Outstanding Student - Leah Schultz

Expected Graduate Date: Spring 2015

Degree Objective: Graphic Design

A rising sophomore at the University, Leah Schultz’s coworkers in Recreational Sports say she’s a rising star as well. This past summer, she was the “go to” student employee on the department’s marketing team. Though hired to be a photographer, she assumed the additional role of social media specialist and facilitated the pre-planning logistics for special events to start the fall semester. Her coworkers call her “detail oriented, prompt and professional.” And she does it all with a smile and tons of energy!

In her words…

The highlight(s) of my time at UGA so far has been… going to the Lamar Dodd School of Art. I have had so many wonderful professors and graduate student teachers who have truly changed my life. I’ve only been at the University of Georgia and attending Art Courses for two-and-a-half semesters, but it has been obvious to me that my artistic skills and abilities have really gotten better! I know this sounds cliché, but my mind really has been broadened. I’ve been inspired to keep in touch with the world, so I read art magazines. I didn’t used to think that I was creative, but since I’ve been taught by the wonderful people and artists at Lamar Dodd, I’ve come up with bigger, better ideas!

I chose to attend UGA because… of the art school. Other than the Savannah College of Art & Design, the University of Georgia has the best art school in Georgia. I really wanted (and still do want!) to become one of the best and I’m going to transform into the best by being taught by the best. By coming to the University of Georgia I am able to get a really good artistic education while also getting an affordable one!

In my spare time, I like to… Read. I also like to photograph all of the exciting events in my life—I want to make sure that I always have a memory of it. I actually also enjoy playing Call of Duty with my boyfriend on my Xbox 360, even though I’m so horrible at it! I also draw, paint, and spend time with my friends in Downtown Athens. 

In 10 years, I hope to be... in Colorado, somewhere at the base of the mountains. I don’t know what I’d like to do with my degree per se, but I’ve got some ideas—maybe I’ll go to Graduate School or find a job immediately, become at least a tad bit successful. To be honest, I’m concentrating on actually getting into the Graphic Design program right now. Once I get in, the professors and beginner Graphic Design classes will help me figure out what I want to focus on in the Graphic Design field. Whatever happens in my future, I’m excited for it!

If I had five minutes to speak to the entire population of the world with no language barriers, I would say… “Every minute is a learning experience. Soak everything in and don’t take anything for granted.”