Russell Quinter
Russell Quinter is no stranger to adversity. Having grown up near UGA’s campus, UGA Engineering was a natural choice for him. However, as he worked toward his engineering degree, health challenges caused him to have to withdraw from classes and focus on getting better and gaining the strength he would need to accomplish his goals. Now, he has returned to UGA and is getting closer to finishing his degree, and he has a new perspective on what it takes to succeed, and how truly important the help and support of others can be.
Why did you choose UGA for your undergrad?
“I grew up just 20 minutes from UGA’s campus. UGA offered a well-rounded educational experience and a rapidly growing engineering college, with smaller, more personal class settings that made it easy to connect with classmates and professors. Best of all, Athens has always been home, so adjusting to life at UGA was seamless.”
How did you choose engineering as your major?
“In high school, I was more inclined toward science and mathematics. Engineering felt like the obvious choice for my major; it’s a strong blend of the two and encompasses several sub-disciplines. I decided on mechanical engineering because it struck the balance I was looking for: a broad field that offers exposure to a variety of principles while remaining adaptable and marketable in today’s economy.”
What do you feel are the most challenging aspects of being an engineering student? What do you enjoy most about it?
“One of the most challenging aspects of engineering is that the difficulty is non-negotiable. The material won’t bend to you; you either build disciplined habits and make use of the resources at your disposal, or you fall behind. It can also be discouraging to watch others quickly grasp concepts that take you much longer to comprehend. But the real training in studying engineering is learning how to adapt: learning how to assess yourself honestly and develop a strategy that works for you. What I enjoy most about engineering is pursuing a deeper understanding of timeless mathematical principles established by brilliant thinkers of the past.”
Who or what has been an inspiration to you in your educational journey?
“The biggest inspiration in my educational journey were my high school teachers. I had the privilege of learning from seasoned, dedicated educators who cared as much about their students’ success as the subjects they taught. They treated me with respect and maturity beyond my years, took my thoughts and questions seriously, and guided me toward growth when I veered off course. I owe much of what I have accomplished and who I am today to their support and example.”
What has been a challenge during your educational journey, and how have you dealt with that challenge?
“I encountered health challenges that led me to withdraw from the university for several years. Withdrawing from UGA was difficult. I didn’t want to leave my friends, and I didn’t want to feel like I was falling ‘behind’ in my education. But the truth is, I needed some distance from academics to reflect and gain perspective. The struggles I faced, the people I met, and the experiences I had during that time helped to restore a sense of meaning and purpose in my life, creating the space I needed to return to UGA. None of that would have been possible without the support of my family, friends, professionals, and the UGA faculty and staff committed to helping students succeed.”
How has being the recipient of scholarship support impacted you and your educational journey? How has it affected your view of philanthropy?
“Receiving scholarship support through UGA’s College of Engineering has been instrumental in helping me finish my final year strong. It has eased financial pressures and allowed me to reduce my part-time work hours, giving me the space to focus more fully on academics, networking, job-searching, and becoming more involved in student organizations. It has also renewed my sense of belonging at UGA. Knowing that generous donors believe in my potential has reinforced my confidence in my decision to return. Receiving this scholarship has opened my eyes to the selfless generosity of others. The fact that donors are willing to invest in the future of students they have never met, purely out of a spirit of service, has been very humbling. It has shown me how powerful and personal an impact philanthropy can have.”
What do you hope to accomplish while at UGA? What are your plans when you graduate?
“During my remaining time at UGA, I plan to reclaim my identity as an engineering student, while continuing to grow both professionally and personally. I look forward to continuing to learn from professors and experts in their fields as I prepare to find my place in mine. After graduation, I plan to pursue a career that is challenging, fulfilling, and makes a meaningful impact on my community, while also striving to be of service to those who have supported me – my family, my friends, and the people I care about most.”
If you could say one thing to engineering donors, what would it be?
“Thank you’ hardly feels sufficient to express the depth of my gratitude. Your support has a real and lasting impact on the lives of students, mine included. Your generosity is not overlooked, and it is deeply felt. For a student facing adversity while working toward their goals at UGA, it can make all the difference. I know I speak for all recipients when I say thank you for investing in us and in the future of engineering students at UGA.”
