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Atlanta, GA | Posted: May 1, 2017
Renay San Miguel
Communications Officer/Science Writer
College of Sciences
404-894-5209
Summary Sentence:
Spring 2017 graduate Morgan Foreman practiced what she preached about getting involved on campus.
Full Summary:
Morgan Foreman advised new Georgia Tech students to get involved and break out of their shells, and she led by example.
Morgan ForemanMorgan Anna Foreman encourages new Georgia Tech students to break out of their shells, make friends, get involved. She’s clearly practiced what she’s preaching.
Foreman, who is graduating with a B.S. in Psychology, was on the Black Student Experience Task Force and received the Campus Life and Community at Tech Scholarship.
In 2016, Foreman participated in the Transformative Narratives Project, which aims to showcase Georgia Tech’s diversity through personal stories.
She hopes to make a difference with mental health counseling and treatment in minority communities, and her first stop on that journey after graduation is a job with IBM Research.
What attracted you to Georgia Tech?
Both of my parents are Georgia Tech industrial engineering graduates, so I grew up a Yellow Jacket. I was personally drawn to Georgia Tech because of the opportunity to participate in research starting in my freshman year. Also, the small size of the psychology department would allow for a lot of personal instruction.
How would you describe your life before enrolling in Georgia Tech?
I was very fortunate to attend Woodward Academy from kindergarten through my senior year, so I had a very strong and supportive community. When I wasn’t studying, I spent most of my time on the golf course or doing social justice work on campus. I have a tight-knit group of friends, and I spent a lot of time hanging out with them.
What is the most important thing you learned at Georgia Tech?
Georgia Tech taught me how to persevere beyond all odds. Tech has exceeded expectations academically, and I feel like I have received a world-class education. Socially, however, it has definitely fallen short. I do not think Tech is supportive of students who don’t want to be involved in Greek life.
What surprised or disappointed you the most about Georgia Tech?
I was surprised by how long it took to find students who were willing to help you through classes. For my first few semesters, everything seemed so cutthroat, and you are on your own.
I was disappointed the most by the social life at Tech. It’s based on cliques. You are either in or out.
Which professor(s) or class(es) made a big impact on you?
My Human Development class with Dr. Jenny Singleton had a big impact, because it really confirmed for me that I was studying the right major. I wish the psychology school had more classes like it.
The Civil Rights Movement class also taught me a lot. It’s a class all students should be required to take.
What is your most vivid memory of Georgia Tech?
When President Barack Obama visited Georgia Tech on March 15, 2015. We all spent hours waiting in line!
If you participated in experiential learning activities, what was the most valuable outcome of your experience?
I participated in undergraduate research for all four years. That really taught me how to solve difficult questions and follow the process of research from start to finish. It was such an amazing experience to be immersed in another culture so different from my own.
On the basis of your experience, what advice would you give to incoming freshmen at Georgia Tech?
Go to those early meet-and-greets, and find a club that can really make you feel like you have a community and a home.
What feedback would you give to Georgia Tech to improve the campus experience for future students?
Always make the well-being of the students your priority. Happy students are the more successful students.
Where are you headed after graduation?
I will be working with the Healthcare Effectiveness Research Division of IBM Research. Georgia Tech taught me how to solve tough problems and market myself for success.
