A fervor for public service motivated Ben Harrison to serve as an intern with the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government this past spring.
“I’ve cherished every moment of it — whether forming significant connections or gaining academic knowledge. It has sparked my enthusiasm for my future career,” remarked the postgraduate Destination Dawgs Fellow.
Harrison is pursuing studies in nonprofit management and leadership, with a focus on sustainability, making his Destination Dawgs placement alongside Natalie Bock, a research expert in the institute’s infrastructure and community resilience sector, an ideal fit.
“I’ve heard about the remarkable influence of this program over the years, and when the chance to serve as a mentor presented itself, I was delighted,” Bock expressed. “It’s a fantastic reciprocal relationship where students can learn while helping us enhance our programs and initiatives.”
Developing skills in the Bulldog Nation
Destination Dawgs is an inclusive higher education initiative for UGA students with intellectual or developmental disabilities, located within the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. Participants in Destination Dawgs enroll in academic courses and cultivate professional networks that ready them for competitive employment and independent living. Each participant is completely integrated into UGA, acquiring skills both inside and outside the classroom.
Ben Harrison, left, is a 2024 Destination Dawg postgraduate fellow. As a graduate of the program, he assists with an activity during the Destination Dawgs Pre-Admission Days. (Photo by Cat Elrod)
“It’s been a rewarding journey to pursue higher education and be part of the Bulldog Nation,” stated Harrison, a St. Simons native whose parents are both alumni of UGA.
Throughout his internship, Harrison attended several team and stakeholder meetings to gain insights into the institute’s functions while enhancing his professional skills. He investigated topics related to energy resilience, including electric vehicle infrastructure planning at university campuses and the growth of utility solar sites across Georgia and the southeast. Harrison subsequently compiled a literature review of resources, detailing the title and summary of each article or study.
“The most significant achievement in a project and collaboration is witnessing the collective efforts we all contribute to foster change within a community,” he remarked. “The resources we develop for sustained growth serve as foundational stones for future generations.”
The experience was equally enlightening for Bock, who attributes the mentorship to refining her leadership abilities.
“It has been a delight to share joyful moments with Ben and celebrate his accomplishments,” Bock commented. “I learned how to be a flexible leader while still holding high expectations and encouraging him to believe he can accomplish tasks he might have otherwise doubted he could.”
Practical experiences for aspiring leaders
The institute is not the only department in Public Service and Outreach involved with the Destination Dawgs initiative. Prior to joining the program, students interact with the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development through the Destination Dawgs Pre-Admission Days, where they experience college life through campus activities, dining hall meals, bus rides, and sessions with UGA students and peer mentors.
Through these immersive, engaging experiences, the students start to envision themselves as future college attendees and leaders.
Participants enjoy field activities during Destination Dawgs Pre-Admission Days. (Photo by Cat Elrod)
“Pre-Admission Days provide participants not only a meaningful insight into college life but also enable FACS faculty and staff to witness firsthand the students’ motivation, independence, and potential to excel in the Destination Dawgs program and beyond,” explained Jason Edwards, Fanning Institute public service faculty and program facilitator.
As a Destination Dawg, Harrison also interned with PSO’s Archway Partnership. He explored UGA’s relationships across the state and developed personal connections while supporting the front desk.
A future rooted in service
Although his internships have concluded, Harrison’s journey as a Destination Dawg persists. He aspires to work full time in higher education or for a nonprofit organization and to live independently. Regardless, he is dedicated to serving as a mentor or advisor.
“I want to assist others in overcoming anxiety, as everyone possesses a unique gift that should be shared with the world without the fear of being judged or looked down upon for how we convey our talents,” he expressed.
A devotee of 1990s alternative rock, Harrison quoted a cherished lyric from the band Semisonic to summarize his internship journey.
“‘Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end,’” he quoted with a grin. “It was released the year I was born, making it even more special.”
The post Bringing public service to life through UGA’s Destination Dawgs appeared first on UGA Today.