Auburn University student SeAnna Graddy makes a name for herself as she stays true to both herself and her school.
Graddy is currently a sophomore majoring in industrial and systems engineering. She is working in the ROTC program at the University and has plans to serve in the military once she graduates.
"I had no prior connections to the military whatsoever," Graddy said. "But I was encouraged by my favorite high school teacher to join."
She said that being a part of ROTC has taught her many different lessons, but her biggest takeaway is "living a different lifestyle from normal college students."
Above all else, Graddy said ROTC has taught her self-discipline and has given her the ability to look at life as more of a "bigger picture."
Last year, the ROTC program also brought Graddy one of her closest friends, Grace McNairy.
McNairy described Graddy as "vivacious" and said that "she has a zeal for a life that isn't very common nowadays."
Graddy and McNairy also worked as Camp War Eagle counselors together during the summer of 2021. Due to its competitive nature, Camp War Eagle chooses its counselors based on strict criteria.
Upon describing her experience with Camp War Eagle, Graddy said there were definitely days where it was hard but that overall it was worth every trial.
She became very close with the freshmen she worked with over the summer, some of whom later became her sorority sisters in the fall.
Graddy is currently a member of the Delta Delta Delta chapter on campus and works as their mental health officer as the Behind Happy Faces Chairman. Graddy also attends church at the Auburn Community Church and is a member of one of their small groups.
"After coming through college and COVID, and seeing how isolating it can be for some people, it can be a really dark place for mental health, and I don't think it's discussed enough," Graddy said.
Additionally, Graddy said she wants to be the person that people go to when they need help. To McNairy, that is exactly who Graddy is: "someone you want to be around" and "a friend to all."
Correction: Previous versions of this article said Grace McNady. It has been corrected to Grace McNairy.
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Harlee Meydrech, senior in public relations with a minor in business, is the assistant managing editor at The Auburn Plainsman.
