Sara Gonzalez

Sara Gonzalez enrolled at the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Dahlonega Campus and was unfazed about not knowing one.

"It didn't bother me, because my family moved to the United States when I was 11 and I started middle school not knowing anyone. I knew I'd be fine coming here," the Newnan, Georgia, resident said.  

She credits her perseverance for being able to balance a job, Honors Program courses, her role in the Student Government Association (SGA), and a full course load.

"I've always wanted to do well. My parents told me that whatever I do, I better be good at it. I've always thought about that," she said. "Where there's a will, there's a way. I prioritize my studies and care a lot about my grades, my friends and my family. I always find a way to balance them."  

Now a sophomore pursuing degrees in in international affairs and modern languages with a concentration in French language and literature, Gonzalez aspires to be a diplomat. Working as a Language Lab tutor, Gonzalez helps students with Spanish and French.

"I believe speaking more languages has allowed me to connect with more people," she said. "We can learn from each other no matter where we're from, no matter what language we speak. I love doing that, and that's why I want to go into diplomacy. I want to learn from other people."

The experience gave her more confidence in leadership roles, including vice president of both SGA at the Dahlonega Campus.

She defines the role of a leader as a problem-solver.

"Leadership is stepping up to solve any kind of problem without being asked. It's just taking initiative and actively seeking ways to improve conditions for the people who you work with and the people who might be affected by what you're doing," Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez uses her role in SGA to encourage others to become involved in campus life because "meeting people brings a sense of community and being connected."

"SGA is here for students because we want everybody to feel like they have like a place at UNG," she said. "They can start a new organization, too. We don't like the same things. Having a group that shares the same ways of thinking or likes and dislikes has really helped me through a lot. It gives me a sense of security and support that I otherwise wouldn't have if I hadn't reached out."