#WCW: Carly Mathis

1. What's your story? What makes you unique? I was born and raised in Leesburg, GA right outside of Albany. I graduated from Deerfield-Windsor School in 2009 before heading up to Athens for college. I’m pretty sure I changed my major four times before deciding to apply for the Digital and Broadcast Journalism program in Grady. I had always wanted to go to law school but something intrigued me about journalism. I had heard it was a very competitive major but I knew if I was accepted then that was the right major for me. Luckily, I was accepted! I still get emotional thinking about those two years of college. My professors who I once were terrified of are now lifelong friends. I gained so much confidence in myself and completely changed my way of thinking about the world around me.

I graduated with a degree in Digital and Broadcast Journalism from UGA in May 2013 and won the title of Miss Georgia in June 2013. It was my third time competing for the title (first runner up the year before). I went on to compete at the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City where I was a top 10 finalist, a preliminary swimsuit winner, and a Quality of Life Award semifinalist. I traveled over 35,000 miles during my year as Miss Georgia. I visited countless schools, hospitals, and spoke and performed at many different events. I took some time off after my year as Miss Georgia and am now looking forward to starting law school in August.

2. What motivates you? I just started reading a book about the first year of law school (1L of a Ride by Andrew J McClurg). The second chapter reaffirmed every reason behind why I wanted to be Miss Georgia and why I want to be a lawyer. The author says, “Your degree will grant you the power to single-handedly change people’s lives for the better.” I have always been motivated by the thought of having the opportunity to help others.

3. Who is a hero of yours? Professor Steve Smith. He was one of my Newsource professors at UGA. He was always first and foremost our professor but he never once made us feel small or inferior. I will never forget his kindness and passion for not only teaching but making the world a better place. He believed that we all had the potential to do whatever we set our mind to and I’m honored to have had him as a teacher. 4. What's your future plan? Your goals? I am attending law school in the fall. It is still up in the air of where I’m going to go but I should know by June! After law school I plan to practice with a firm in Atlanta before eventually starting my own practice. I would also love to be a legal correspondent for a news station and combine my passions of law and journalism. Maybe I’ll get married and have kids some time in between but that’s definitely not a priority right now (sorry Grandma). 5. If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be? Get out of your own way. There were so many times when I was preparing for Miss Georgia and applying to law schools that I made myself believe I wouldn’t succeed. I am guilty of doubting myself. We’re all human and we all have insecurities. When I finally realized how much potential I did have, things started to fall into place. It sounds cheesy but you really have to believe in yourself to have the motivation to get everything you want out of life.

6. What is something you feel strongly about (a cause, belief, etc.)? The American Heart Association is a cause that I will always support. It has affected me personally. I was diagnosed with high cholesterol at the age of 19, my grandfather died from heart disease, my other grandfather suffered from a stroke, and my grandmother is a heart attack survivor. Heart disease is the number one killer and it is something that we do not need to ignore. I was chosen to be on the AHA Advocacy Committee for the state of Georgia last year and have had the opportunity to work with numerous state and local leaders on passing legislation to make our state a healthier one. 7. Anything I haven't asked that you'd like to talk about. The Miss America Organization is an incredible way to earn scholarship money for college and get involved in your community. I graduated debt free from UGA because of the scholarship money that I received through the organization. I wouldn't mention it if I didn't believe in what the organization stood for and had to offer. If you have any questions on how you can get involved email me at carlymathis@gmail.com and I would love to chat with you about it.

Thanks for inspiring people everywhere Carly and we wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors! Go dawgs and good luck at law school!