Macon State College MVPs is a web feature that profiles notable students, alumni, faculty and staff.

High School: Houston County High School, where she was a member of the National Beta Club and the National French Honors Society. Throughout most of high school, she worked two part-time jobs.

Family: Parents, Gina and Joe Hammonds, and two brothers, Darrell, 22, and Will, 11.

Current Employment: Apart from being a full-time student, she is part of the Macon State phone-a-thon team for the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs and also works at Publix.

Degree Objective: She is currently in the pre-professional program for potential pharmacy majors.

Class Rank: Freshman.

Macon State Activities/Accomplishments: She was one of the first recipients of a Macon State College Presidential Scholarship awarded to top high school graduates.

Career Goals: “While my major is currently pharmacy, I think I would like to be a high school math or foreign language teacher. I have always loved learning, and I want to be in an environment that can feed this passion.”

She chose Macon State College because … “Its location and financial opportunities. The College's proximity to my home and work provides me with easy access to its many resources. I am able to live at home, work, and go to school without traveling a long distance. Macon State College also presented me with a once-in-a-lifetime sort of opportunity when I received the Presidential Scholarship, which has lifted some of the typical college student financial burdens. I can use this money to enhance my educational experience here through such programs as study abroad.”

The one thing that surprised her about Macon State was … “The friendly atmosphere. I had the impression that I would be in classes with professors who lectured nonstop and would not even know my name. However, my experience has been completely opposite of what I expected. All my professors know my name and are very eager to answer questions and provide as much help as possible.”

Her favorite professor during the spring 2008 semester was … “Dr. Chip Rogers, my English 1102 professor. He is a dynamic teacher with loads of experience and funny stories. Along with that, he expects the best from his students and challenges them. His teaching methods and assignments are understandable and provoke a higher level of thought. Dr. Rogers is also as readily available outside of class as he is inside of class. He is willing to sacrifice his time to assist his student's on papers and projects.”

Her favorite place to study is … “The Foreign Language lab. The lab has numerous resources for language students, including tutors, books and computers. It also has a calm atmosphere that allows for good concentration.”

One thing people don’t know about her is … “I really want to travel all over. I would love to visit Europe, especially France and Ireland. I also want to go to Central and South America to see all of the different cultures that I have never been exposed to.”

The one person she’d most like to meet is … “Vincent Van Gogh. He is my favorite artist. His paintings are so different and out of the norm. I would love to see how his mind worked.”

Five years from now she sees herself … “Finishing up my education in whatever field I have chosen. I hope to have done some traveling and be close to getting married.”