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When JaNee’ Jordan was preparing to graduate from Mt. Zion High School in 2015, she knew she wasn’t ready to move too far away from her parents and her Jonesboro, Ga., home.
As she gets set to graduate from Georgia State University, the Class of 2019 accounting major cites her four years living in downtown Atlanta as one the most advantageous aspects of her college experience.
“While others maybe find it hectic, living downtown is a big part of what’s made my experience at Georgia State awesome,” said Jordan. “Living here in the heart of Atlanta, close to so many businesses, enterprises and cultures, has given me the flexibility to pursue opportunities that students at other schools just wouldn’t have access to.”
It's only fitting that a company whose roots in Atlanta are nearly as well known globally as its iconic red and white brand mark was instrumental in getting Jordan to Georgia State’s downtown campus.
As an incoming freshman at Georgia State, Jordan was awarded The Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship. The merit-based four-year scholarship for incoming freshmen was funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation to help make college a reality for students who are the first in their families to attend college.
Though she had already decided to attend Georgia State on the HOPE scholarship, Jordan credits receiving The Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship with playing an indispensable role in her educational experience and professional growth.
“The Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship provided me with opportunities not many students have,” Jordan said.
She praises the numerous lectures, workshops, resources and experiential learning opportunities the scholarship made available. Just as important, The Coca-Cola First Generational Scholarship made it possible for her to live on campus.
“If I hadn’t received the scholarship from The Coca-Cola Foundation, I would have lived at home,” said Jordan. “Living on campus has made it possible for me to access so many educational and professional opportunities available on campus and downtown. It also allowed me to meet other students to make friends, to network and to just share the college experience with.”
Jordan has made productive use of her access to the university’s career development resources. She credits the tools and guidance offered through University Career Services with helping her build her resume and hone her cover letters, which helped her land highly competitive paid internships with organizations like PwC and Delaware North Companies (at SunTrust Park).
After graduating, Jordan will return to PwC for a second internship and begin a career working in the field of risk assurance.
As she readies herself to begin her post-collegiate life and professional career, Jordan appreciates both the tangible and symbolic value of receiving her bachelor’s degree.
“Georgia State University and the Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship gave me the chance to achieve a level of education my parents never had the opportunity or resources to reach,” Jordan said. “It means a lot to know I’m making everyone proud.”