Class of 2023: Special education major directed Miss Amazing’s Georgia chapter
Story and top photo developed by University Communications.
C aroline Pedersen
From: Marietta, Georgia
Major: Special Education
Why this major: In high school, I got involved in a nonprofit organization called Miss Amazing. Even after my first year volunteering, I could see there is a need to build support for those with disabilities in the community. A large group of individuals do not feel that they are loved. After a few more years with the program, I wanted to continue to make individuals feel loved and special throughout my life. That directed my path towards special education.
Why Georgia College & State University: I loved GCSU’s environment when I toured. This little town felt like home. GCSU also offers the best special education program in Georgia.
Activities: State director of Georgia Miss Amazing; sister of Alpha Gamma Delta; vice president of finance at the sorority in 2020; vice president of administration in 2021; member of the Council on Exceptional Children; member of Gamma Beta Phi and played intramural volleyball.
Community Service: In January 2020, I took over as executive director of the Georgia chapter of Miss Amazing. Miss Amazing is a national 501c-3 nonprofit dedicated to supporting and building confidence and self-esteem in girls and women with disabilities. We envision a world in which girls and women with disabilities have equal opportunities to reach their fullest potential. As executive state director, I organized annual events and fundraisers. Our events provide opportunities for participants to feel empowered, share their voice and build a sisterhood with one another. We also drive change and provide opportunities for the community to shift perceptions.
Challenges: Bringing Miss Amazing to Milledgeville was a huge task. I brought the organization to an environment that had never heard of Miss Amazing before. Covid was almost a blessing for us. It gave me time to put an event together and to work out any unforeseen issues. Now, four years later, it feels like a professional program. We have a lot of community relationships. We’ve more than doubled the number of participants, and we have an average of 70 volunteers per year. This organization has the ability to completely change lives.
What keeps her going: Miss Amazing is a lot of work, and it takes a lot out of me. There are two big factors that keep me going. One, my girls. My heart is so full every time we get together. They shower me with as much love as we try to show them. I love watching the true joy on their faces. Two, the community. Anytime residents and organizations reach out to support in any way, I feel so thankful. I feel good serving my girls, and it continues to make me feel good to know I’ve encouraged others to serve as well.
Other accomplishments: Being recognized as the 2023 Servant Leader of the Year for GCSU. Plus, I’m one of the class valedictorians for the May commencement 2023.
Favorite Professor: My favorite professor is Dr. Brandon Samples. His class is a lot of work, but I learned the most I ever have in a single class. I’ve already applied the knowledge he shared in numerous field placements, and math has become my favorite subject to teach.
Advice for incoming students: Take risks. There are so many fruits that come from things that you never expected.
How Georgia College helped: Georgia College helped me build my future. From the moment I was offered my role at Miss Amazing, various departments at GCSU supported me. The special education professors here are amazing. I feel very prepared for my first year teaching, and I know I’ll always have this program in my corner.