Finding Her Footing: How Olivia Morse turned her small-town roots into a Georgia Southern success story

For Olivia Morse, earning her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology this May is more than a personal achievement. It honors everyone who supported her from childhood through her time at Georgia Southern University.

“I grew up in the rural town of Moultrie, Georgia, where life was simple and close-knit,” Morse recalled. “I spent much of my time with friends and family.”

Growing up as an only child, she enjoyed spending time at the baseball field with her dad and cheering for the Colquitt County Packers. Sports, she said, brought her community together. However, the familiar comforts of Moultrie felt a world away when she arrived on the Statesboro Campus. The small-town girl admitted she felt lost in the large crowd.

“One of my biggest challenges came early in my freshman year when I briefly struggled with feeling whether I belonged,” Morse said. “I overcame this by getting more involved on campus, especially through the Recreation Activity Center (RAC) and group fitness community, which helped me build connections and find a support system.”

Morse attended group fitness classes, which soon led to her leadership role as a cycling instructor.

“I loved both attending classes and teaching cycling sessions, as it gave me a chance to stay active while connecting with others,” she said. “Leading classes was especially rewarding because I could motivate people and create a positive, energetic environment.”

Morse had a head start through dual enrollment when she decided to attend Georgia Southern, and she is finishing in just three years. She chose to major in kinesiology with a focus on exercise science “to help people feel confident in moving their bodies and regain their health.” Her goal is to become a physical therapist specializing in neuro-related cases, and she is well on her way. Morse has enrolled in a Doctor of Physical Therapy program that begins just days after she walks across the stage.

“My experience at Georgia Southern University has been wonderful,” Morse acknowledged. “From the classroom to my involvement on campus, I felt supported and encouraged to become the best version of myself. I loved this college, and it truly felt like it loved me right back, making my time here both meaningful and unforgettable.”

For anyone considering attending the University, Morse says to do it and never question your decision.

“Take that leap of faith,” she said. “Go into the unknown. It’s scary but pursue your dreams. Fall in love with Georgia Southern and explore every opportunity it offers. Never say no. Always say yes.”

Now that she is ready for the next chapter, Morse, who once felt lost on the Statesboro Campus, looked back on the experiences that defined her time at Georgia Southern.

“What I will miss most about leaving Georgia Southern is the sense of community and the people who made my experience so meaningful,” she said. “I will miss the friendships built through classes, campus involvement, and especially my time at the RAC. I will also miss the campus energy. Most of all, I will miss the feeling of belonging that made Georgia Southern feel like home.”