Wondering if college is really like the movies? What about what your teachers say? With this panel discussion of current and recent graduates, learn about what they wish they had done differently, things they’re glad they did, and what they wish they knew before going off to college.
Presenters
Eliza Miller
Eliza Miller is the program coordinator for the Capital Semester program and the Leadership + The American Presidency program at The Fund for American Studies. She recently graduated from Mercer University where she graduated with a BBA in Accounting with a minor in Spanish. Eliza learned from a young age that she was interested in Spanish and explored that interest through study abroad opportunities in Guatemala, Argentina, and Perú.
Eliza is an alumna of the TFAS Business and Government Relations program. She spent her time in the program interning with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
Alexis N. Thompson
Alexis N. Thompson is the Executive Assistant to Mayor B. H. “Skip” Henderson III of Columbus, Georgia. Alexis specializes in Senior Executive-level management within local government with exceptional ability to steer the organization’s development toward success. Alexis is a graduate of the Unsinkable Albany State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. In her role of Executive Assistant, Alexis was nominated to participate in the 50th International Baccalaureate (IB) Anniversary campaign to inspire the next generation of IB students and highlight the success of Hardaway High School’s International Baccalaureate Programme and Career-related Programme (CP). Alexis is inspired daily by her son, Tristan Isaiah Thompson. In her free time, Alexis likes to listen to podcasts, travel, and learn how to cook.
Donald Williams Jr.
Donald Williams Jr., from Columbus, Georgia, is a current Master of Arts in International Economic Policy student at the Elliott School of International Affairs. Donald received his Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Mercer University, where he double-majored in International Business and Economics with a minor in Marketing. Donald is a current 2020 Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Fellow where he is preparing for his future as a U.S. Foreign Service Economics Officer. He additionally is a 2018 Gilman Scholar, 2018 Fund for Education Abroad Scholar, and a 2018 Kakehashi Recipient with experiences abroad in Japan and Spain. In his spare time, Donald enjoys meeting new people, trying new food, traveling, and working on his young adult lifestyle and podcast called life V Lifestyle.
Deme Courtney
My name is Deme Courtney and I am a junior at Mississippi State University. I’m a biological science major with a pre-vet concentration and the president of the women’s club soccer team at MSU for a second year
Syniah “Joy” Hood
Syniah “Joy” Hood is an active member in various clubs and organizations, as well as an advocate in her community. At the age of 14 she started her own jewelry company called Joyful Expressions. During that time it challenged her aggressive business leadership skills, and although it failed she uses it as a platform for her future successes. One thing she loves to do is encourage and inform youth so she started her own Snapchat and YouTube show called Daily Dose of Joy. This show discusses a wide range of topics that can be watched by all. She was also given the once in a life time opportunity to be mentored by the prestigious Robin Roberts from Good Morning America. A personal quote she lives by would be, “Who you are is not an object, number, or symbol. You are you. Take control of your life and be the leader not everyone seeks to be.”