Today we’d like to introduce you to Doll Thomas.
Doll, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Jamaica. I was born in Kingston but grew up in Mandeville, Manchester. I moved to the states at the age of 12 to live with my mom here in Georgia. My dad, sisters, and most of my family still reside in Jamaica so it’s just my mom and I here. I moved to Johns Creek, GA where I attended Northview High School. Living in Johns Creek was not exactly a culture shock because I have friends from all different races back home but I was most definitely a minority. I loved where I lived because I was exposed to people of different races, backgrounds, and cultures and this fueled my passion for people and my decision to pursue public relations as my major in college.
Freshman year of high school, I was forced into track and field by my mom for “behavioral” purposes. My mom needed a way to channel my energy so I didn’t get myself into trouble. Even though it was not what I wanted to do at the time, it changed my life forever. My junior year I received my first official recruitment letter. This was a big deal because both parents never went to college so I was a first-generation college student. We didn’t know how we were going to pay for college because we were not in the position to afford it so when I received my first recruitment letter, we knew that that was my outlet. My senior year, I was recruited by Kennesaw State University and after meeting the coaches I knew that was where I was supposed to be. I, fortunately, received both an athletic and an academic scholarship at Kennesaw State so I committed. I ran several events while at Kennesaw but my specialties were the 400 meter and the 400-meter hurdles.
My four years as a collegiate athlete is something I will never regret. I met amazing coaches who I now consider mentors, made life-long friendships, gained a closer relationship with God, and learned lessons beyond being an athlete and a student. The track helped mold me into the woman I am now because of the exposure I gained and the lessons I learned along the way. As an immigrant first-generation college student, I have dedicated my success to building a foundation for the generation after me and motivating others around me. I want the world to witness what can be achieved even when your circumstances say otherwise. I am now finishing up my master’s degree at Kennesaw State University and I do eventually plan to get my doctorate. I purposely set the bar to “absolutely no limit” to keep not only others motivated but to keep myself accountable. For summer 2019, I received and accepted the opportunity to intern in New York City at an ad agency called Badger and Winters working with their Public Relations and Social Media team. My goal is to work in the media and entertainment industry as a public relations professional. I also have experience as a media correspondent for small and large events around the Greater Atlanta area. I am involved in content creation where I work to help execute visions of my own as well as other content creatives. I have worked alongside many creatives such as photographers, videographers, stylists, and designers to either promote their work or help build their portfolio as well as mine. I am blessed to be a part of projects such as commercials and shorts films in Atlanta and neighboring states. Creative content is something I’ve always loved and I am looking forward to seeing what projects I will be a part of in the future.
Has it been a smooth road?
Getting to where I am today has been nothing but a rollercoaster but I would not trade it for anything. In college, I faced what most people in college did… depression and anxiety. Being a collegiate athlete was a lot of pressure while trying to maintain good grades and healthy social life. My obstacles were nothing but reminders of how resilient I am and constant proof of how great my God is. Overcoming my hardships not only humbled my character but taught me gratitude, love, and forgiveness especially with myself. One of my biggest obstacles was overcoming fear. But one thing I’ve learned was that each time fear came knocking, I need to open the door and say “challenge accepted.” I’ve overcome and I’m still overcoming and I choose to see fear as a friend instead of an enemy.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Public Relations Professional – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I take pride in building relationships that are based on the right foundations and being a part of things that are bigger than myself. I think what sets me apart from others is that I am attracted to what challenges me and I constantly crave growth and new learning experiences.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and the least?
One thing I love about Atlanta is that has so much to offer. It is big yet very small because everyone knows someone you know. I love networking in Atlanta because I get to meet people who take me outside of my comfort zone and teach me new things. Atlanta is a lot more diverse than people think but you won’t know that until you actually go out and get involved.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @doll_thomas
Image Credit:
@ambriawithanupsidedowna, @trademarq_, @mr.mauricemedia, @dakadavid_, @alexkiker12
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