EXCELLENCE IN GRADUATE INSTRUCTION

MICHAELA SMITH (’25)
Master of Arts Graduate Student College of Arts and Humanities
Hometown: Alto, Georgia
Major: English

What did you teach?

English: Composition I

What did you enjoy about teaching?

I loved the connections I was able to make with students and the conversations we had about their passions.

What did you appreciate most about the program in the College of Arts and Humanities?

I appreciated the faculty in the English program; without them I would not be the instructor that I am today.

What did you learn about yourself at Georgia Southern?

I learned a lot about my own academic interests! My time here introduced me to American literature and I discovered that I enjoy authors I once thought I would never read.

Describe your Georgia Southern experience.

I loved attending Georgia Southern for my master’s degree. I’m blessed to have such a strong cohort that became an amazing group of friends throughout the program. They have truly defined my experience here.

What will you miss most about Georgia Southern?

I’ll miss the friends that I have made in the program, though I know we will stay in touch.

What is your favorite Georgia Southern experience?

I loved being able to attend a variety of classes that challenged the way I thought about literature.

What did you do outside of classes?

Most of my time outside of class consisted of reading, playing video games or exploring local coffee shops with my partner.

What does it mean to you to be a recipient of the Averitt Award?

I am very honored to be nominated for the award and to win it. I believe that my success is a reflection not only of my skills as an instructor, but also a reflection of Georgia Southern’s English program, illustrating that the faculty here are fostering the next generation of great teachers.

What are your career plans?

I plan to pursue my doctorate in English starting in the fall at the University of South Carolina. There, I will continue researching and teaching.

What is an interesting or little-known fact about you?

Every year I set a goal to read at least 50 books. So far this year, I’ve read 26!

Pets: I have two cats: Leia and Gizmo.