Name: Latifah Collins
Hometown: East Orange, N.J. and Augusta
High school: The Academy of Richmond County
Major: English
Expected graduation date: Spring 2017
Why did you choose Dalton State? I transferred to Dalton State from a college located in upstate New York. I was looking for a school that cared about its students and, of course, with a great English department. After meeting with some of the English professors here, while on a tour, an English professor told me that "I need to be here," and the rest is history.
What do you plan to do after graduation? As an English major, I'm keeping my options open. I wish to obtain my masters of fine arts, work in a publishing house, or teach English overseas in either Dubai or Madrid.
Who is/was your favorite professor and why? I came to Dalton State because the professors show that they care about their students. However, I would be wrong not to thank Lady and Lord Harrelson for always being available, Dr. Bruce for believing in me, and Matt Hipps for teaching me outside the classroom.
What activities are you involved in on campus? I am involved in the First Year Experience Peer Mentor Program, a student worker at Academic Resources, a Student Ambassador, active member of LEGENDS and Literary Reading Society. Also, starting in the Fall, I will be Senator for Student Support Services.
Where is your favorite hangout? In general, my favorite hangout is the High Ropes course at YMCA Camp Flaming Arrow. I love tying myself in and just relaxing. However, I tend to migrate around the campus. Students can find me hiding in the library, where I take naps in between the book shelves. If I'm not there, then I'm at The Sweet Spot getting frozen yogurt with my friends. I also hang out, a lot, in the neighborhood, which is in Westcott.
What is your best memory so far as part of the Roadrunner Nation? I remember a parent and student approaching me after a tour. The mom complimented me on my knowledge of Dalton State and thanked me for reassuring her that her child will be taken care of while attending this institution.
What is the last book you read? "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?" By Mindy Kaling
Favorite comfort food? Prime rib, turkey bacon, cookie dough Ice cream, and French toast without cinnamon, of course!
If you had a theme song, what would it be? "Mine" by Phoebe Ryan
Favorite line from a movie? Nick: How'd you two crazy kids meet, Rick?
Dr. Rick: It's a funny story actually. Our parents knew each other from way back... and they introduced us.
Shawn: Woo. Not that funny a story. Not even a story really, just like a fact. -Fired Up
What do you feel most proud of? I'm proud of myself. I survived everything life has thrown at me, had some achievements that I'm proud of. Most importantly, I never stopped dreaming and I'm constantly growing as a person, and to me, that's pretty great.
If you could only keep five possessions, what would they be? The last picture I took with my mom, my family photos, my mom's Bible, my childhood teddy bear, and my summer camp wall of memories.
What cheers you up? My friends, of course. It never fails for those ladies to make me laugh, even if I don't want to. Also, waking up to Nephew Tommy's comedy station on Pandora heightens my spirit.
Who is your hero? My mother was a strong woman who raised me, my sister, and my brother. She taught me valuable morals that I practice daily and because of her, I am the woman I am today. Despite her death, I still live as if she is still with me.
If you could go back in history, who would you like to meet? If I can go back, I would love to meet John Brown. Historically, he has demonstrated the right approach by pursuing a passion of his. To meet him would be incredible, and I would be honored to shake his hand.
What did you want to be when you were a kid? I used to want to be a truck driver because I love traveling and food, but I realized I want to interact with people. I chose to be a camp counselor, but summer only lasts for three months. Now, I choose to be a copyright attorney for a book publishing company such as HarperCollins or Penguin.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Roadrunner Nation? To be a part of Roadrunner Nation means to have a spirit of transformation. Every student that walks on this campus has that spirit to be changed. There are no more baby steps. Instead, Dalton State offers its students the chance to be challenged, both mentally and emotionally. This can be as dramatic as letting go of some of our ideologies that we have become so attached to or facing core issues that were ignored. Either way, I was once timid and had limited involvement on campus. Thanks to Dalton State, I am the complete opposite of that person.