Leading with joy: Health science grad finds community through service at GGC

Nia Mallory wasn't expecting to discover a second home when she came to Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) in 2019, but the more time she spent on campus, the more at home she felt.

"At first, I chose GGC because it was close to home and affordable, making it a practical choice," she said. "However, as I immersed myself in campus life and got more involved, I found myself genuinely appreciating what GGC had to offer. The more time I spent here, the more I grew to love the community, the opportunities and the unique experiences that have shaped my journey."

Mallory was born in Newark, New Jersey, and was raised by her mom, Sharon, a teacher, and her dad, Perry, an entrepreneur who helped small business startups. She initially came to GGC to study nursing, but changed course when she discovered the patient navigator program, which trains students to guide patients through the country's complex health care system.

GGC is one of only a few schools nationally offering a program in patient navigation, which is a concentration within the college's Bachelor of Science in health science degree.

She carried the spirit of service that runs through the patient navigator program into her life outside the classroom by serving as a resident assistant (RA) in the residence halls on campus for three years. She said that becoming an RA was a leap of faith, but it pushed her to grow as a leader.

"Being an RA is more than just making sure people follow the rules and telling them when it's quiet hours," said Mallory. "It's about supporting people and creating a home for them in an unfamiliar environment."

That responsibility grew when she became a senior RA in 2022, responsible for an entire building.

"The responsibility grew, but so did my commitment to making GGC feel like a welcoming, inclusive place where everyone can belong," she said. "Living in student housing gave me an intimate view of college life, with all its highs and lows, and I saw firsthand the struggles we often face quietly."

Those struggles included mental health challenges in the wake of COVID-19, anxiety, homesickness and the stress every student feels from balancing academics, work and personal lives. She said the resilience she witnessed was inspiring.

"Late-night study sessions weren't just about preparing for exams - they were about finding comfort in each other's presence during moments of doubt and worry," Mallory said. "I saw students who might have felt isolated, facing struggles that could have been overwhelming alone, find strength with the support of our community. My RA experience taught me that every individual in a community makes an impact, and our shared experiences and openness about our struggles weave together to create something extraordinary."

Mallory also served as president of the Greenlight Activities Board (GAB), a student-run group that plans, advertises and staffs campus events for students.

"Our mission is simple but powerful," she said. "Bring joy, energy and excitement to campus life through events, programs and activities that feel meaningful to us all."

Mallory said that, like the RA program, the GAB is more than it seems at face value. It isn't just about hosting events, but creating spaces where every student feels part of the GGC community.

"My role in Greenlight taught me that a true sense of community doesn't just happen" she said. "It's built day by day by people who care, by moments of shared laughter and connection, by every time we show up for one another."

It wasn't always easy for her either, she said. There were plenty of times she had moments of doubt and wondered if she would fail to graduate.

"But every setback became a lesson in resilience, and every time I felt unsure, the GGC community was there to lift me," she said. "The support I received from God, my family, friends, classmates and mentors reminded me that I wasn't alone in this journey."

After graduation, Mallory plans to explore different career fields and gain experience before pursuing a graduate degree.