Macon State College MVPs is a web feature that profiles notable students, alumni, faculty and staff.
Public service major Jessica Thomaston hopes to enter grad school and work as a child advocate.
Full Name: Jessica R. Thomaston.
Age: 34.
Hometown: Frenchburg, Ky.
Residence: Gray.
Family: “I would not be here without my two beautiful daughters, Rosanna and Sierra. They, along with the rest of my family, were extremely supportive of my choice to return back to school - my mom and my Papaw especially. Rosanna, 14, is my inspiration. She is so smart and talented and has known what she wants out of life since she could walk. Sierra, 6, is my cheerleader. When I begin to feel overwhelmed, she is there to tell me that she is proud of me and that she believes in me. I am truly blessed!"
Current Employment: “I am currently a full-time student and I also work at Pro Construction of GA with the best group of guys that a girl could ask for! It's hard to find a company that understands the trials of being a student, a parent, a softball team mom, taxi driver and an administrative assistant.”
Degree Objective: Bachelor of science in public service.
Class Rank: Junior.
Activities: “I was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success in April 2012. I am also a member of the Macon State Psychology Club as well as the Public Service Association.”
Career Goals: “I want to be a child advocate in some capacity. I haven't decided yet if it's in a courtroom or behind the scenes but my calling is to help those children that have no one to speak up for them otherwise.”
She chose Macon State College because … “My best friend, Kim Wootton, ignited a fire in my heart when she told me that she had faith in me and my dreams. We chose Macon State together because we heard and read that Macon State was one of the best colleges in the area.”
The one thing that surprised me about Macon State was … “The faculty. They are always so willing to help students. Anytime I have needed assistance with anything from financial aid to parking permits, people were so friendly, welcoming and competent. It makes going to school so much easier when you have people like that to help.”
Her favorite professor is … “I have two: Dr. Ervin Briones and Dr. Dawn Sherry. I had Dr. Briones for Intro to Psychology, Abnormal Psychology and Theories - pretty much everything that I could take because he has a passion for teaching that is only surpassed by his passion for psychology. He's one of those people that absolutely loves what he is doing and it surrounds him and becomes infectious. He has taught me so much and truly has become my mentor. Dr. Dawn Sherry is just awesome. I took Biology I and II with her. I was seriously dreading biology but Dr. Sherry made it interesting. She made it fun and I actually became interested in a subject I have never cared for. Thank goodness I got to take her for Biology II as well. These two professors are not just wonderful teachers but they are people that come into your life and make a profound difference that forever changes you.”
Her favorite place to study is … “OUTSIDE!!! When it's pretty outside at school I like to sit by the lake where I can hear the fountains. At home, I will pull my patio table out in the middle of the front yard just to be in the fresh air. When it's cold out, there is nothing like studying in front of the fireplace. Last fall I actually rearranged my house to put the dining room table in the living room so that I could study without falling asleep in the recliner.”
One thing people don’t know about her is … “I didn't grow up in the church but about 2-3 years ago I started getting curious. I have always believed in God but knew nothing about him. I began asking questions and attending random churches here and there. It wasn't until late March or early April of this year that I found Grace Point Church and knew that I was finally at home. My life has changed drastically and I thank God every day for showing me the way.”
Her friends make fun of her because … “I still believe in fairy tales.”
The one person she’d most like to meet is … “Nick Vujicic. Someone posted a video of this amazing person on my Facebook wall and ever since he has continued to be an inspiration in my life. He was born without arms or legs and instead of being mad at God and everyone around him, he embraced his condition. He is courage and strength. He is what determination is made of. He is the beacon that says all things are possible if you have faith! But even more important than getting to meet him myself, I would love for my children to hear him speak in person. We watch his videos from time to time when we feel overwhelmed with something and I would love for them to connect that to a ‘real’ person.”
Five years from now she sees herself … “Living near a beach somewhere with my wonderful daughters and working on a PhD in psychology. But as I have learned recently, what we see for our future is not important compared to what God has planned for us.”