Profiles of Tenacity: Davia Allen

Davia Allen is a fifth-year Public Relations and Social Entrepreneurship for Consumer Well-Being double major from Blakely, Georgia. She is actively involved in the Morehead Honors College, serves as an Ambassador for the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, works as a UGA CURO Undergraduate Researcher/Presenter for UGA’s Human Nutrition Lab and holds leadership roles in various organizations, including the Order of Omega and the Student Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Why did you choose your major?

Many students change majors during undergraduate years, but I never thought I’d be one of them. As a freshman I was certain of my path as a nutritional sciences major on a pre-med track, part of the Honors College. I began research in the Human Nutrition Lab and enjoyed the research process, collaboration and presentations. My mother and grandmother were both College of Family and Consumer Sciences graduates, so I wanted to continue the family tradition. 

Over time, however, I found my science classes were not as fulfilling as I had hoped. Through prayer and soul searching, I realized I need to change. I always loved interacting with people and have an affinity for communication. I considered how I might use my gifts to impact issues that concern me such as the problems of rural communities. I began to consider public relations, financial planning and possibly law school. Grady alumna Sydney Redding Floyd is from my hometown. She graduated from Grady and went on to study law at UGA as a Georgia Scholar. Sydney encouraged me to look into Grady College and the public relations major, explaining that public relations combines human interest, research and writing, all necessary skills for law school preparation. Additionally, my Family and Consumer Sciences advisors explained how financial planning could prepare me for the dual degree program combining a law degree with a master’s in financial planning.  I decided to double major in Public Relations through Grady and Social Entrepreneurship through the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. Having three college homes, Grady, FACS and Honors has afforded me the best possible undergraduate experience and preparation for law school and a fulfilling productive life.

What does tenacity mean to you?

Most people think of tenacity as dogged determination to stay the course no matter what. For me, tenacity has been more about finding the courage to continue growing personally, academically and spiritually even when that growth required inconvenient or painful change. I don’t like to be wrong, but I have learned there is freedom in admitting mistakes and finding a new path forward. I was born in China under the one-child-policy. My parents adopted me at 8 months and brought me home to southwest Georgia. I love my home and family but an aversion to change is hardwired in my psyche. When I needed to change my major and career goals, I waited longer than I should have, applying to Grady too late to begin my courses in the fall and causing me to need an extra semester to complete my undergraduate study. Once I made the decision to be a part of Grady College, I gave my best and in return I found my voice and my passion. As a Christian, I try to live by the verse, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters…” Colossians 3:23 NIV. In daily life, this means preparation to reduce stress, going the extra mile for assignments and continually showing up no matter what. As a part of the Morehead Honors College, I have chosen to do the additional work necessary for this distinction.  

What is one piece of advice that you would give to other Grady students?

I believe in investing the time to form relationships in your college. Coming from a rural community, it was important for me to make the University of Georgia feel a little less impersonal and daunting. I focused on forming relationships with professors, faculty and fellow students. Involvement in my colleges made my undergraduate education more than a means to a degree, but a true home. For every challenge I faced, God blessed with cheerleaders to help me make it through. Without those relationships I might not have had the strength to make the hard choices necessary for growth.  

What motivates you?

As I grow in my faith, I try to apply it even more to my daily life. As part of that, I believe in giving each task my full effort and attention. Additionally, my parents have always provided opportunities for me to learn and grow, so I like to make them proud. My mother achieved her doctorate while raising me and my sister, and I had a close-up view of her work ethic and motivation. Additionally, my father was a school system administrator but has a creative engineering skillset that he uses in his woodworking shop. He challenges me to think and consider life with imagination and resourcefulness. I am from a rural community that is underserved in many ways including access to legal and financial services. I plan to work and live in a similar place where my expertise may bridge the gaps and improve life for others.  

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past year?

One year ago, in my second semester at Grady, fresh off having changed my major and my career path, I was just beginning to realize all the ways my time here would benefit me. Now that I am about to graduate, I know my public relations classes have given me the skills and confidence I need for law school and beyond. In the past year I have become more authentically me and prepared to use my unique aptitudes and expertise to make life better for others. Grady has been a large part of that change, and I will be forever grateful.  

What or who has had the biggest impact on your life during your time at UGA?

When I enrolled in ADPR 5920 in the Fall of 2023 and met Tom Cullen, I found the teacher I needed to affirm my change of major and help me formulate new professional ambitions. Professor Cullen also taught me ADPR 5990, and he has continued to provide academic and professional advice. Professor Cullen is accomplished, knowledgeable, and insightful, but what distinguishes him from other excellent professors is that he knows his students as individuals, is genuinely interested in helping them grow academically and professionally, and communicates in a way that challenges students without overwhelming them. I am grateful for his influence in improving my approach to academic work and in considering weighty, life-changing, career-related decisions.

Where’s your favorite place on campus and why?

Nothing beats a Saturday in Athens watching the Dawgs between the hedges on Dooley Field. Sanford Stadium has always felt like home. I have enormous school spirit, and I feel myself wanting to tear up with joy as I watch the UGA hype videos before the game because I am so blessed to have this university, amazing professors and mentors as well as cherished friendships.  

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

I would encourage myself to immediately form connections everywhere – in my college, student activities, religious groups, volunteerism, sorority, even at the dining hall! I was hesitant to reach out to other individuals first, but when I did make the effort the positive reinforcement I received encouraged me to keep trying. Over time connecting with people and connecting other people with each other became part of me and I found joy in the process. Also, try a wide variety of activities as an underclassman but choose those you enjoy most to become invested in and demonstrate leadership and service. Most of all, allow yourself to change and grow throughout your time at UGA. Your career goals and life aspirations may transform as your viewpoints are challenged and your world expands but in the end, you will become a more authentic and confident you. 

Editor: Madden Callahan, emc50486@uga.edu