Hello and welcome to reading and learning about the many incredible adventures that UM students have the opportunity to experience through the Franke GLI program. My name is Molly Keller, and I just finished my semester studying at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, where I participated in the National Student Exchange Program to continue my studies in Management Information Systems and Marketing through the Terry College of Business! My global theme is technology and society which I was able to expand my knowledge on through my information systems courses and apply through group projects in my marketing classes. 

National Championship Celebration

Being in the South, it was a unique cultural change to be surrounded by the different cultures that were shared and respected in their own ways on campus and in the community. This experience helped me to see the differences in how people engage with different cultures in the South in comparison to the exposure to other cultures growing up in a small farming community in Washington state. Through my beyond-the-classroom experience, I was able to gain a better understanding of different perspectives within the information systems realm and how each of us is hoping to make impactful changes within many different communities and cultures through our work within technology for the betterment of society. I was exposed to a lot of new passions that students and faculty are working on to make these changes, such as Automation, Energy consumption, renewables, and many others. 

One of the most influential reasons for choosing to study at UGA was their athletics programs along with their high-ranking college of business, combining two of my favorite things about UM and getting to experience them at a much larger university. On my first day of class in January, UGA was playing in the College Football National Championship in Los Angelos. That evening was spent celebrating both new friendships and getting to be a Georgia Bulldog winning back-to-back national championships and will be one of my favorite memories. During my program, I was able to deepen my interest as an intern for the UGA Athletics Marketing Department in the Fan Engagement department helping to implement and increase fan engagement during sporting events both with students and general fans. One of my biggest passions that allowed me to learn better practices is that I can implement what I’ve learned during my internship with Grizzly Athletics. 

A new place surrounded by countless new opportunities allowed for a lot of growth in my leadership skills through my academic courses, clubs, and outside involvement in Athens. I was able to work on group projects for various US companies, as well as projects learning about different technology that is being implemented in making more sustainable energy. 

This experience was truly one I will never take for granted! From the friendships made, the opportunities created, and the academic learning I was able to incur, I will forever be so thankful to the GLI program for all the growth and support in making this experience possible!