coeNEWS University of Georgia
College of Education
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“To find your place in the world, go out and look for it,” Bynikini Frazier said.
Seven College of Education students were among the 66 UGA undergraduates receiving special recognition at the inaugural Excellence in Education and Leadership (EXCEL) Awards for maintaining a 4.0 GPA average.
Nneja Arinze, Tiffany Barney, Monica Carroll, Bynikini Frazier, David Ly, Christina Swoope, and LaTasha Temple were among the high achievers recognized during a March 20 banquet at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education.
In fact, Frazier, a third-year senior majoring in early childhood education, gave the keynote address during the program. She discussed her path to success and encouraged other students to get to know their professors, stay focused, and be involved in the community.
“To be successful, you must peel the layers of the school system away and discover the essence of what school is and why you are in it,” she said. “I had to determine and focus on why I was at UGA and develop a plan to follow that would ensure that I stayed on track.”
Coming to a large institution such as UGA can be especially challenging for multicultural and international students, but Frazier emphasized action as a solution.
“To find your place in the world, go out and look for it,” she said. “Get involved in organizations that work for you so that you can find your voice, make a difference, and further advance yourself in life.”
More than 800 students were eligible for EXCEL awards, presented by the Office of Intercultural Affairs to junior and senior multicultural and international students who have maintained a minimum GPA of 3.3.