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Lindsey Smith enjoys learning new things. The Watkinsville, Georgia, resident attended college for more than 10 years, taking night classes at nearby Athens Tech for many years while working a full-time job.

"I decided to take on college full time and quit my job when I came to terms that I had reached the level I wanted to reach within my job," Smith said. "I had never attempted to try out the major I had always wanted to, which was psychology."

After looking at other colleges, including online options, she chose to attend University of North Georgia’s (¹û¶³´«Ã½) Oconee Campus, citing its affordability and location near her home that would allow her to continue her parental duties.

"The Oconee Campus was the best thing about ¹û¶³´«Ã½ for me. The location was perfect for what I need, but it was also very professional," Smith said. "Every professor I took a course from was knowledgeable about their field and stayed on topics related to the course. The administration staff was always helpful, even the maintenance team helped the students. There were also plenty of events for day and night students to attend."

Smith made the most of her academic experience at ¹û¶³´«Ã½. Among her achievements were a Ty Cobb Scholarship, U.S.-U.K. Fulbright Ambassador, Honors Student, ¹û¶³´«Ã½ Dean's and President's List and Phi Kappa Phi. She also presented research at ¹û¶³´«Ã½'s Annual Research Conference (twice), Georgia Undergraduate Research Conference and Georgia Collegiate Honors Council.

"I would not have completed many of those things without guidance or suggestions from someone at ¹û¶³´«Ã½,“ Smith said. "That list was also a motivator to continue to raise my GPA higher and try for more academic challenges."

As a wife, mother and student, Smith said she did not think much about dividing her attention between home and school while in college. She felt it was the same as having a full-time job. The only difference was that she brought her work home, waiting to write papers late at night after everyone else had fallen asleep.

Upon graduating from ¹û¶³´«Ã½, Smith said she is leaning toward graduate school, but knows since "life happens" it can change the best-laid plans. But no matter where her journey takes her, she is forever grateful for her time at ¹û¶³´«Ã½.

"¹û¶³´«Ã½ allowed me to explore the field I have always been interested in, then steered me toward more fields that I like even more," Smith said. "It has been an academic exploration for me that has helped me feel more confident in narrowing down my future career choices."