Macon State College MVPs is a web feature that profiles notable students, alumni, faculty and staff.
Allison Boutwell is about to complete her bachelor's in new media, and hopes for a career in filming and editing.
Full Name: Allison Leigh Boutwell.
Age: 21.
Hometown & Residence: Warner Robins.
High School: Northside High School, where her activities included Optimist Club; Beta Club (president her senior year; Yearbook Photo Editor; Senior Executive Committee; Ultimate Frisbee Club; Jazz Band duet vocalist; Miss Northside Pageant; Newspaper Staff; Junior Projects Committee; Youth Leadership Program of Warner Robins; Prayer Club; Beauty and the Beast Townsperson; Advanced Choir; Show Choir; Sophomore Class Vice President ; Sophomore Spirit Team; Prayer Club Vice President; Cats the Musical Background Choir; Beginning Chorus; Choral Tour-Washington D.C.; District XI Honor Choir; Partners Club President.
Family: Parents, Carl and Pat Boutwell; sisters, Lindsey Boutwell and Jennifer Ransom; brother-in-law, Kirk Ransom, baby niece, Taylor Kate Ransom; “and a little furry brother, Billy Rascal Boutwell, a Westie.”
Current Employment: “I am a full time student, but I work part-time as a Master Certified Peer Tutor at the Macon State College Academic Resource Center.”
Degree Objective: Bachelor of Science in New Media and Communication.
Class Rank: Senior.
Activities: “I am the publicity chair for the National Society of Leadership and Success (Sigma Alpha Pi), a reporter and an anchor for MSC-TV, and a Student Ambassador.”
Career Goals: “I want to achieve a career in new media, particularly in video. I love filming and editing. What's funny is I never saw myself as a computer person. I switched to communication and IT for the writing aspect of the major, then I realized just how much I really loved using a camera and creating/editing video. I can see myself working with Sherwood Pictures, a church, or any media company. I plan to apply to the area TV stations and the Weather Channel. A job at Robins Air Force Base would be nice too.”
She chose Macon State because … “It was affordable and close to home (not to mention, my parents made me stay home for the first two years). I would not have to spend a lot of money on room and board, meal plans, etc. I could live under my parents' roof a little longer, and continue to spend time with them. Also, HOPE paid for almost everything. And the college had a good reputation.”
The one thing that surprised him about Macon State was … “I wanted to stay there after my first year (I had previously planned to transfer after my first two years). There was such a community at the Warner Robins Campus and it made me want to stay."
Her favorite professor is … “Dr. Allen Richman (who is no longer at Macon State) is my favorite professor. Although I have only had him for one class, he made such a profound impact on my life. I took ‘Exploring Learning and Teaching’ with him, which he said he doesn't usually teach. He taught us through experience. When learning about students with disabilities, we experienced those disabilities through simulation. He gave us the most profound statements that seemed to me like they should appear on magnets that cling to teachers' desks. For example, when talking about discipline, Dr. Richman once said, ‘Look at your actions from an outsider's perspective.’"
Her favorite place to study is … “Besides my own home in a comfy chair, I prefer to study on the second floor of the Library. (People can't find you there). It's extraordinarily quiet. Nobody talks unless they're in the study rooms, which are nearly soundproof.”
One thing people don’t know about her is … “I really do talk a lot. Many people assume that I am a very quiet person, but people that know me well will contradict that claim. Various family members have been known to tell me to be quiet even if it's just for five minutes! Another thing people don’t know about me is that I have had two photos published in The Fall Line Review.”
Her friends make fun of her because … “I make funny faces or do silly things.”
The one person she’d most like to meet is … “My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. While I already know him in my heart, soul, mind, and spirit, I don't think anything will compare to meeting him face to face.”
Five years from now she sees herself … “Graduated with a master's degree, holding down a full-time job, and living in a house of my own.”