After graduating from GPS in 2015, Angela Bonds attended Mercer University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. In 2021, she graduated with her Master of Social Work from Georgia State University. Today, she is a clinical counselor at Bethany Christian Services, where she works with children in the foster care system as they navigate challenging experiences and regain hope.
Q. How did you get into what you’re doing now? Did you always know you wanted to do something like that?
A. I always knew I wanted to be in a field that helped people, but I didn't know exactly what that looked like. I honestly thought I wanted to be a lawyer going into my first semester of college. That quickly shifted. It wasn't until I took a general psychology course that I knew exactly where my passions lay.
Q. Why are you passionate about what you do?
A. I'm passionate about what I do because 8.5 million deaths each year are attributed to mental health disorders. We place so much attention on our physical health and often forget about taking care of our mental health. I strive to bring awareness to mental health and dismantle the myths so that people know that it is more than OK to go to therapy. Sometimes things get hard and we can't sort through it on our own, and that's OK.
Q. What was your favorite tradition at GPS? Why?
A. Oh, there are too many to narrow down. I loved May Day! It was a special day to look forward to being a part of, and each year it just got sweeter. I was nominated by my senior class to be on the May Court, which was truly an honor and made the tradition even more special. McCallie vs. Baylor was always so much fun. We'd paint our parents’ cars until we became old enough to paint our own and make flags.
Q. What’s the best piece of advice you got during your time at GPS? Do you remember who it came from?
A. I would say probably anything Mrs. Sizemore said. She was always so genuine and approachable. Mrs. Sizemore and I shared many laughs together through some of the toughest days at GPS. I am truly thankful to have had a teacher I could go to when I had questions about life or even how to handle some unimportant teenage drama.
Q. If you could offer one piece of advice to current GPS students, what would it be?
A. Just go for it! Whoever you want to be, whatever impact you want to make on the world, go for it—and unapologetically so. Sometimes in life, you may be the only woman in the room. Stand strong and know that you have a voice and a place in this world. When you speak, speak for all of the women before and after you. There really are no limits to the things you can accomplish in this world. You just have to give your best and sometimes be satisfied with whatever that looks like. Do not be too hard on yourself. This life is full of trial and error. You're going to figure it out, just go for it!
Q. Do you stay in touch with your classmates? What impact have they had on your life?
A. Yes! It is an amazing honor to have true friends with whom I have gone through some of the most awkward and exciting times. They have been admirable, supportive, and loving. I enjoy being able to see them living out the things we used to talk about in The Ben. I will forever be grateful for the women GPS placed in my life from middle to high school.
Q. Can you point to anything that GPS did to prepare you for your future?
A. I can say GPS prepared me very well for college! I remember sitting in many classes thinking things were easy and could be done in my sleep. GPS also taught me how to manage my time. Throughout my years at GPS, I was involved in a sport every season, I participated in clubs, I served as class president, and I was on the May Court, so I learned how to wear different hats. That helped motivate me to also be involved around my college campus and manage time between extracurriculars and academics.
Q. What is a GPS girl to you?
A. A GPS girl is someone who is a leader. She stands up for what is right and puts her best foot forward in all she does. A GPS girl is compassionate and wise.
Q. What is your proudest accomplishment thus far?
A. As strange as it seems because that's exactly what GPS was supposed to prepare me for, it would be graduating college and then continuing on to grad school. It's more personal for me however, because I am a first generation college student. My parents were young and sacrificed a lot for me to be at GPS. So sitting here today with a master's degree is something I am more grateful for than proud of.
Q. Are there any quotes that really resonate with you/guide you in your daily pursuits?
A. "Be the change you wish to see in the world."—Gandhi
"Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it, possibly without claiming it, she stands up for all women."—Maya Angelo
Q. Are there any experiences or memories from your time at GPS that really stand out?
A. My friends and I used to go to the "secret" dance room during free periods and choreograph dances. We used to first peek to make sure Mrs. Zahrobsky wasn't around and dart straight to the secret studio. Good times!
Q. Why is Black History Month important to you and why is it important that we acknowledge and honor the month here at GPS?
A. Black History Month is important to me because it highlights and educates the world about many of the achievements and inventions of African Americans who have been overlooked throughout the years. It is a strong piece of American history. I believe that it is important to honor Black History Month at GPS because it shows African American students that they should be proud of their culture and feel elated to share it with their peers. It also allows African American students to see their reflection in history and inspire them. One day they may be the next topic in a Black History lesson.