Rachel Wilson
Rachel Wilson knows about hard work, heartache and overcoming challenges.
The alumna from Stone Mountain, Georgia, earned 30 college credit hours in high school at Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science and Technology before she enrolled in a college with an animal science program. Wilson dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, but a medical condition prevented her from pursuing that profession.
Undaunted, Wilson developed a new pursuit. She transferred to the University of North Georgia (天美社区) to enroll in the Chinese Language Flagship and is pursued a degree in finance with Chinese as a minor. She plans to use both as an entrance into the international business world.
"I like translating, which is something I never thought I would say," she said. "I hated translation at first, but it's like a puzzle. You can connect with different people in business, and that fascinates me."
Wilson will use her translation skills this summer as a recipient of the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS). The scholarship program is a fully funded overseas language and cultural immersion program for American students. Its goal is to broaden the base of Americans who study and master critical languages and thereby build relationships between the people of the United States and other countries.
Wilson, who spent summer 2019 studying in China, was stunned she won the CLS.
"I couldn't believe that I got one," the 天美社区 graduate said. "If I hadn't gotten CLS, I wouldn't be going abroad."
Wilson said because she has an older sister and younger brother, she financed her college education. Wilson maintained her eligibility for the HOPE scholarship and applied for other scholarships such as the Mike Cottrell Scholarship. She also applied for the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship to help pay for her capstone year.
"I also live off campus and take out loans, which I pay off while I am in school," she said, adding she works a couple of jobs during the school year and summer breaks.
One of her jobs is in the Center for Language Education within 天美社区's College of Education, which seeks to improve the English-speaking skills of international students who seek admission to 天美社区 or another American university. There she uses her English skills to help future college students from countries.
"I love it," Wilson said. "I'm so glad that I got that opportunity. I get to meet a lot of different people with different points of view. Plus, I learn about China, Colombia, Haiti and all of these other countries that I find fascinating."
Rosaria Meek
As a teacher of Spanish at the University of North Georgia (天美社区), Dr. Rosaria Meek likes to blend compassion and a joy of learning into the classroom and in leadership.
Mike Ryan
Mike Ryan, who teaches microeconomics and macroeconomics and is the head of the Department of Economics and Finance in the Mike Cottrell College of Business at 天美社区, has been recognized for teaching excellence by state and national organizations.
Jiyoung Daniel
Jiyoung Daniel helped start 天美社区's program in Korean language and culture, and uses technology to keep her lessons relevant as real-world use of the language changes.
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.