Grant Grussing, a 2013-14 PSO Student Scholar, got involved in service at UGA primarily in order to help small businesses in the local community. Pursuing a triple major in economics, finance and management information systems as well as a minor in statistics, he aspires to help as many people as he can with the resources available to him, not least of which is his considerable financial savvy.
What is your major/minor?
I am actually pursuing a triple major in Economics, Finance and Management Information Systems and a minor in Statistics.
Hometown?
I am from Redondo Beach, CA.
What does service mean to you?
Service is giving back to the community that has built you to be the person that you are.
Why do you serve?
I serve because I’m thankful for everyone that has come before me and all the work they’ve done to make my journey easier.
What made you want to get involved in service at UGA?
I wanted to get involved with service at UGA primarily to help small business owners in Georgia through the Small Business Development Center.
What service and leadership opportunities are you involved with at UGA?
I’m involved with the Office of Public Service and Outreach, The Institute for Leadership Advancement, the Student Managed Investment Fund and the UGA Sailing Team.
What do you feel has been the greatest benefit of your service at UGA, within the community and in your personal life?
In the community I think my involvement with the Student Managed Investment Fund has led students to have a greater understanding of finance leading to better career options. In my personal life, the UGA Sailing Team has allowed me to pursue my passion and it gives me something to anchor my life around.
Why do you feel it is important for students to participate in public service and outreach? How do you benefit from it?
It’s important for students to participate in service because it allows them to help out the people around them who are less fortunate. You benefit from knowing that you helped someone and overall it just makes you feel good about yourself. It’s a great stress reliever and positive experience when you see someone benefit from your service.
What are your plans after graduation?
I’d like to go into Management Consulting in Strategy & Operations.
What are your interests and hobbies outside school?
I grew up swimming and sailing but recently I’ve become pretty interested in racquetball. I also enjoy traveling to places I haven’t been to yet and learning about them.
Please list any outside-UGA community service you are involved in.
I did some work for Amigos for Christ in high school which is an organization that builds communities in Central America (primarily Nicaragua).
What is your favorite spot in Athens, at UGA or in Georgia? Why?
My favorite spot in Athens is the downtown area. Apart from its fascinating history, it’s a vibrant area that is experiencing a renaissance of sorts. For example, there is a bookstore that has books that are hundreds of years old and the architecture is stunningly beautiful.
What motivates or inspires you in life?
My passion is to be able to help as many people as I can through the resources I have available to me.
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever received?
The biggest piece of advice I’ve ever received is to “talk less and listen more.”
