Averitt Awards: Excellence in Graduate Instruction

ARIJANET PARADISE OSUMAH (’25)

Master of Science Graduate Student College of Science and Mathematics
Hometown: Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria
Major: Applied Physical Science

What did you teach?

Introductory Physics 1111, General Chemistry 1211, Organic Chemistry 3401 and 3402.

What did you enjoy about teaching?

What I enjoyed most about teaching was watching students grow in confidence and skills. It was always rewarding to watch the students’ expression when they finally understood a concept that seemed so difficult to them. In addition, teaching allows me to keep learning.

What did you appreciate most about the program in the College of Science and Mathematics?

What I appreciated most was the strong sense of support from both faculty and peers. The College of Science and Mathematics fostered a collaborative environment for me to grow both as a student and an educator.

What did you learn about yourself at Georgia Southern?

At Georgia Southern, I discovered how resilient and adaptable I am. Whether it was adjusting to different teaching formats or mentoring students, I realized that I thrive when I am being challenged to be flexible.

What did it mean to you to be a recipient of the Averitt Award?

Receiving this award, especially among such a talented and qualified group of graduate teaching assistants here at Georgia Southern, is truly humbling. It is both an honor and a responsibility. It motivates me to continue working hard and provide my students with the best possible learning experience.

What are your career plans?

I am keeping an open mind about my next steps, but I know I want to stay in a role where I can teach and keep learning myself. Whether it’s in academia or a related field, I am focused on finding opportunities that allow me to make a meaningful impact.

Describe your Georgia Southern experience.

Georgia Southern has been a place of growth, challenges and connections. Studying here gave me a chance to develop as an individual, a scientist and an educator. I also got to meet amazing people and build friendships that not only enriched my time here, but also provided a support network that I’ll carry with me as I leave.

What is an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I love to write poetry, even though I rarely share it.

MICHAELA SMITH (’25)

Master of Arts Graduate Student College of Arts and Humanities
Hometown: Alto, Georgia
Major: English

What did you teach?

English: Composition I

What did you enjoy about teaching?

I loved the connections I was able to make with students and the conversations we had about their passions.

What did you appreciate most about the program in the College of Arts and Humanities?

I appreciated the faculty in the English program; without them I would not be the instructor that I am today.

What did you learn about yourself at Georgia Southern?

I learned a lot about my own academic interests! My time here introduced me to American literature and I discovered that I enjoy authors I once thought I would never read.

Describe your Georgia Southern experience.

I loved attending Georgia Southern for my master’s degree. I’m blessed to have such a strong cohort that became an amazing group of friends throughout the program. They have truly defined my experience here.

What will you miss most about Georgia Southern?

I’ll miss the friends that I have made in the program, though I know we will stay in touch.

What is your favorite Georgia Southern experience?

I loved being able to attend a variety of classes that challenged the way I thought about literature.

What did you do outside of classes?

Most of my time outside of class consisted of reading, playing video games or exploring local coffee shops with my partner.

What does it mean to you to be a recipient of the Averitt Award?

I am very honored to be nominated for the award and to win it. I believe that my success is a reflection not only of my skills as an instructor, but also a reflection of Georgia Southern’s English program, illustrating that the faculty here are fostering the next generation of great teachers.

What are your career plans?

I plan to pursue my doctorate in English starting in the fall at the University of South Carolina. There, I will continue researching and teaching.

What is an interesting or little-known fact about you?

Every year I set a goal to read at least 50 books. So far this year, I’ve read 26!

Pets: I have two cats: Leia and Gizmo.