Dedicated to Helping Others
Michaela Bramblett had no idea that following a friend to the 每日大赛 would lead to such a great college experience.
鈥淗onestly, I ended up at the 每日大赛 because I followed my best friend from my hometown!鈥� Bramblett said. 鈥淚nitially, I only planned to stay for a year before transferring, but my freshman year turned out to be such an incredible experience that I decided to stay and complete my degree there. Looking back, I鈥檓 so glad I made that decision鈥攊t truly shaped my college journey and life in the best way.鈥�
Bramblett was raised in Roswell, Georgia. Although she came to the College to be with her best friend, she left with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in human services. She is now using her degree to reshape and improve the lives of youth as a case manager at The Coffee Oasis Youth Shelter in Tacoma, Washington. Her career journey in advocacy first started at the College, but she knew from a young age that she wanted to dedicate her life to helping others.
鈥淕rowing up in a household impacted by domestic violence, I became deeply aware of the importance of compassion, resilience, and support. I knew I wanted a career where I could make a real difference鈥攐ne fueled by genuine passion and purpose. My mom always believed I鈥檇 make a great lawyer, but I discovered my true calling in advocacy, where I could channel my strength and determination to empower others,鈥� she said.
Through a work-study program, Bramblett worked as an administrative assistant at Safe Harbor Children鈥檚 Advocacy Center. Safe Harbor serves victims of child abuse throughout the Brunswick Judicial Circuit, which includes Jeff Davis, Appling, Wayne, Glynn, and Camden counties. Safe Harbor provides rehabilitative care to more than 450 child victims of abuse every year, providing forensic interviews, forensic medical exams, counseling, and much more. Bramblett not only gained an invaluable experience, but also discovered her passion for helping others. That role then led to a position as a junior staff member at Sea Island Resort where she continued to develop her skills in service and hospitality. She also worked as a social services technician at Gateway Behavioral Health Services in Brunswick, where she aided in the addiction and recovery space. Her experiences further deepened her commitment to supporting those in need.
After graduating from the College, Bramblett enlisted with Teach For America (TFA). TFA is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to 鈥渆nlist, develop, and mobilize as many as possible of our nation鈥檚 most promising future leaders to grow and strengthen the movement for educational equity and excellence.鈥� TFA recruits recent college graduates to serve as teachers. Selected members, known as 鈥渃orps members鈥� commit to teaching at least two years in a public or private charter K-12 school in one of the 52 low-income communities that the organization serves. Bramblett learned about opportunities with Teach for America through a colleague from her time at Sea Island Resort鈥擬i Danielle. She ran into her unexpectedly at Wake Up Coffee Co., and was introduced to the idea of joining the organization.
鈥淎s someone passionate about advocating for youth, making a meaningful impact in education, and exploring new places in the U.S., it felt like the perfect fit for me,鈥� Bramblett said.
It turned out she was right. Bramblett was accepted into the TFA corps in October 2023 and participated in various forms of professional and personal development.
鈥淯ltimately, the program has taught us that being an anti-racist teacher leader is extremely important in shaping the next generation of Americans鈥攚hich I can totally get behind,鈥� she said. 鈥淐hildren spend the majority of their childhood in a classroom, so we, as teachers, have such a power and responsibility to uphold. Why not make it for the greater good of America and society as a whole? Why not be intentional about it?鈥�
Overall, TFA focuses on learner variability, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the universal design for learning, Bramblett said, which is extremely important when it comes to education and representation within education today.
While in TFA, Bramblett taught kindergarten and second grade students, focusing on math and science. She built meaningful relationships with her fellow corps members and saw firsthand TFA鈥檚 commitment to education equity, which ensures that all children in the nation have the opportunity to attain an excellent education. In May 2024, Bramblett moved to Seattle and implemented what she learned through TFA. She taught summer school for rising first graders, and then taught at a charter school in south Seattle in August. 听
Bramblett is very grateful for what she learned through Teach for America, but she recognized that teaching wasn鈥檛 the right path for her. However, she wanted to continue working with youth and serving in a meaningful way. She found a position as a direct care worker at . The Coffee Oasis is a Christian, non-profit organization that creates pathways of opportunity for youth to be restored in their heart, soul, mind, and body. Coffee Oasis creates safe shared spaces, mentorship, street and school outreach, goal setting, job training, shelter, and crisis services. Bramblett explained that The Coffee Oasis operates a unique model. The ground floor of the organization features a coffee shop where all proceeds support the organization鈥檚 mission. The building also features a drop-in center where youth (ages 13-24) have access to computers and showers, and can relax during daytime hours. The residential part of the shelter provides housing for up to 12 youth at a time (ages 13-17) offering a safe and supportive environment. Her role as a direct care worker involved the day-to-day care of shelter residents, including cooking, cleaning, and enforcing the curfew. Bramblett was promoted to case manager, where she now provides more targeted support for youth.
鈥淚 assist them in obtaining official documentation such as state identification, birth certificates, social security cards, and EBT benefits,鈥� Bramblett said. 鈥淚 also meet with them weekly to work on their short-and long-term goals, including job searches, securing long-term housing, re-enrolling in public school or obtaining a GED, and addressing substance abuse recovery or legal matters when applicable.鈥�
Having a degree in psychology helped prepare Bramblett for working with homeless and runaway youth populations.
鈥淚n my work, I often reflect on my favorite psychology professors from Coastal Georgia鈥擯rofessor (Carla) Bluhm and Professor (Kimberly) Mannahan. They embodied a balance of genuine warmth and unwavering professionalism鈥攓ualities I admire deeply. Today, I strive to channel that same approach in my work鈥攃ompassionate yet focused, ensuring I meet the needs of the youth I serve with care and purpose,鈥� Bramblett said.
Working at the youth shelter has been very rewarding. It has opened her eyes to the harsh realities that many young people face. Bramblett shared what it has meant to her.
鈥淭he majority, if not all, of the youth who come into the shelter, have stories that would leave anyone either heartbroken or enraged. These painful experiences are the norm in the shelter, and in a unique way, many of the youth bond over the trauma they鈥檝e endured. While this can be a deeply depressing situation, it can also be incredibly beautiful. Witnessing a youth who has come from such challenging circumstances talk about their goals鈥攍ike going to college, getting their own place, and getting clean鈥攁nd then seeing them achieve those milestones is one of the most rewarding feelings in the world,鈥� Bramblett said.
Special Memories
Meeting her bests friends, Carly, Sam, and Abigail, at the College was a life-changing experience that Bramblett will always cherish, she said. Her friendships have profoundly impacted her life, both during and after college. Being at Coastal Georgia also gave Bramblett the opportunity to travel to Australia and live on St. Simons Island, creating wonderful, unforgettable memories.
鈥淚 loved the sense of community at Coastal Georgia, whether it was meeting up with friends at Wake Up Coffee Co. or Fancy Q, cheering at tennis matches, attending basketball games, or simply soaking in the beauty of the island life,鈥� she said.
When asked what is the College鈥檚 best kept secret, Bramblett said it wasn鈥檛 a secret at all, but 鈥渢he abundance of incredible local restaurants and shops scattered throughout Glynn County.鈥� She also mentioned the rich history of the area with its countless stories woven into the charming streets and landmarks.
鈥淏oth St. Simons and Jekyll Island offer their own unique takes on island living. St. Simons buzzes with a lively, energetic atmosphere, while Jekyll Island provides a peaceful retreat, perfect for soaking in nature鈥檚 serenity,鈥� Bramblett said. 鈥淔or those passionate about the arts, the community also offers multiple avenues to express creativity through performing and visual arts, adding even more depth to the area鈥檚 vibrant culture.鈥�
Her advice to current students is to take advantage of the College鈥檚 resources, such as supplemental instructors and class study sessions. Bramblett had positive experiences with her professors, and felt that they genuinely cared about their students鈥� success and the subjects they taught, which made learning even more engaging.
鈥淒on鈥檛 forget to appreciate the little things, like having dining hall meals just a swipe away, your best friends living down the hall, and a free Jekyll Island pass,鈥� Bramblett said. 鈥淭ake full advantage of it鈥攜ou鈥檒l miss it more than you think!鈥�
In the next five years, Bramblett plans to earn a graduate certificate in nonprofit administration, pursue a master鈥檚 in social work, and work for a nonprofit she is deeply passionate about. Building her own organization is an option for her as well. Her plans also include purchasing a house or condo on St. Simons, traveling to destinations like Barcelona or Japan, and continuing to improve both her physical and mental health.
鈥淚 also aspire to continue my personal growth, learning more about myself, and spending as much quality time as possible with my pets鈥擱osie and Meow鈥攁nd my family,鈥� she said. 鈥淭ime is a precious, irreplaceable gift, and I am determined to cherish it fully.鈥�
Bramblett describes herself as a homebody in her downtime. She enjoys lighting candles, playing music, PC games, and just relaxing. When she鈥檚 up to socializing, Bramblett will spend time with friends in the city to enjoy some sushi, stroll through Pike Place Market, and finish the night at a karaoke bar.