Jamila Evelyn

Why did you choose Dalton State? I did in a group tour before applying and admired the calm ambience of the campus. I knew it would be a place of focus for me and I couldn’t turn down the incredible affordability.

What does it mean to you to be part of the Roadrunner Nation? The small family-like relationship I have established with the members of my social work cohort is a very large representation of what the Roadrunner Nation means to me. That includes surrounding yourself with a group of people who will maintain positivity when times get tough and create meaningful friendships that will last after graduation.

What do you plan to do after graduation? My plan is to return to Atlanta, attend graduate school, and obtain a Master of Social Work degree. After that it won’t be long until you see my name again. Saving the world will also be on my post- graduation to do list.

Who is/was your favorite professor and why? I took environmental studies with Dr. John Lugthart, and I will never forget it. He took us on a field trip to the local dump and since then I recycle everything I possibly can. I found it very important that he had us do a great deal of environmental involvement that directly impacts this community.

What activities are you involved in on campus? I am a proud member of the Social Work Club coordinated by our very own senior students. We do our best to lend a helping hand and volunteer within the area. Our most memorable accomplishment is cooking and serving dinner for the City of Refuge right here in Dalton.

What are some of your favorite activities in and around Dalton? I love climbing to a high point of a mountain to take in the view and just exist in nature.

Where is your favorite study spot? Health professions has the best study nooks for one person or a small group. Everyone is respectable of each other’s need for a quiet but productive space.

Favorite comfort food? Any type of fruit you can think of

What is your guilty pleasure? People watching

What do you feel most proud of? I’m proud to say I can look back and remember when I wanted what I currently have; i.e. my car, a place to call my own, and soon-to-be bachelor’s degree. 

If you won the lottery, what would you do? I would definitely keep it a secret.

What is a skill you’d like to learn and why? My Spanish speaking skills are moderate, but I would love to become fluent. It will be a professional asset and let’s be honest, everything sounds great in Spanish.

What cheers you up? My family can always make me laugh.

Who is your hero? I choose both of my parents as one united hero. They migrated to this country from Jamaica and developed a platform for my brothers and sister and me to achieve any dream that we could imagine.

What is your favorite app? I recently downloaded Wordscapes. If you like games like Scrabble it will really put your brain to work.

Where is your favorite place to eat? There is a chain of restaurants in Atlanta called J.R. Crickets, and they serve some of the best wings you can find.

What did you want to be when you were a kid? When I was younger, I had my mind set on becoming a veterinarian. Although that career path has changed, I still adore most animals.

As a Roadrunner, what does it mean to Run Boldly? To Run Boldly means to set a desirable destination for your success and doing whatever it takes to make it there. For many of us that destination is graduation. For others, school may be just one stop on their journey to triumph. Regardless of your goal, if you Run Boldly, nothing will ever be able to stop you.