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Where I Lead
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    1. UNG
    2. News & Events
    3. Where I Lead
    4. Students

    Dina Makadiya

    Being the center of attention is not something Dina Makadiya seeks, but the University of North Georgia (UNG) student does not let that keep her from leading. As president of the Asian Student Association (ASA) on UNG's Gainesville Campus, she aims to create a welcoming environment for new members.

    "We try to make it a little less scary for them. They're coming into a new place," she said. "They may not know people. We want to give them a place where they can make friends and fit in."

    As ASA president, Makadiya shines a light on her Indian heritage. Her parents are from India while she is a native of Toronto, Canada. Makadiya wants to share her cultural traditions with fellow students.

    For the student pursuing a degree in biology, the ability to delegate tasks comes from realizing even leaders need help and others can thrive through added responsibility.

    "You have to be able to work with other people," Makadiya said. "Leadership is not about you. You're working together to get an entire group somewhere."

    She said people do not enjoy being bossed around, and listening is a vital skill for successful leadership.

    "People in your group may have ideas that you may not have thought of," Makadiya said. "Letting them take the reins sometimes can be beneficial."

    After she graduates in May 2023, Makadiya plans to apply to Doctor of Physical Therapy programs. She was inspired to take that path after a high school sports medicine class.

    As Makadiya continues to make progress toward her bachelor's degree, she welcomes the growth she has experienced as a leader.

    "Through my leadership role, I have made a lot of lifelong friends," Makadiya said. "I've also learned that just because you may stumble and fall, that doesn't mean that's the end of it."

    Ashlee McCaskill

    Ashlee McCaskill

    Ashlee McCaskill, associate professor of biology at UNG, manages the greenhouse on the Dahlonega Campus and serves as curator of the botanical teaching collection, herbarium, and native garden. She established the woodland garden through grant funding.
    Sonia Alcantar

    Sonia Alcantar

    UNG alumna Sonia Alcantar, '16, believes no one should limit themselves. "Put yourself out there and make friends and talk with professors. You’ll never know what they’ll help you achieve in your life."
    Kaitlin Ramspeck

    Kaitlin Ramspeck

    A chance meeting turned into an opportunity for 2018 graduate, Kaitlin Ramspeck, to travel halfway around the world and lead a research project.
    Miriam Segura-Totten

    Miriam Segura-Totten

    After earning degrees from Princeton University and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Dr. Miriam Segura-Totten seeks to mentor and inspire students, just like she was. She is a professor of biology and the Harry B. Forester Eminent Scholars chair at UNG.
    Linda Purvis

    Linda Purvis

    In 2011, Dr. Linda Purvis returned to the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Gainesville Campus, where she earned her associate degree in poultry science, with a specific task in mind: to rebuild the poultry science program from scratch.
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