Macon State College MVPs is a web feature that profiles notable students, alumni, faculty and staff.
Carrie Ginest is finishing up her B.A. in English and has plans for graduate school.
Full Name: Carrie A. Ginest.
Hometown: Wichita, Kansas.
Residence: Bonaire.
Family: “I have been married to my husband, Chris Ginest, for fourteen years. We have two wonderful, smart, and active boys: Alex, 13, and Nicholas, 10. They are the ones who manage to keep me somewhat sane during this hectic time in my life.”
Current Employment: Full-time student.
Degree Objective: Bachelor of arts in English.
Class Rank: Senior.
Activities: “I am currently president of Alpha Rho Sigma (ARS). I am a member of the English Studies Organization and the Women Studies Association. I was lucky enough to be this year’s intern for the Crossroads Writers’ Conference. I have also been a staff writer for the Macon Statement.”
Career Goals: “I hope someday to be a professor of English and hopefully encourage others in their love of literature. I also enjoy writing and hope to be able to pursue that aspect of my interests further at some point.”
She chose Macon State College because … “Living in Bonaire, I liked the fact that Macon State has a Warner Robins Campus, which is so close and affordable. Macon State’s diverse English program was a wonderful bonus in my decision. However, I did not truly appreciate my choice until I started taking classes at the Macon Campus where I became more actively involved in the school.”
The one thing that surprised her about Macon State was … “The care and dedication of its professors. The professors, regardless of major, are dedicated to providing an excellent education and experience for the students of Macon State. They want students to utilize them and the knowledge they possess. The professors make a point of being available to their students outside of class hours.”
Her favorite professor is … “I think that students are extremely fortunate to have all the professors at Macon State. I don't think I have encountered one that I have not enjoyed learning from, which makes it difficult to choose one favorite. I am grateful that every one of my professors has been supportive and constantly offering encouragement. Dr. Heather Braun has gone out of her way to encourage me to move beyond my comfort zone as a nontraditional student. Because of her, I participated in the study abroad program in London during the summer of 2010, an unforgettable experience that I will always treasure. And Dr. Loretta Clayton, Dr. Amy Berke, and Dr. Braun have all been working tirelessly to help me bring to fruition my conception of the cycle of a certain type of femme fatale, for which I will always be grateful! I have had many classes with each of them and they always bring excitement and enthusiasm into their respective courses.”
Her favorite place to study is … “Any place that I can get a few minutes to quietly think. As a mother, quiet places tend to be a rarity. I use the library, Starbucks, my bedroom, and my home office. I prefer to study in my living room when no one else is at home.”
One thing people don’t know about her is … “I took full contact kickboxing lessons and jujitsu lessons.”
Her friends make fun of her because … “So many things, but mainly because I am a huge klutz.”
The one person she’d most like to meet is … “Mary Wollstonecraft. She is an amazing figure in women's rights, but she was more than an early feminist. As a moral and political writer she displayed a strength of character, full of courage and intelligence, that allowed her to stand up for what she believed and the ability to try to help educate others. I admire that trait in her.”
Five years from now she sees herself … “Hopefully, I will be toiling away on my doctorate.”