For as long as she can remember, Molly Vandiver has wanted to help people.
With a love of science and motivation to care for people, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of North Georgia (UNG) in May 2021.
While enrolled at UNG, her devotion to help others found another outlet.
For four years, Vandiver represented her classmates as a member and elected officer of the Student Government Association (SGA) on UNG's Dahlonega Campus. As a freshman, she was a representative and elections chairwoman. During her sophomore and junior years, Vandiver was elected as secretary and then vice president. In her final year, Vandiver became the senator for the College of Health Sciences and Professions, under the newly unified SGA.
"I felt this was a good fit for me as it was focused on what I am going into as my profession," said the Chickamauga, Georgia, native. "It still allowed me to participate in the advocacy and involvement aspect of SGA that I love."
Vandiver knew her senior year meant a heavier academic workload. Therefore, she participated in other groups earlier in her college career. As a freshman, she was a member of the Helpful, Optimistic, Positive and Encouraging (HOPE) organization, which is now called Miracle UNG. It raises funds for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA).
"As a nursing major, that cause was always on my heart," Vandiver said. "I have dreamed of working at CHOA, but to raise money for them as a student was cool."
Raising funds for CHOA and helping other student-led organizations through SGA is how Vandiver fed her hunger to help people. She preferred to do that behind the scenes.
"To be a leader, you have to set up your team for success," Vandiver said. "You have to step up and make decisions. My original intent was to do everything I could to help students succeed."
