For senior Xanna Burg, service isn’t just an event here or there, it’s a way of viewing the world and others, it’s the words you use and the actions you perform.
What is your degree objective?
A B.S. in dietetics with a certificate in local food systems.
Hometown?
Douglasville, Ga.
What made you want to get involved in service at UGA?
My first exposure to service at UGA was through an organization called IMPACT. I went on a service-based trip to Charleston, S.C., my sophomore year, and it was through that experience that I was first impacted by serving others. I liked the feeling of helping other people, even those I met just once on that trip. After coming back from Charleston, I became more involved in the Athens community and I was eventually able to connect my passion for service with my passion for nutrition through organizations like Campus Kitchen. It’s funny to think back on how that one IMPACT trip completely changed my goals and mindset for the future.
What service and leadership opportunities are you involved with at UGA?
I am involved in the PSO Student Scholar program, Campus Kitchen at UGA, Peer Nutrition Educator, IMPACT Site Leader, UGArden, and Leadership UGA.
What do you feel has been the greatest benefit of your service at UGA, within the community, and in your personal life?
The greatest benefit of my service is that I’m making a difference at UGA and in the community while getting experience in my field of study.
Why do you feel it is important for students to participate in public service and outreach? How do you benefit from it?
I think public service and outreach is important for students because it gives you an appreciation for working with people. I believe we all have something to learn from every person we meet and we all have something we can share or teach to others. Public service and outreach gives you an opportunity to learn from others and at the same time share the knowledge you are gaining while at UGA. And from what I’ve experienced, we gain far more from teaching and sharing knowledge than we do from just keeping it to ourselves.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on spending a year or two serving in AmeriCorps working with community health and nutrition. After that, I want to attend grad school to study public health nutrition and continuing working to improve community nutrition.
What are your interests and hobbies outside school?
Outside of school, I enjoy hiking, baking, doing all sorts of crafts, playing tennis or Frisbee, and running.
What is your favorite spot in Athens, at UGA or in Georgia? Why?
My favorite spot in Athens is the Botanical Garden hands down. I have so many great memories from spending many relaxing days there hiking and hammocking with great friends.
What motivates or inspires you in life?
The people around me inspire me. It’s inspiring to be surrounded by so many students, professors, and staff members who are all so passionate about something unique. It reminds me that we can all do our little part to make a difference.
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
Recently I decided to take some time off before attending grad school, and not every one of my professors or supervisors supported the idea. But one professor told me, there’s nothing more important than to follow your dreams! Everyone has their own version of what you should/shouldn’t do with your life, but what’s most important is to follow your own dreams, because then you’ll be happy where you end up.
