Abigail Purlee started her college education at Auburn University before she transferred to the University of North Georgia (UNG). Ever since, Purlee has sought to ease transitions for others.
She served as both a transfer coach and an orientation leader. Transfer coaches help incoming transfers navigate the information needed to succeed, and orientation leaders assist new students as they learn about campus after being accepted to UNG.
"You're coming to a new place. It's unfamiliar, and then here's this person with answers who wants to help you," Purlee said. "It takes a lot of the stress off."
A particularly rewarding instance came when she connected a wounded veteran with Student Accessibility Services, an academic advisor, and all the other departments he would need.
Purlee, who is pursued a degree in interdisciplinary studies, knew she can't do it alone. The Dacula, Georgia, resident appreciated the teamwork aspect as she and her co-workers assisted all incoming students.
She also has direct advice for others in leadership positions.
"As a leader, you're always leading, even when you don't think you are," Purlee said. "Be confident in yourself and be ready to learn."
Her favorite learning comes in the diversity training.
"Not only does diversity bring different perspectives in, but you're learning how to live in the world. Learning about other cultures is filled with self-discovery," Purlee said. "The more you know about things that aren't yours, the more you can appreciate what makes yours unique."
She sought to lead with a sense of compassion by understanding what others are experiencing.
"You need to get to know the people you're leading and build that trust relationship with them," she said. "They depend on you, but you depend on them."
After her graduation in May 2022, Purlee aims to pursue a career as either a physician assistant or a medical lab scientist. This desire grew out of her own experiences. She grew up with two chronic illnesses, while her brother was born with a congenital heart defect. An aunt with Down syndrome also lived with her family.
"Early in my life, health care was prevalent. I was very blessed my family was able to have good health care," Purlee said. "I'd love to work with special populations, because I feel like that's something not a lot of people understand and there's definitely a need."