Biology and psychology double-major Emily Johnson's path to her dental career includes cheering on the Dawgs:
From my very first week in Creswell 722, I knew that the four years I spent at this University would be special. Since I enjoy staying busy, I decided to get involved in a number of organizations across campus. The past three years, I have represented UGA by cheering at football, basketball, gymnastics and volleyball sporting events. I also act as an ambassador for the university at numerous alumni, charity and fundraising events and appearances. I was honored to receive a UGA Cheerleading Academic Excellence Award for the 2017-2018 season. I have really enjoyed traveling around the country cheering on our football team. This past season, I was fortunate to travel with the team to South Bend, Indiana, for the Notre Dame game and to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl. I look forward to seeing where this upcoming year takes us.
I have taken advantage of UGA’s study abroad and serve abroad opportunities. The summer after my freshman year, I studied abroad in the Cortona Science and Art History Program. In addition to learning about the advances in cancer treatment and the overuse of antibiotics, I enjoyed studying art history in Rome, Florence and Siena, Italy. The summer following my sophomore year, I participated in a two-week program sponsored by Volunteers Around the World, where I assisted local dentists with patient care in Jarabocoa, an impoverished community in the Dominican Republic.
The early study abroad experience, just after her freshman year, is an important point. While there is no perfect time for study abroad and schedules vary for every student, engaging with particular programs earlier in a college career can have an impact back on campus and is a great thing for all students to at least consider.
Congratulations to Johnson and best wishes for a great senior year.