Get to know our 2020 What’s Ne[x]t Scholarship winners
Congratulations to Sydney, Massiel, and Hanna! Each of these women demonstrated an exceptional commitment to others, a strong academic background, and a bright vision for their future. We are beyond proud to have them in the Georgia’s Own community. So what’s next for our scholarship winners? Let’s find out!
$8,000 Scholarship Winner: Sydney Laws | Watch Video
Cultural Anthropology, University of Southern California
For our readers who haven’t seen your video yet, tell us what’s next for you, what your passions are, and what you plan to do after college.
My number one passion has always been telling a story. Only recently have I realized how effective film is at accomplishing that goal. I have always felt that film affects the internal. Yet, it has one fundamental flaw: representation. While most people understand its surface-level need, many do not see that representation is tied to livelihood. How we [under- or mis-represented communities] are represented directly impacts how the world sees us, which correlates to our mobility. So, it’s simple. As a filmmaker, my goal is authentic and accurate representation, showing humanity in its purest form. My focus is Black subjectivity: Black narrative, Black art, AND Black truth. I am uncompromising in my dedication to these goals, just as I’m uncompromising in the liberation of my people through the only way I know how.
After college, I plan to continue my education in graduate school, studying cultural and visual anthropology. It is my goal to further engage with academia; to learn how to affect the interpersonal in order to shape broader social structures. More than anything, I can put myself in a position to empower others to also use this craft effectively.
But, more than anything, what’s next for me will hopefully be a whole lot of happiness. Speaking for other “creatives,” it is not lost on us how many other paths we could take that would be much more lucrative than the ones we are travelling on. But, we do it because it makes us happy. Whatever I am doing, I just want to be living a life I am proud of: doing what I can to help others and simply being happy.
What does it mean to you to receive the $8,000 What’s Ne[x]t scholarship?
It means I can continue on my path of trying to enact change in this world, using the one tool in my arsenal: art.
How will this scholarship help you achieve What’s Ne[x]t for you?
With this gracious donation towards my future, I won’t have to prioritize the financial aspect when choosing a job. I can prioritize my craft and helping other people with my work. And, I can start finally living out my purpose.
Why did you decide to apply for our scholarship?
The cost of higher education is no joke. It was also really nice to see my credit union wanting to help me out! It was so amazing to see a staple in my community doing what they can to make it possible for students to continue their education. You don’t see that everyday. I’m glad to be a member of Georgia’s Own. If I am ever in the position to be able to more generously give back to others, I would like to contribute to the Georgia’s Own Foundation.
How did you decide on the University of Southern California?
Something in me knew that USC was the place for me. Like most creatives, it was always my dream to attend what many people, besides the folks over at UCLA, would deem the “best film school in the world.”
Film school is a very unique environment. While it is not everyone’s cup of tea, it definitely was the right move for me. I thrive in an environment where I can make mistakes and grow immensely from them: an environment with other like-minded creatives. USC was also a place that inspired a lot of personal growth within me. As much as I love Georgia, I truly think I needed to be in California for these very important, semi-formative years. It was the right place at the right time for growth in every aspect of my life. I also couldn’t give up the opportunity to be able to go to the beach everyday.
What was your first camera?
My first camera was an Olympus OMD-EM100. It’s a mirrorless camera that shoots very cinematic videos. But, truthfully, I bought it for the aesthetic. It has such a vintage quality about it. I still use it whenever I go on adventures and need to capture the moment.
How do you think your college experiences will influence and aid in your career as director and cultural researcher for films?
Humans are inherently storytellers. Telling stories is just what we do. We all have a story within us that is ready to escape; a story that has been shaped by our various environments and life experiences. So, like most people, college was another part of my journey that will most definitely aid in the stories that I want to tell. It will richen my perspective and the experiences that I bring to a film set or to my research. Those LA nights skating around campus with my friends, pulling all-nighters in the basement of our editing labs, sneaking into a building to quickly film the last shot of your movie…all of these experiences have made me who I am.
What do you think makes you one of Georgia’s Own?
Besides the fact that I bump Outkast 24/7…I think I carry a pride for Georgia that is characteristic of most people who reside within this great state. I’ve always been proud to be a Georgia Peach. We’re very optimistic and very strong—and never without our Southern hospitality.
Pursuing higher education is a wise investment in your future, but nonetheless a costly one. How do you manage the cost of college during school and after you graduate?
I currently support myself by working a remote job at a creative studio for online interactive content. However, in the past, I have had less interesting, work-study jobs. I am trying to put myself in the position where the cost of college stays in college; meaning, I won’t have to worry about these bills upon graduation. Thankfully, Georgia’s Own is helping me take another step in that direction.
What is a fun fact about you?
I am a twin! An identical twin, actually. My sister is named Kendall, and she is a senior at Harvard University studying economics.
$5,000 Scholarship Winner: Massiel Nunez | Watch Video
Journalism & Emerging Media, Kennesaw State University
For our readers who haven’t seen your video yet, tell us what’s next for you, what your passions are, and what you plan to do after college.
I am currently a full-time student at Kennesaw State University and am pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Emerging Media. I own an online magazine called PULP Magazine and plan on growing that platform after I graduate. I currently have a team of more than 50 interns and am hoping to grow the team and our clientele. My hopes are to become a household name in the media. I also plan on growing my podcast “The Broke But Woke Podcast” and publishing a second poetry book. I am in the works of starting my second company, Opulent Glamour, and plan on growing it as well.
What made you decide to launch a podcast and who has been your favorite guest?
I have always loved listening to podcasts while I drive. I enjoyed hearing the different perspectives and array of topics. I always visualized myself having a platform like that and allowing a safe space for open dialogue. I am so glad that I pursued it because I have learned so much from my guests. My favorite guests so far have been Dre and T. They spoke on my relationship episode and keeping a conversation flowing was so easy with them.
What are some things you’ve learned from starting your own YouTube channel that you feel has helped you confidently publish a book, contributed to your magazine’s success, and how you will approach future endeavors?
I always loved being in front of a camera, but filming YouTube videos has definitely helped boost my confidence. I have felt a sense of “community” from YouTube and an immense amount of support from my subscribers. It’s inspiring to have an extra push from supporters when pursuing your goals. I am excited to grow on YouTube and take everyone on my journey with all my endeavors.
Why did you decide to attend Kennesaw State University?
My senior year of high school, I visited different colleges to get a feel for the environment. Kennesaw State University was the first school that felt right as soon as I walked onto campus. Everyone was so nice and friendly, and the students there all loved it. I knew that KSU was where I wanted to complete my degree.
What does it mean to you to receive the $5,000 scholarship?
It was honestly such a good feeling to get the news that I won the $5,000 scholarship. I have been working a lot and paying out of pocket for school, so to receive this as a reward for all of my hard work feels amazing.
How will this scholarship help you achieve What’s Ne[x]t?
This scholarship will allow me to focus on school and not picking up extra shifts to pay the bills. It can be hard juggling a 9-to-5 job while being a full-time student. However, this scholarship allows relief and financial help with my classes.
What do you think makes you one of Georgia’s Own?
I grew up in Georgia, and I know that wherever life takes me, my experiences and memories in Georgia have made me who I am today.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I auditioned for Camp Rock when I was younger because I wanted to meet the Jonas Brothers. Totally didn’t get the role, though.
$2,000 winner: Hanna Paz | Watch Video
Financial Risk Management, University of Georgia
For our readers who haven’t seen your video yet, tell us what’s next for you, what your passions are, and what you plan to do after college.
I hope to go to graduate school to get my Ph.D. in mathematics after my last year at the University of Georgia. My passions are helping within my community by assisting the families from my local elementary school and inspiring younger generations to get into the field of higher-level mathematics. I hope to continue doing research and contribute to scholarly papers that can help future research in math. I plan to continue tutoring my peers and help them succeed in future math courses. I wish to go to math conferences in the future to learn about discoveries in real analysis and topology, and I also hope to mentor students in the future by assisting with undergraduate research.
What made you choose the University of Georgia?
Many factors led me to choose UGA. My sister went there for her undergraduate degree, and I remember visiting her on weekends and being amazed by the campus and sense of community. I also was a recipient of the HOPE Scholarship, and that was a factor that led me to choose UGA. I didn’t want to be too far away from my family, and I thought UGA had the perfect distance. Lastly, I went into UGA as a finance major, and the Terry School of Business is wonderful, so I was excited to be attending a great school.
How did you become interested in mathematics, and what led you to your dream of becoming a higher-education mathematics professor?
I was always interested in mathematics growing up. However, I never really realized how much I loved math until college. I took a break from math my first two years, and I enjoyed getting to help my classmates in my Calculus 2 class. It was then that I discovered my passion was teaching mathematics. It was the greatest feeling seeing my classmates begin to connect what we were learning and succeeding in our class with my help. I knew my calling would be to teach higher-level math and hopefully inspire others to get into mathematics.
How did your family’s history inspire you to pursue a career in education, and how do you hope it will impact your future?
My family’s history has inspired me as my mother works at an elementary school, and growing up I’ve seen the impact that she has had on the families she works with and that has inspired me to pursue a career in education. My parents moved to the United States and took English classes along with their regular college classes. My parents have told me how their professors pushed them to finish their degrees and follow their passions, and I hope I can do the same to others in the future as a mathematics professor.
How do you manage studying three majors—finance, risk management, and mathematics—while tutoring other students?
At first, it was rather difficult, but after a while (and a reality check about my time management skills) I’ve been able to handle my schedule. Tutoring my peers also helps me stay on top of what I’m learning—I find that if I can’t answer their questions at first, I brush up my skills to help them. I try to maximize my time by treating my schooling as a full-time job. I would stay on campus every day from the start of my classes until I finished all my work. I find tutoring others relaxing, so I would plan my studying around my tutoring. Tutoring others also helps to prepare me to become a professor in the future.
What would be your advice to someone interested in pursuing a career as a professor or a degree in mathematics?
My advice would be to always believe in yourself and follow your dreams. I went into UGA afraid that if I had chosen to be a math major, I would fail, but I pushed myself and now could not picture myself doing anything else. A piece of advice if you want to become a professor is to get to know your professors. They are a great help, especially if you are interested in academia and research, as that is what they do. They can explain what graduate school is like, provide opportunities for undergrad research, and help decide what school could be best for you. They also act as great recommendations for the future when you apply to grad school. One of my professors told me, “There will always be a point in studying math that you want to give up. Keep on pushing through.” That piece of advice has helped me over the years, knowing my professors have struggled in the past with the topics I am learning. Lastly, my advice would be to get involved in any math-related clubs your school has to offer to meet your peers and further learn about the different areas of mathematics.
What does it mean to you to receive the $2,000 scholarship?
Receiving the scholarship has meant so much to me. It has proved to me that anything is possible when you work hard and put your mind to something. It has also relieved some of the financial pressure that comes with attending college, and I will be able to further focus on my studies and my future.
How will this scholarship help you achieve What’s Ne[x]t for you?
This scholarship will help me by providing the opportunity to focus on my studies and research this year. Also, this scholarship has helped motivate me even more, as I feel that I now have Georgia’s Own believing in me to follow my dreams of becoming a professor.
What do you think makes you one of Georgia’s Own?
Georgia’s Own has always been there for me when I have any financial questions and whenever I need some assistance. I feel connected to Georgia’s Own as they constantly give back to the community, such as their help in the Smart Lunch, Smart Kid program, and I feel very proud to be a part of a community that assists in issues such as food insecurity. It makes me happy to be one of Georgia’s Own.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I love to sing in my free time, and back in high school, I sang at my graduation! I also love to volunteer at the Humane Society on Mansell.