Erin NeSmith

Screenshot

Claire Smith, a junior communications major, had dreams of coming to the University of North Georgia since the sixth grade.  

Smith grew up in a small town, called Dublin, four hours south of Dahlonega. While growing up, she had a family friend, Savannah Bananas player, Bill LeRoy, who played on the UNG baseball team. She and her family would visit to watch LeRoy play in his games, and through her visits she decided on UNG when she was in the sixth grade.  

Smith says that growing up in the south has played a big role in who she is today. Her weekends would either consist of going fishing and hunting with her dad and brother or playing dress up and shopping with her mom and sister. These things have played a role in her passions she has today. Smith says, “I am so thankful for a childhood that allowed me to be fishing one day, playing dress up the next and always being present at church on Sundays.”

Smith’s weekends in Dahlonega center around  bible studies with her friends and watching intramurals on the sidelines. Smith says she loves being surrounded by the community she has here. 

Though she misses her Dublin roots, Smith says she has no regrets of moving up north for college.