Meredith Thomas

Name: Meredith Rees McClain Thomas

Major: BS in Biology, Minor in Chemistry

Year: 1996

Hometown (City, State): Snellville, GA (Now I live in Rome, GA)

Favorite Book: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Favorite Movie: Legally Blonde

Favorite Television Show: What Not to Wear on TLC

Organizations/ Clubs & Groups while a student: SOS Staff, Delta Sigma Tau Sorority-Chaplain, SGA Senator, Freshman Experience Teacher, Homecoming Court

Favorite Thing(s) about Shorter: The people.  I loved dorm life and studying late in the labs.  I loved that you knew of almost everyone.

Why I Chose Shorter: It was a small and personal school.  I had looked at other colleges that were impressive on the outside, but I liked Shorter after meeting the people and some of the professors.  I was able to study Science and continue dancing in the community.

Tips about Shorter: Get Involved!!!! I loved my Shorter experience!!

Suggestions for potential Shorter students:  My advice would be to go to a school where you can grow as a person. Of course you want an excellent education, but you honestly can get that at so many schools. I am glad I chose Shorter because I had so many opportunities that I would have not had at a larger school. I was able to get involved and really get to know people. I was in different organizations and went on interesting trips. I had friends transfer to large universities and they got lost in the crowd. They actually performed quite poorly once they switched because they were just another number. The professors did not invest themselves in their students.

What have you been up to since graduating? Interestingly, I do not use my major at all!! I own Rome Civic Ballet. I began teaching at Rome Civic Ballet when I was a freshman. One of the reasons I chose Shorter was so I could continue to dance. I turned down full tuition dance scholarships at other universities because Shorter provided a great education in Science (something I enjoyed) and also the opportunity to dance in the community without getting a grade. I love dance but I could never do it for a grade. I taught at the ballet school all through my college years and LOVED it!  Upon graduation, while most students were applying for jobs and advanced degrees I had the opportunity to buy the ballet school. With the blessing of my parents, I decided to dance professionally and teach dance to see where it would lead. I loved it and felt that this is where I needed to be. I bought Rome Civic Ballet in June 1997. I started with about 125 students in one studio. It is amazing to see God’s amazing grace these past 10 years. We now have about 400 students and 5 studios. I give all the glory and praise to God!! I absolutely LOVE what I do. I would do it for free. (I honestly would, if I could pay the bills.) I do not regret not using my degree, for it was the life lessons and relationships built that I treasure. What is funny, is now I teach fellow classmates children!! It cracks me up!! We all knew each other when we were young and carefree. It is nice to think back to college days and think how far we have come!! I am who I am today because of Shorter!!