Molly Vandiver

With a love of science and motivation to care for people, she decided to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of North Georgia (UNG). When she enrolled at UNG, her devotion to help others found another outlet.

For the past four years, Vandiver has 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 this year as it was focused on what I am going into as my profession," said the 21-year-old from Chickamauga, Georgia. "It will still allow me to participate in the advocacy and involvement aspect of SGA that I love."

Vandiver explained she would have liked to been director of elections, but knew she would not have the time to commit to it in her final year.

Vandiver knew her senior year would mean 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 is always on my heart," said Vandiver, who is considering being a pediatric nurse. "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 prefers 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 is to do everything I can to help students succeed."