Smith Shaw

I grew up in South Georgia and graduated from the University of Georgia in 2025. From a young age, I have gained valuable experience working at food festivals, farmers markets, and in customer service through my family's business, Gayla's Grits. These experiences helped me develop strong communication skills, a solid work ethic, and the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments while building meaningful connections with people.

After relocating to the area in June 2025, I worked as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) with Project Hope Foundation, where I supported individuals with behavioral and developmental needs. This role strengthened my patience, adaptability, and ability to multitask while reinforcing my passion for helping others.

I am currently pursuing a master's degree in Counselor Education with an emphasis in School Counseling at Clemson University in Greenville, South Carolina. My passion for connecting with others and supporting their personal growth made counseling a natural career choice. I enjoy meeting new people, building positive relationships, and creating environments where individuals feel heard, supported, and empowered.

I look forward to using my diverse experiences and interpersonal skills to make a positive impact as a future school counselor.

Registered Behavior Technician at Project Hope Foundation (2025-06 – 2026-05)

• help implement behavior intervention plans for individuals with developmental or behavioral challenges.
• Implement individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) created by a BCBA.
• Work settings include homes, clinics, and schools
• Collect and record accurate data on client progress and behavior.
• Communicate regularly with supervisors, parents, and team members about progress.

Food Server/Customer Liaison/Product Delivery at Gayla's Grits (2013-05 – 2023-08)

• Involved in family-run startup company which supplied food products across the Southeast
• Served customers at festivals, markets, and community events while delivering excellent customer service
• Packaged products safely, fulfilled orders accurately, and ensured a positive customer experience
• Engaged in business operations including manufacturing raw materials, hand packaging goods, and monitoring timely deliveries for thousands of orders
• Acted as a liaison for customer satisfaction and relations
• Represented the brand at festivals, such as the Jekyll Island Shrimp & Grits Festival, promoting products and establishing business connections statewide
• Currently involved with community outreach, competition, and delivery

Assistant at South Georgia Trust + Estate (2023-07 – 2024-07)

• Oversaw front office tasks including filing, greeting clients, and answering/transferring calls
• Maintained and furthered relationships with clients while creating a safe environment for emotional support
• Assisted clients with informal grief support and provided administrative support for meetings regarding estate planning and asset management
• Trusted to observe the capacity of individuals for authentication of legal documents

Tennis Camp Instructor at McKay Park (2019-06 – 2021-06)

• Chosen as a lead counselor out of over 20 applicants to instruct a week-long summer tennis camp for children, focusing on skill development in tennis strokes, footwork, and overall enjoyment of the game
• Responsible for coaching groups of 15-20 children (out of a total of 75) for three hours a day, five days a week
• Organized a fun-filled end-of-camp celebration with games, water balloons, and pizza, enhancing team spirit and camaraderie
• Worked under the supervision of my lifelong tennis coach, gaining hands-on experience in youth coaching over three consecutive years

Tennis Instructor at Valdosta State University (2021-07)

• Developed a curriculum to engage and instruct children while fostering their emotional stability and interests
• Independently organized and instructed a week-long tennis camp, teaching four girls the fundamentals of tennis, including footwork drills, strokes, and scorekeeping
• Conducted daily three-hour sessions, ensuring a safe and structured environment and managing all aspects of the camp, including communication with parents and safe pickup procedures

Volunteer at LeadAbroad (2023-06 – 2023-06)

• Participated in a five-week study abroad program in Rome, Italy, where we had the opportunity to give back to the city by helping clean up around the Colosseum
• Actively searched for an opportunity to preserve history and contribute to the upkeep of a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Make-A-Wish at Chi Omega Philanthropy (2021-09 – 2025-05)

• Supported annual fundraisers like Dawgs for a Cause and the Christian Aguirre Scholarship fundraiser to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation
• Organized "Skate for Wishes" event to raise funds for local children with life-threatening medical conditions
• Actively remained involved with philanthropy events to contribute to the chapter's legacy as supporters

Volunteer/Counselor at Girl Talk Camp (2018-06 – 2019-06)

• Volunteered for Girl Talk Camp, starting as a volunteer and later selected as a counselor for two years after a competitive application and interview process
• Supported peer-to-peer mentoring by assisting counselors with activities during the volunteer phase and, as a counselor, led sessions to help young girls build confidence and resilience
• Facilitated problem-solving workshops aimed at developing vital life skills, creating a supportive environment for girls during their formative years

Ambassador at Girl Talk Chapter (2018-08 – Present)

• Founded the first Girl Talk chapter at my school, creating a mentorship program where high school girls supported middle school girls in managing stress and dealing with challenges like bullying and anxiety
• Created a structured lesson plan and agenda to best serve members and their dynamic challenges
• Organized weekly meetings in accordance with the agenda, fostering a safe space for young women to connect, support one another, and learn stress-management strategies
• Promoted a positive culture of peer support and personal growth, empowering girls to navigate life's challenges together
• I continue to advise my sister on running the chapter to this day

– The University of Georgia (Bachelors)

– Valwood (High School)

-Clemson (current graduate student)