Anna Thurmond’s dream was to attend UGA and continue to live in her hometown of Athens. Her Georgia Section ASABE Scholarship makes this possible.
Why did you choose UGA?
Athens is my home and growing up in this city made going to UGA my dream! As a Dawgs fan, choosing to attend this University was a no-brainer for me.
How did you choose Engineering?
With the help of my family and my high school chemistry teacher, I discovered that engineering was the perfect path for me. It blends my love for math and science with my passion to better the world and help solve its problems.
“Thank you! Your support is vital to make students’ academic dreams a reality.”
What has been the most surprising thing about college?
Coming from a small high school, I expected UGA to feel large and at times impersonal. After getting connected with a few groups in the College of Engineering, UGA suddenly became smaller and made me feel right at home.
What has been the hardest thing about college?
There are so many great things to be involved in at UGA and I would say that the hardest thing about my experience has been narrowing down which organizations I will be able to actively participate in while still keeping up with my studies.
What is your favorite thing about Engineering at UGA?
Engineering at UGA will always hold a special place in my heart. The people that make up this program have truly become my family. I love the feeling that I’m not in a competition with my peers but rather in a gathering of friends who are working to help each other achieve our goals.
How important has your ASABE scholarship been in shaping your educational experience?
Having this scholarship has given me the freedom to participate in many extracurricular activities which have made my educational experience so valuable. Having the ability to be heavily involved in the Society of Women Engineers has been one of the best parts of my experience at UGA.
How has it impacted your studies?
The ASABE scholarship has given me the peace of mind I need to focus on my studies. Support from this scholarship has definitely made me more eager to achieve my academic goals.
How has being the recipient of a private scholarship shaped your view of philanthropy?
The donors of the ASABE scholarship and so many others have absolutely defined the way I view philanthropy. I hope that I will one day be able to give in the same way they have to benefit hard-working students.
If you could say one thing to private scholarship donors, what would it be?
Thank you! Your support is vital to make students’ academic dreams a reality.
What are your plans after you graduate, and what legacy do you hope to leave at UGA after graduation?
After graduation I hope to work in Project Management and gain my professional engineer license. I hope that I will be able to leave UGA next year knowing that I have helped other students, especially members of the Society of Women Engineers, understand their value and realize their individual potential in this field.
