Ayana Peterson
For Ayana Peterson, leaving the Sunshine State was always the plan. Now in her sophomore year at Georgia State, she looks back at her arrival in Atlanta and shares her plans for the future.
Interview by Jordan Ferguson
As a south Florida native, how did you choose Georgia State?
I wanted to attend a school that wasn’t in my state. I wanted to go somewhere different to experience life on my own. Georgia State is located in downtown Atlanta and in the part of Florida where I’m from there isn’t really any city life. I also felt like Georgia State would expose me to different opportunities when it comes to careers and jobs. It just gives you a space to find yourself and figure out who you are and what you want to do.
How did you pick your major?
I’m a Business Marketing major in the J. Mack Robinson College of Business and I chose this field because I think business is just a very flexible career type. You can go a lot of routes with it. My mom works in the business world as an accountant and seeing her in her career field and thriving has inspired me to follow in her footsteps but in a different route. I also aspire to own my own business one day.
How is Georgia State setting you up for success?
Being in downtown Atlanta, you have a lot of opportunities, especially with your professors. They have connections within their fields and can help you with different opportunities for work and internships. Last semester, I took a remote internship in social media marketing, and I found that through GSU’s Handshake network. I’m in the process of applying and looking for a summer internship in marketing or social media.
The university also has different clubs and organizations for all majors and niches. For example, I am a part of my major’s club called AMA (American Marketing Association at GSU). I’ve met with different businesses and professionals through the club and received advice on what my next steps should be.
I’m also working while in school. I work on campus as a student assistant for University Events Management, specifically for Commencement and Homecoming.
Would you recommend Georgia State to anybody looking at the university?
Yes, I would! I feel like even if you are undecided, unsure if you want to go here but you know you want to be in the city, it’s worth a shot to give it a chance. I feel like Georgia State doesn’t necessarily have to be for a specific major or career type. It’s welcoming of all people.
Being that you are a sophomore, what advice would you give your high school self?
I would say that college is very different, and you need to start with a new headspace. Don’t go into it doubting yourself or thinking about what you can’t do or how hard it’s going to be. College is really just about time management. You might have a lot of time on your hands, so find that balance of schoolwork and outside hobbies that you enjoy doing.
