Finding Greatness: Tesia Baker

Author: News Bureau
Posted: Tuesday, September 29, 2020 12:00 AM
Categories: School of Business | School of Arts and Letters | Students | Pressroom | Finding Greatness

Macon, GA

Health services administration major Tesia Baker is one of #MGA’s most high-profile student leaders. She is, among many other things, president of the University’s Student Government Association. Baker was a panelist for the recent "Lived Experiences: A Discussion on Race, Diversity, and Equity" sponsored by the School of Arts & Sciences.

Full Name: Tesia LaFaye Baker.

Age: 20.  

Hometown and Residence: Douglasville.

High School: “I attended South Paulding High School in Paulding County, Ga. I was involved in many organizations and graduated with 12 honor cords and was also an honor graduate.  I was a member of the following organizations: Beta Club Society, Student Government Society (served as a class representative from freshman, sophomore, and senior year), Health Occupational Student of America Club (HOSA), English Honor Society, Spearhead Leadership Club, Future Business Leaders of America, DECA, and The Key Club Society. Completed the Chick fil- A Leader Academy and served as a Spartan Sister, which was a mentoring program to local 5^th graders.”

Family: “I would love to give a huge shoutout to one God because without Him, I would not been here today. I would also like to give a huge thank you to my wonderful parents - my mom, Sharon, and my dad, William, as they have been my biggest supporters and have been there for me every step of the way. My older sisters Raisa & Candra have been there for me since I was little and have supported me in many ways since becoming a student at MGA, so I would also like to say thank you. I love you all so much, thank you for your support. And, of course, I cannot leave out my favorite fur friends Chubby and Sheba, who are always there when I just need a hug or just need to relax.”

Employment: “I am a student worker in the MGA School of Business.  I would like to give a huge shout out to my supervisor, Connie Jenkins, and one of my amazing co-workers, Ashley Vinson, who believed in me and gave me an opportunity to work at the School of Business. I am forever thankful to them for the amazing opportunity they gave me.”  

Degree Objective: Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration.

Class Rank: Junior.

Activities: President, Middle Georgia State University Student Government Association; Macon Campus Activity Board vice president, President’s Torch Society member, and president, Association of Healthcare Executive Students (AHES). “AHES participates community service and we help coordinate and plan the MGA blood drive with the American Red Cross every semester.”

Career Goals: “My major is Health Services Administration. I want to make a difference within our healthcare system and advocate for good quality healthcare for all regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity. I also want to give back to my community and find ways to educate the next generation when it comes to healthcare.  My long-term goal is open up facilities such as wellness center that are not only for recreation but would be a place for the community to access free services, such as HIV tests.”

She chose Middle Georgia State University because … “It was one of the only schools in the state to offer a bachelor’s degree in health services administration.  MGA is also a very affordable university and not too far from home. After I attended a tour of the Macon Campus and saw the beautiful bridge overlooking the water, I knew that this was the university for me.”

The greatest thing she discovered about Middle Georgia State was … “How many opportunities MGA offers. Since my time here I have had the opportunity to grow as an individual, meet new friends, and develop long-lasting professional relationships. I also had the opportunity to study abroad in Ireland in summer of 2019. That was an amazing experience. I highly encourage all students to look into the MGA study abroad programs.”  

Her greatest academic experiences as a Middle Georgia State student have been … “Being on the President’s List for the past 4 semesters, having a 3.93 GPA, receiving an academic scholarship (thank you to everyone who donates and gives to the scholarship program), and having the opportunity to lead at MGA and being able to advocate for the student’s voices. I have grown into a better individual since I have been at MGA and I have realized my potential when it comes to leading and making a difference within the community.” 

To her, "greatness" means … “Being a part of something bigger than myself, making a difference within my community and leaving a mark at MGA. Even more so, it means taking the skills and tools that I have learned and using them to make a difference. I know that I am not perfect but I am more than willing to listen and learn. I know that God is always with me and as long as I put my faith and trust in Him then I know that I will be just fine.”

In five years … “I’ll have gotten a job in my field of study, started a graduate degree, and keep finding ways to give back to the community. I would love to be able to donate to the scholarship fund at MGA.”