Morgan Howell has a lot on her plate. From pursuing a Master’s degree to working a full-time job, Howell seems to be on the go all the time. 

Though Howell admitted she’s struggling to keep up with everything, she still enjoys all that she’s a part of. 

“It really is tough to balance it all, but I love everything I’m doing now,” Howell said. “So I try my best to keep up with all the different sectors of my life right now.” 

At 21 years old, Howell is currently enrolled in five classes as a full-time Master’s degree student at the University of Georgia. Her Master’s degree pursuit is in elementary education after earning her undergraduate degree in sports management, also at UGA. 

She is a full-time paraprofessional, too, at Morgan County Primary School in Madison where she helps oversee a kindergarten classroom. At the same time, she is doing her student teaching work. 

This is in addition to her role as a camp director with the Morgan County Recreation Department. 

It’s all helped fuel her long-term aspirations of being an adaptive physical education teacher for special education students in the Morgan County School System. 

Howell mentioned how, just a few years ago, this career path was not on her radar. 

“My mom can’t believe that’s what I’m doing right now,” she said. “It was never a dream of mine.” 

Working with elementary students made all the difference. In fact, Howell said that’s the best part of her job with MCSS. 

“I gained 20 new friendships with 5-year old students,” Howell said. “I love learning about each and every one of them from their favorite food to what they did during the weekend. I enjoy teaching them and watching them grow day-to-day and week-to-week in their education. What I love most is getting to support and love them for who they are day in and day out.” 

Howell is a product of East Newton Elementary School where she attended until the third grade before moving to Madison. Her roots run deep in Newton County, though, through her dad’s (Shane Howell), side of the family. 

Though she is currently living and working in Madison, Howell recognizes how special and foundational Newton County has been to her. 

“It’s a tight community,” Howell said. “In hard times, Newton County always comes together and there’s always going to be people there for you when you need them. I’ve always felt that way.”