Caleb Brooks
After a couple of changes to his major, University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ) alumnus Caleb Brooks found the right path.
The Athens, Georgia native, combined his love of film and video games with an affinity for the Japanese language and culture into a major undertaking. Brooks is pursued a degree in film and digital media with a media studies concentration and a minor in Japanese.
"While pursuing my associate degree, I took classes that revolved around studying and analyzing media, mainly film, and learning Japanese," he said. "I realized that I had a knack for it. My professors seemed to agree, so over time everything just fell into place."
Brooks used his language skills to regularly tutor students online. Dr. Tomoe Nishio, assistant professor of Japanese in the Department of Modern and Classical Languages, encouraged him to accept the position.
"She knew I had considered applying for the as an assistant language teacher," he said. "She thought tutoring would be a good experience and help with my credentials."
Brooks' credentials will include receiving the , which sends students who are eligible for the Pell grant to study or intern abroad for at least three weeks. He was one of eight 91ÁÔÆæ students to win the award in January 2021.
"I was elated," he said, adding it was short-lived. "Because of COVID-19 pandemic, the program was canceled. But I am still happy I won because it really helped boost my confidence."
Brooks graduated in December 2021 and applied for the JET program, which places participants from more than 40 countries to live and work in Japan. Brooks would work in Japanese public schools to support teachers of English. Participants sign a one-year contract and can renew for up to five years.
"It's one of the best ways to start living and working there," Brooks said. "Now, I want to make my two interests of Japanese and film and digital media work for me."
He credits 91ÁÔÆæ with teaching him leadership skills and preparing him for his next overseas adventure.
"You have to learn to work with people," he said. "This semester taught me that good leadership is to try to make sure nobody feels left out and everyone gets a chance to contribute and speak their minds."
Rosaria Meek
As a teacher of Spanish at the University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ), Dr. Rosaria Meek likes to blend compassion and a joy of learning into the classroom and in leadership.
Katayoun Mobasher
Dr. Katayoun Mobasher enjoys interdisciplinary studies where she can combine her background and knowledge of geology, GIS, and remote sensing technologies in health-related fields.
Jennifer Graff
91ÁÔÆæ Visual Arts Department Head Jennifer Graff leads by ensuring everyone has a voice.
Ben Jarrard
Ben Jarrard always dreamed of following his father and grandfather into the military. A medical condition changed his career path, and Jarrard is grateful to be able to represent his alma mater as a liaison at the state Capitol.