Donny Jenkins's Blog

It’s official, I’m heading to Kennesaw State University in August! What an awesome time to look back on my past years at my Alumnus school Georgia Highlands College!

I started my college career at GHC in the spring of ’08 with my mind-set on a Computer Science degree. Boy how things change! Off a two-year break since high school I jumped head first into classes and connecting with my schoolmates. It was challenging to say the least, going from working full-time back to studying, homework and rigorous classes. The first thing I noticed was the mix of the student population. As a two-year commuter college, GHC brings in many students from different walks of life, the non-traditional, transfer, freshman, and many others that can’t fit neatly into a label.

Classes and professors, not your average experience. I never fully comprehended what my professor (and my high school teachers) tried to do until I finished my first semester. The determination to see their students succeed is an awesome presence in the classroom. My favorite professor was not only the one that pushed me to my max, he also believed in me. Never underestimate what you can accomplish when someone whose  seen you work hard, fail hard, cry hard, and try harder gives you a look or word of approval.

As I continued my classes and gained knowledge, my personality and ideas for the future changed. No longer did I want to major in Computer Science!, my plan since my freshman year of high school. I still loved it as a hobby but I could no longer picture myself in it as a career. So I started looking… and looking… only 6 degree changes later and a battery of career test did I find my true calling. Funny thing is I think I knew what I was looking for, it just took a while to realize.

GLBTSA, SGA, HIP, OL… these acronyms mean something to me. They shaped my personality, my views, and my social presence. When you start college you’ll never forget this simple sentence “Get involved.” I took this to heart and jumped in: Student Government is where I learned leadership skills, working in a group, and brushed up on my professionalism. GHC’s production board is where I meet some incredible people, not only classmates but artists, actors, singer, comedians, and poets from all over America. GLBT-SA (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Straight Alliance) is where I learned to be me, the compassion and support made everything I was filling up to that time valid, I had a name for it and it opened my eyes to love and courage for myself and those around me. Last but not least Orientation Leaders! This is where I learned conflict management, how to have fun on the job, conflict management, responsibilities to an organization you believe in, and did I mention conflict management?

I’m going to miss GHC, the people, the places, the memories. Change is not a part of life, change is life and it’s time for me to continue on my path. There are so many people I thank, I try to show it everyday through my actions… and the adventure continues to KSU.

Current Status:

Working at Mellow Mushroom (best pizza in the southeast)

Working on a Bachelors of Science in Biotechnology

Planning a move to Kennesaw sometime next summer