#GradyGrit: Meet Taylor Lee
Editor’s Note: #GradyGrit is a new series of profiles of Grady College students who show determination, leadership and outreach to the community. Search “#GradyGrit” on the Grady College website for additional profiles.
How did you choose your Grady major?
I actually began my career at UGA as a dance major, following in the footsteps of one of my high school dance instructors and my role model. I quickly realized that something was missing, so my second semester I took Intro to Advertising with Dr. Nate Evans since Advertising was my “fallback” option if I wasn’t accepted into the dance program. I fell in love with the class and profession and saw a future in a career doing something that I love. Three years later, I still feel just as excited about my major as I did the first day of my intro class!
What is one example of using your Grady skills in a real-world experience?
My junior year, I had the opportunity to manage the social media accounts for the UGA Dance Dawgs. My courses in Grady really helped me understand the most effective way to communicate with our audience and produce meaningful content for our followers. I also had the opportunity to study abroad and attend the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity, where I was one of two social media interns! My experiences as a Grady student helped me to network and communicate effectively with executives while I was overseas.
What is the most rewarding part about being a Grady student?
The most rewarding part of being a Grady student is the community that is established solely from being a part of the college. Grady is a family and I have been blessed to work with people who push me to be the best version of myself professionally and personally.
Describe Grady College in three words.
Innovative, challenging, colorful.
Which Grady class has been your favorite?
My favorite Grady class was my Advertising Message Strategy class with Mrs. Sabrena Deal. Though I’ve absolutely loved every class I’ve taken in Grady, this stands out in my mind as what shaped my love for my major. My group presented many ideas to Mrs. Deal for our final project, and she pushed us until we found the best possible solution for our company. Working with professors who are so passionate about what they do, makes learning from them so rewarding. In class, she once told us, “In order to survive in this industry, you HAVE to be excited about ideas other than your own.” That will stick with me forever, so thank you, Mrs. Deal!
How has Grady shaped your college experience?
Being in Grady has allowed me to think freely and not be afraid to take risks! Because of my college, I have become more of a “yes” person and that has changed my life drastically. I’ve also met lifelong friends through Grady, and every class I go into is with friends, not just classmates.
What was the highlight from your experience in the Cannes Lions program?
I’d say my favorite memory was getting the opportunity to write for PRWeek with my good friend Birdie, then finding out that we were published at the final night party of the festival! Having the chance to study abroad gave me the trip of my dreams, connections to push me forward in the working world and friendships that will last a lifetime.
As a senior captain for UGA Dance Dawgs, what will you miss the most about your team after graduation?
I will definitely miss the companionship. The Dance Dawgs have been my family since my very first day on UGA’s campus. I am going to miss dancing, singing, laughing, eating and doing pretty much everything else with these girls. They remind me every day that I will always have a home in Athens.
What is something you’re passionate about?
I’ve been passionate about dance for most of my life, so I’d have to say something new that I am passionate about is being present. My life is always in fast-forward with my full schedules and making time to go home to see my family, so in my last year at UGA, I made a promise to myself that I would take in moments as they come instead of looking forward to the next thing on my agenda.
Best song on the radio right now?
There are a lot of great songs on the radio, but John Mayer is releasing a new song on February 22nd so that’s all I can really think about right now.
One thing about yourself people don’t know?
Most people don’t know that despite having pretty good balance, I absolutely could not ride a bike until my freshman year of college. It’s one of my favorite things to do now!
Date: February 28, 2019Editor: Madeline Fiorante