story by Claire Miller
Madison Wilson’s grandfather was a larger-than-life presence in her life – someone who inspired her to spread kindness to everyone she meets.
“He told me that he strived to live each day to make someone smile,” she said. “Whether that was through a joke, a compliment or his demeanor, as soon as he saw someone smile, he would say, ‘You were the first one!’ After his passing, I strived to live my life this way.”
She applies her grandfather’s approach wherever she goes – including the College of Education & Human Development’s communication sciences and disorders master’s program.
The daughter of two physical therapists, Wilson knew she wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. She chose to attend Georgia State University to prepare for a career as a speech-language pathologist and to find a community of students and faculty who were just as passionate about this field of study.
“Georgia State was the perfect place for me to challenge myself, gain new experiences and explore a new town,” she said. “I am forever grateful to Georgia State for providing me opportunities to learn from outstanding professionals, participate in research, gain clinical experience and form life-long friendships.”
Wilson was recognized at the College of Education & Human Development’s annual Honors Day Ceremony on April 1.
She is the 2025 recipient of the Lakendra Fort Kindness Award, which recognizes a student for exemplifying kindness towards others and taking the initiative to provide support to and collaborate with fellow students, staff and faculty. The award is named for the late Lakendra Fort, who served as an administrative specialist in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.
“Earning this award is the greatest honor. It reminds me of my grandfather’s presence and encourages me to leave a message of kindness whenever I go,” she said.
She also credits her peers and professors for inspiring her to take a positive approach to everything she does.
“I am surrounded by amazing cohort friends and faculty who show kindness everywhere they go,” Wilson said. “It is because of their kindness in the form of conversations, smiles in the hallways and supportive shoulders to lean on that I was able to gain confidence in this program.”