Almazan a star at Dalton State

Published 11:18 pm Friday, May 8, 2015

While at Dalton State College, Kayla Almazan kept her head down and worked hard. She maintained a better than 3.9 GPA (grade point average), was awarded scholarships, and earned a spot in an international honors society.

She will graduate today as an honor student.

But the accomplishments tell only half of Almazan’s story.

During her four years at Dalton State, much of the 23-year-old’s best work was done outside of the classroom and away from textbooks.

It was done in China, where she studied abroad; in Cambridge, Mass., where she spent five weeks for a Harvard University Law School program; in local high schools, where she talked to Hispanic students about the importance of college; and in after-class meetings, where she worked as a member of Dalton State’s student government organization.

“I’ve really tried to branch out from my academics and get involved elsewhere, and get out of my comfort zone. I have done lots of things I didn’t expect to do, as opportunities have kind of jumped out at me,” Almazan said. “Those experiences have all been helpful in their own way. I’ve realized that I can challenge myself to do things that are entirely new and different.”

Almazan is a first-generation college student in America (her family is originally from Mexico. Her father received a degree there). She is a graduate of Northwest Whitfield High School, and has earned a criminal justice degree at Dalton State.

Almazan says she never imagined her college career would turn out as it has, but is thankful it did.

“Since I have been here, I’ve really come out of my shell. That has been the biggest transformation. I’m much more vocal and outspoken now,” she said. “I’m proud of everything that I have done. I’m proud that I took the steps to become more involved and give back. And, I’ve discovered my passion: giving back by being a leader and advocate for the Hispanic community. Dalton State is where I developed that.”

Almazan served as a senator in Dalton State’s student government, she was active in a young Democrats organization, and was a co-founder of the Latin American Student Organization, a group focused on the success of Latinos, which is involved in outreach to the Hispanic community.

“It’s important because it helps celebrate our heritage, supports students emotionally and helps them succeed academically,” Almazan said. “I just love doing it. To me, it brings such a thrill to speak to younger students and tell them about college and how they can be what they want to be.”

Quincy Jenkins, Dalton State’s director of Hispanic and Latino Outreach, said Almazan has been exceptional during her time at the college.

“Kayla is awesome. She has stepped up and taken on leadership roles. She is going to go really, really far. And I’m excited to see what happens with her future,” Jenkins said. “She is all over the place and I can’t say enough about her. She represents us at Dalton State very well. We have been happy to have her.”

Almazan, who is to serve as the speaker for Dalton State’s graduation ceremony today, said she plans to take a year off from school before pursuing a master’s degree and eventually attending law school.

She said graduating is bittersweet.

“I really fell in love with this school, and have a lot of mentors here. It’s strange to be finishing,” she said. “It’s kind of sad. I’m really going to miss this place, as far as being here as a student.”