering
I am deeply grateful for the mentorship and support Dr. Ruth Harman has provided me. Our shared experiences, both accomplishments and challenges, have forged a profound connection that I sincerely cherish. In moments when I was upset and frustrated, Dr. Harman offered me not only her expertise but also her understanding and patience. Her wisdom and mentorship have been invaluable, and her influence will undoubtedly resonate in my journey long after our time together at UGA. Thank YOU, Dr. Harman! — Shuang Fu, Department of Language and Literacy Education, Mary Frances Early College of Education
Dr. Tisha Lewis Ellison was the professor I met in my initial semester in the United States, and she is an incredibly friendly and warm individual. I vividly recall how, during that semester, Dr. Tisha consistently showed a deep concern for us. Her care was evident in every class, resonating through her every interaction with us. I have maintained contact with Dr. Tisha ever since, and her guidance and assistance have been pivotal for me. Her course, Family and Community Literacies, not only enriched my knowledge but also helped me define the direction I want to pursue in my future studies and research. Whenever I needed help, she did not hesitate to extend a helping hand. I am profoundly grateful for the impact she has had on my life and the invaluable assistance she has provided. Thank you so much Dr. Tisha!!!! — Jiaqi Wang, Department of Language and Literacy Education, Mary Frances Early College of Education
Megan Morgan, (Policical Science), words cannot describe how incredibly much our graduate students appreciate you. You deserve the world, better pay, and a room named after you in Baldwin Hall. You have contributed so much to our community and it simply wouldn’t run without you. You consistently listen to students as they bombard your office and prevent you from doing work. You’ve provided food for those with nowhere to go for Thanksgiving. You’ve offered rides to students who needed transportation. You have personally kidnapped me and took me grocery shopping when I was surviving on pennies. Your office is warm and welcoming, with lots of references to things that make students happy. You support your students in ways that go above and beyond what is required of you daily, simply by being here. YOU are the reason we are surviving as well as we are. YOU are the person we feel comfortable coming to for ANYTHING. YOU are the person in our department who reminds us to eat vitamin C in the winter and go to the doctor when we’re sick. YOU are the person in SPIA who hosts ice cream socials and provides prizes for costume contests. YOU are the person in SPIA who has gone through a PhD at UGA and can offer support as we navigate the struggles of graduate school, comps, writing our dissertation, and the bureaucratic nightmare of a university. YOU are the person in SPIA who is our glue, our rock, our paper, and our scissors. — Mallory Hoffman, School of Public & International Affairs
