Jami Mays, Front Office and Creative Writing Assistant

By Jessica Schumaker

As the new Front Office and Creative Writing Assistant, Jami Mays wears a lot of hats. Managing the mail, stocking office supplies, and scanning entire manuscripts is just a fraction of her duties; she also aids the Creative Writing Department by organizing events with authors and lecturers, and provides planning, logistical, and creative support. 

“I plan to die in this office,” she jokes, after discussing the joy the position has brought her. Prior to this job, Jami worked with a local Athens labor advocacy and workers justice non-profit. Though she valued the work and felt passionate about the difference she was making in the community, the labor it demanded of her was unsustainable. It was difficult to find the separation she needed between her work and personal life. After COVID, during which she worked advocating for teachers that were similarly burnt out, she felt she needed a change and applied for a open positions at UGA. Here, she felt she could find a stable environment and continue her education. 

Having pursued education entirely for the purpose of employment before, Jami saw an opportunity to continue her education here at UGA, and finally focus on where her passions lie. “I’m not sure exactly what that will be, but I’m excited to find out.” She mentions art and English and potential contenders, but also says that she wants to take time to explore her interests and truly experience the joy of learning for the sake of learning.

In her free time, Jami can be found crocheting with a steaming mug of cacao. Her office already boasts items she’s made: a pencil crocheted from rope and a basket. In the future, she wants to learn how to make clothes. Jami also enjoys writing, specifically narrative non-fiction. Years ago, she helped produce a creative writing show in Atlanta, WRITE CLUB. It’s well known as the world’s largest “combative philanthropic literary bloodsport,” wherein writers compete to compose and present a piece about two very different ideas for charity. “I really enjoyed the freedom and collaboration of that environment,” she says. Additionally, Jami likes to spend time with her family; her husband is the executive chef at Mama’s Boy, and she has two children, one 21 and one eight. “He’s at the age where he still loves me,” she jokes about her younger son, who she enjoys quality time with when she volunteers at his elementary school.

Finally, if Jami had to show aliens anything from earth, she would show them the ongoing lifespan of the internet, from its genesis in the 90s to the present. To provide them with an understanding of humanity, she would show them Napster, AOL, AIM, and MySpace; the complete journey from there to now. “It’s the most accessible and connected thread for the last 20-30 years for how humanity has progressed. Everything - pop culture, music, history - it’s all interwoven.” I can think of some things I wouldn’t want aliens to see on the internet, but Jami seems to be a glass half full person. Hopefully the aliens won’t decide to smite us after seeing all the internet has to offer.

Jessica Schumaker is a third-year English major and the media intern for the English department.