By Jordan Beach
Starting her time as a Reinhardt Eagle in dual enrollment courses, Megan Pruett continues to thrive as an involved student, hopeful traveler and business owner.
As far back as she can remember, Pruett hoped to become a teacher. Growing up as an only child taught her to value the time she spent with other children at school as an elementary student, and the importance she found in education only grew from there.
“As I’m older now, I reflect on education as one of the most consistent and crucial things in a child’s life,” said Pruett.
The Jasper resident is studying Secondary English Education with minors in International Relations and Business Management. After graduation, Pruett plans to apply to graduate school to study International Education and Administrative Policy to broaden her options and understanding of education. After furthering her education and traveling, her goal is to return home to Georgia to teach in Pickens or Cherokee County.
Pruett already started traveling the world with Reinhardt’s study abroad program, when she spent last summer on a life-changing trip to Ireland, one she said she’ll cherish forever.
“Before the trip, I had never traveled on a plane or even out of the southeast United States. I wanted to go on this trip to see the beauty of Ireland and attain class credit, while also learning from the experienced professors that were going on the trip.”
The classes she took prior to the trip helped Pruett feel prepared for traveling, and the professors having everything prepared comforted her. She is excited for the chance to travel with Reinhardt to Japan in 2020.
Among her many titles, Pruett is a Pickens Scholar, and feels the program allowed her many opportunities on and off campus.
“Reinhardt gave me a chance to further my education by being involved with their Move on When Ready program while I was in high school and now as a full-time commuter student. I have had the opportunity and pleasure to be involved with the Student Government Executive Board as the Commuter Life Chair, Reinhardt Women’s Leadership Program (RWLP) and Honor’s Program.”
Her two years spent on SGA enabled Pruett to learn about making changes at Reinhardt and to meet much its diverse population from various programs. The RWLP introduced her to other women on campus passionate about “God, school and everything in between,” along with building relationships with Karen Mathews, director of Vocation and Career Services, and President Kina Mallard. Pruett is now president of Kappa Delta Pi Education Honor Society and a member of Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society.
“Through Reinhardt I have been blessed with amazing memories that I will keep forever, professors that change lives every day, and the chance to explore places such as Ireland this past summer.”
During her second year, Pruett decided to work on a personal endeavor. She opened her business, Stitched Sunflower, in August 2018.
“I had to go through all of the paperwork and licenses to construct a legal business, which was a learning process for me, but rewarding in so many ways. Through this, I am able to sell unique clothing from hand-picked designers at a lower cost than other boutiques in the area.”
With her interest in fashion, the experience has proven rewarding by her ability to offer sizes for all women at an affordable price. The clothing is sold on her website and at pop-up locations and festivals. Although the process includes challenges, it also involves education, a consistent passion through Pruett’s life.
“Owning a business has been full of struggles, excitement and learning, which is what I’m most passionate about.”
