Mary Grace Steverson

A leader who takes the phrase "soaring to new heights" literally is University of North Georgia (UNG) student Mary Grace Steverson. After a camping trip to the North Georgia mountains, Steverson took one look around the Drill Field at UNG's Dahlonega Campus and knew UNG was where she wanted to be.

Pursuing a degree in middle grades education, Steverson works for Campus Recreation and Wellness as a supervisor for the recreation department, the lead committee member for their service committee and facility staff of the Outdoor Pursuits Program. She shared that because of her love for the outdoors, the program is one of her favorite things about the university and is responsible for many of her favorite collegiate memories.

"Training at the wellness center with outdoor pursuits would have to be my favorite UNG memory," Steverson said. "Pine Valley can be uncomfortable because it involves high elements and climbing up actual pine trees. It's often many people's first training, but by the end of it, you have skills and friends for life."

With a positive outlook on life and a willingness to try new things, Steverson shared that learning when to say yes and no can make or break a person's college experience. Her advice to future leaders is to learn to say yes to opportunities like Pine Valley and never turn down an adventure.

As a future educator, Steverson finds inspiration for the adventure of teaching in her own instructors, like senior lecturer Karrie Ann Fadroski. Steverson said she loves the passion Fadroski shares with her students and how her teaching style incorporates outdoor learning. This helped Steverson consider teaching middle school science.

Role models also inspire Steverson to be empathetic, which she says is a part of being a leader and a teacher to her students.

"I have to remind myself that is how I have to be walking into a classroom. I try to be as understanding as I can," Steverson said. "Some may see it as a weakness, but if done correctly, it can be seen as a strength."

She shared that she strives to be a leader who creates community, builds relationships and maintain a space for others to grow. Ultimately, she wants to make sure her peers and students "feel seen, heard and loved."