written by Jaylan Hayes
Angelina Thomas is originally from Long Island, NY but has been living in Augusta for the past eight years. When choosing where she wanted to further her education she was between Alabama and Augusta University. The instate tuition was just too good to give up.
Thomas is about to finish her last semester at AU and will be graduating in May with a degree in nuclear medicine technology. It's a major she had never heard of before coming to AU.
"First, I was pre respiratory and then I was like, I don't think this is for me. So, I talked to my counselor, and she told me about nuclear medicine technology. I had no idea what that was. I looked up videos about it and realized this is something I'd actually really want to do. And then I ended up loving it," said Thomas.
Thomas will be taking her boards when she's done with the program and once she passes, she'll be nationally certified to work anywhere.
She recently has accepted an offer with AU to be a nuclear medicine technologist full time once she graduates. She is still keeping her options open in case anything else appears but she's excited for what her future holds.
Thomas is hoping for a graduation she receives a plane ticket to Puerto Rico, where her family is from because it's been a long time since she has been able to visit.
She's been dancing for about 19 years when her mom put her in her first dance classes when she was only two years old. She tried other sports like gymnastics and karate but loved dancing.
"I grew up doing competitive dancing. Now I'm in the professional world doing Latin ballroom. I've gotten hired to do gigs as a professional dancer," said Thomas.
When Augusta officially started a dance team last semester, Thomas immediately knew she wanted to try out. She is now on the first official dance team for the school along with nine other girls.
Thomas is one of the team leaders and in charge of team bonding, something she enjoys doing.
"I'm planning a galantine's date with the team at my house. I've got gift bags and decorations with a background drop for photos. It will be a potluck and I'm really excited," said Thomas.
While she's sad she'll only get to experience the team for one year, she's so proud of everything that's been accomplished and that she got to be a part of it. She's hoping it won't be a final goodbye when she graduates and can come back in help anyway she can.
If she's not dancing, doing schoolwork or working as a dance teacher you can probably find Thomas either at a restaurant with friends or watching a movie at home. Two of her favorite things to do.
"I love hanging out with my friends and trying new food places we're kind of foodies. We love new restaurants," said Thomas.
When Thomas got her childhood dog, a mini Doberman named Jack, it was easily one of her happiest memories. A dog that she had since kindergarten, sadly passed away at age 16.
"I'll never forget the type of dog he was. He brought me so much joy and he was my best friend," said Thomas.
If you think Thomas looks familiar but don't know why it's possible you've seen her on the side of the wellness center at the health science campus or even on a snapchat ad for AU.
"Those pictures haunt me every time I see it on the side of the building, or when it pops up on my phone," she said.
With only a couple more basketball home games left in the season Thomas is left with the bittersweet realization that she's almost done.
Dance tryouts will be coming up soon and Thomas is hoping for a big turnout to help grow the program. She's there to help anyway she can and encourages anyone to come out and try if they want to.
"I'm an open book. I'm always there for advice or anything. I'm always willing to help people that need it," said Thomas
