Finding Greatness: Juwan Severson
Author: News Bureau
Posted: Monday, September 14, 2015 4:45 PM
Categories:
Students | Finding Greatness | Pressroom | College of Arts and Sciences
Macon, GA
Full Name: Juwan Malik Severson.
Age: 22.
Hometown: Arlington, Ga.
Residence: Macon.
High School: Early County High School, where he was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, show choir, basketball team and Future Business Leaders of America.
Family: Vanessa Brackins, mother and Barry Severson, father. “Both my parents were great and did everything for me. My aunt, Earnestine Brackins, helped raise me to be a caring, humble gentleman and to always treat people with respect and kindness. I also have a younger brother and two sisters who inspire me to be a great role model.”
Employment: Student assistant at the Macon Campus Recreation and Wellness Center.
Degree Objective: Bachelor of Science in Public Service.
Class Rank: Senior.
Primary Campus: Macon.
Career Goals: “I hope to become a physical education teacher and basketball coach at the middle/high school level. I want to help students maximize their potential while also teaching the importance of an education. Eventually I’d like to earn a master’s degree in sports medicine. Finally, I want to start a non-profit organization called ‘I Dream, Too.’ This organization would focus on developing children’s social skills, building confidence, and letting them know someone cares for them.”
He chose Middle Georgia State because … “Everything was perfect for me. The dorms were great and the campus had a nice college atmosphere. The cost was affordable and allowed me to not worry about financial burdens. I come from a great family that couldn't afford many things. I will be the first in my family to graduate from college.”
The one thing that surprised him about Middle Georgia State was … “The school has a nice vibe. Professors are friendly and hold students accountable. I’ve met some great fellow students here.”
His favorite professor is … “Jeffrey Tarver has to be one of the best people I have met in my life. I met him two years ago when I took his Intro to Corrections class. He pushes you to the place you need to be. He is part of a non-profit organization called LIFE League, which focuses on developing children’s life skills, and that inspired me to want to form ‘I Dream, Too.’ I am interning at LIFE League this fall.”
His favorite place to study is … “Third floor, Teacher Education building. It has rooms where you can be alone and study until you get the job done.”
One thing people don’t know about him is … “I used to be a member of two choirs. I was a part of my church choir for about 12 years, and my last two years of high school I did show choir. “I was also a member of the Upward Bound program throughout high school.”
His friends make fun of him because … “I am short and hilarious. God made me in his own image, so while I may be small physically I have the biggest heart. My friends always joke about me not being able to dunk while playing basketball or not reaching the height requirement at theme park rides. I enjoy my friends a lot and tell them all the time that laughter is good for the soul.”
The one person he’d to meet is … “Stephen Curry. The way he carries himself on and off the court is something we all can learn from. He is a God-fearing man who doesn’t take anything for granted and is very humble. Stephen Curry had to overcome adversity, and he is one of my favorite basketball players. I own a pair of Stephen Curry’s Under Armor shoes, which have a Bible verse on the side.”
Five years from now he sees himself … “Married to the love of my life, Catherine Providence, working as a physical education teacher and building up my non-profit organization. I see myself becoming a great father and strengthening my relationship with God.”