Gabriella Bragg

Undergraduate
Human Development & Family Studies

“When first arriving at UNCG, I was super excited because I would be starting fresh in a new environment. Life happened, and with no friends in sight, I quickly lost motivation to continue with school. After the first semester of my freshman year, I was placed on academic probation, which placed the idea in my head to drop out. I had (and still do have) other passions that I considered pursuing, like going to culinary school. I had so much support from my nuclear family to pursue whatever I desired, but I had no clue, and I felt alone. Although I was discouraged, I did attempt to research different pathways for a future career. During that process, I came across all of the awesome tools UNCG has to offer with tutoring, the career center, and the academic skills program. I signed up for the tutoring and academic skills program, and I went to the career center. If it weren’t for some of those resources, I’m not sure if I would be able to call myself a UNCG alumni.”

Gabriella served as event coordinator, vice president, and president of the No Labels club at UNCG.

She is currently working full time as an after-school teacher, a position she was offered through her internship. She enjoys working with children, but she hopes to expand her career in counseling sexual- and gender-minority adolescents and their families.

Rachel Blevins

Graduate
Social Work (Gerontology)

“The COVID-19 pandemic had an enormous impact on all aspects of society. My field experience was not immune from this impact, and I found myself needing to think outside the box, to find a nontraditional way to reach our seniors who were restricted to their homes! Working with Twin Lakes community, I was able to create a platform on social media with videos and memory kits. I discovered I had to step out of my comfort zone. When faced with a new challenge that I thought was too difficult, I was able to achieve success!”

After graduation, Rachel plans to work with the elderly, learning the multiple levels of care in order to achieve her goal of having her own Senior Adult Daycare.

Elizabeth Coleman

Undergraduate
Peace & Conflict Studies

“One of my most impactful relationships at UNCG has been with my professor, Dr. Omari Dyson. Professor Dyson has made an impact in my life as he has assisted me on utilizing the theories and frameworks of the PCS field in my professional, educational, and personal life.”

Elizabeth works full time at a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) facility for people healing from opioid use disorder.

She plans to attend graduate school at the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio, to study Clinical Mental Health Counseling beginning in Spring 2021, as well as to continue to her work at the MAT facility.

Samantha Cotto

Undergraduate
Human Development & Family Studies

“The thing that impacted me the most at UNCG was the faculty. My professors used their experiences in the field and research to guide, educate, and fill me with passion. Everyday we were challenged and pushed to be better, to do better. I understand the importance of my field because I have been shown time and time again throughout my studies at UNCG. The professors provided a hands-on experience for all of us in the program and always made lecture fun.”

Samantha served as president of the national honor fraternity Phi Sigma Pi for two years. She plans to pursue her master’s in early childhood education after graduation.

Kaitlyn Powalie

Graduate
Community & Therapeutic Recreation

“My most impactful experience at UNCG has been the overwhelming support and expertise that I have encountered in each of the faculty and staff from the School of Human and Health Sciences, especially the Community and Therapeutic Recreation Department. I cannot sing their praises enough. They helped make my time at UNCG some of the best years of my life by investing in my future and always encouraging both professional and personal development. From presenting at conferences to writing research and sitting in on community development programs, the HHS faculty and staff have provided me with unique opportunities that helped me to grow my skill set in more ways than I could have ever imagined when I applied.”

Kaitlyn is a member of the UNCG Graduate Recreation Organization. She is currently working on lining up a job in the Washington, DC, area. Per her curriculum, she completed her internship at the National institutes of Health Rehabilitation Medicine Department and is now a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. Her populations of interest include physical rehabilitation, addiction recovery, homelessness, and recidivism. After a few years of experience in the field, she hopes to get a PhD in Therapeutic Recreation and return to the classroom to give back as an educator.

Brenda Segda

Undergraduate
Community & Therapeutic Recreation

“I would say my most impactful experience at the University was my experience as a Resident Advisor in the Grogan and Cone first-year residence halls. It really allowed me to develop my leadership skills, as well as build a community for our freshman classes.”

Brenda studied Vocal Music in the first semester of her freshman year, and she continued her practice and love of music even after she made the switch to CTR. In addition to her RA position, she was secretary of the CTR Department Club, a University Marshal, and worked as a Princess Performer for a local event company in High Point.
“The COVID-19 pandemic definitely threw a wrench into my plans for my senior year and graduation, but I continue to face the future post-graduation with hope. I plan to pursue a career in managing special events for families, and will continue my education by getting my MBA!”