Profiles of Tenacity: Carter McGraw

Carter McGraw is a fourth-year advertising major from Atlanta, Georgia. McGraw is a co-director of the Talking Dog Agency, a fellow for the Institute for Leadership Advancement and an ambassador for Grady College.

Read his Q/A below.

Why did you choose your major?

During my senior year of high school, I knew I was curious about entering the business world, but I wanted to make sure whatever path I chose was fulfilling and passion-inducing. I spent a long time looking for this intersection until I stumbled upon advertising: a hodgepodge of collaboration, ideation and professionalism with lots of diverse sectors, companies and roles. I went onto UGA Bulletin and read through the coursework required for advertising majors, and I immediately knew it was the right choice for me.

What does tenacity mean to you?

Tenacity is being persistently driven. Everyone faces obstacles in life, often unanticipated; tenacity is the tendency to continue to pursue goals through life’s turbulence without sacrificing well-being or ambition.

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

Take advantage of the incredible breadth of resources Grady provides for its students. Grady has an abundance of excellent clubs, certificates, study abroad opportunities, professors, advisors and alumni, all of whom are committed to serving Grady students in any capacity possible. I think sometimes due to the abundance of resources, we may take for granted how excellent Grady is at supporting its students; it’s important to take full advantage of the resources at our disposal, because many college students across the nation don’t have access to equivalent support systems such as the ones that Grady provides for its students.

What motivates you?

I’m motivated by the prospect of becoming the truest version of myself. I want to reach my full potential in all facets of life so I can be authentic with others and fulfilled for my own sake. Whether I’m exploring a new academic discipline, developing a new life skill, or pursuing anything in between, I constantly strive to grow through learning.

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

Talking Dog Agency has had a tremendous impact on my time at the University of Georgia: working with industry professionals, creating work for real-world clients, and building deep relationships with my peers have shaped who I am both personally and professionally. I’m excited to carry the invaluable experience and memories I’ve gained through Talking Dog with me when I enter the professional world.

What has been your biggest accomplishment in the past year?

This summer, I had the opportunity to lead the small college team at the summer camp I’ve attended since I was a kid. The summer was filled with tests of emotional intelligence, unexpected obstacles, relationship-building and plenty of nostalgia. After successfully completing my role this summer, the validation and support I received from my peers and members of the camp community were incredibly meaningful.

What is your favorite place on campus and why?

My favorite place on campus is the Founders Memorial Garden. Especially when the weather gets cool in fall and early spring, the Founders Memorial Garden on North Campus is a great place to relax and detach from the distractions of the semester.

What advice would you give to your freshman self?

I would tell my freshman self not to get fixated on a specific path or siloed into following the path or accolades of others. It’s easy to blindly chase the footsteps of role models, but it’s hard to unpack what makes us distinctive and empower those characteristics. That is one of the greatest aspects of Grady: students are celebrated for their individuality and have access to abundant and diverse resources that allow us to experiment with different roles and opportunities.

Editor: Sarah Kate Maher, skm01341@uga.edu