"Do not accept 'just good enough'."

Karli Barnett does it all -- Former National American Miss Georgia Teen, philanthropist, UGA grad, and now, WMAZ multimedia journalist. As a one-man band, she single-handedly covers stories from deadly fires to community news. Contact her by reaching out to her via email at Kbarnett1@13wmaz.com and like her News Facebook page! Read about her story and how she got to where she is today:

1. What's your story? What makes you unique?

I was born in Atlanta, Georgia and was raised as an only child. Although I was an only one, I certainly was not a “lonely” one. My parents supported me as I pursued diverse interests.

I went to the same school my whole life, from preschool through my senior year. So, by the time I graduated, I was ready for the “big school” experience at the University of Georgia. This proved to be a very good decision, and UGA really broadened my worldview.

There, I was an avid volunteer in various charitable organizations, like Girls Scouts of the USA, Children’s Miracle Network, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. I was an active member of my sorority Kappa Delta and had the opportunity to build great relationships and friendships.

I also had the chance to be involved in my community after winning the titles of National American Miss Georgia Teen, Miss America’s Teen, and National American Miss Georgia, which all helped fund my school!

My education was not limited to this continent, as I spent a summer studying history and culture in Madrid, Spain.

Actually, it is because of these eclectic pursuits that I soon developed an interest in broadcast journalism. The great thing about my career choice is that it blends all my interests. It allows me to combine my natural curiosity and desire to learn new things, with storytelling and public speaking.

I interned at 11Alive, Fulton Government TV, and Coca-Cola’s international online magazine, The Journey. These experiences helped prepare me for my multimedia journalist career at CBS affiliate, 13WMAZ-TV, where I shoot, write and edit my own stories daily.

2. What motivates you?

The desire to always do my best at whatever I set my mind to do is a very strong motivator for me. That said, while I do have a competitive nature, it is really more about competing against myself to ensure that I am living up to my fullest potential. It has been my experience that I may not always hit my goal, but giving my best effort always makes me come out of the experience a better person. Whether it was high school Valedictorian, UGA’s Outstanding Senior Leader, or telling an important story in my community, I push myself to go a little bit above and beyond.

3. Who is a hero of yours?

There are a number of people who have influenced my life a great deal and at different stages. Of course, my parents are people I look up to and have gained so much from. Their constant support for whatever I choose to pursue in life has been my foundation.

Additionally, two of my college professors, David Hazinski and Dodie Cantrell, through their honest editing and critiquing of my stories, gave me the tools to get a head-start into the working world and to prepare me for success. I am so thankful that they took the time to work with me one-on-one and I still keep in touch with them regularly.

More recently, someone I admire is a veteran reporter and anchor at my station, Lorra Lynch Jones. She takes the time to give me helpful feedback and grow as a reporter. Lorra has been a wonderful mentor and friend as I adjust to this crazy, fast-paced lifestyle!

4. What's your future plan? Your goals?

My future plan is to eventually report in a large-city market, like Atlanta. My goal is to have my own segment with a weekly feature story. Of course, there may be more stepping stones before then. In the meantime, I hope to eventually balance my reporting with some time on the anchor desk, and continue to develop my storytelling and videography skills.

5. If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?

Do not accept “just good enough.” Always strive to be more than you are by setting your goals and then pursuing them with all that you have. One of my favorite sayings as a child that I have carried throughout my life is “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” Don’t be mediocre. That said, if you are trying something new, it is always best to seek advice from those that have already done it. As my dad often says, “Experience is not the best teacher. Someone else’s experience is the best teacher.”

6. What is something you feel strongly about (a cause, belief, etc.)?

One of the wonderful things about my job, is it allows me to give voice to all kinds of causes such as, emphasizing the growing statistics of teen dating violence, telling the story of an organization that redecorates the rooms of children with cancer, or a group of hunters that gives homeless people a holiday meal. There are so many worthy causes that I’m glad I have the opportunity to bring to the awareness of an audience that may not otherwise every know about them.

7. What's one of the coolest things you've ever done?

I grew up doing a lot of theater which eventually transitioned into film acting. I had the chance to be in my first feature film, Jayne Mansfield’s Car, which was written and directed by Billy Bob Thornton. I got to work with actors including Robert Duvall, John Hurt, and Kevin Bacon. Being behind the scenes and interacting with these famous actors was an experience I will never forget. Of course, going to my hometown theater to watch the movie and then seeing my name roll in the credits at the end was pretty cool, too!