For the Academic Profile, I had Gwen Hubert, a Freshman student at Georgia State Clarkston campus. As I got to know more about Gwen, I saw how her academic self affected her work and the person she wanted to become. The definition that Gwen used to define one’s Academic self was someone’s learning and work ethic. When I asked her to reflect on herself using this definition, she described herself as someone who goes above and beyond and is punctual. 

A photo of Gwen hanging out.

Gwen, a student, when used to describe herself, the first word that came to mind was “punctual.” Although this word seems straightforward how she applies it to her work allows me to see how being a punctual person impacts her. Since she was young, Gwen has always been someone who has turned assignments in on time, partially because of her upbringing and mainly because of her personal beliefs. Saying, “Why put off for tomorrow what you could do today.” Gwen being a punctual person is not just about turning things in on time; it shows that she is faithful to her education and faithful to her future. 

What are Gwen’s plans, and how do critical parts of her academic self play into this? In the future, Gwen plans to become a diplomat and is currently pursuing a degree in ASL, German, and Spanish. I do not think there is anything that says diplomat, like someone punctual, professional, and simply put, the genuine embodiment of Gwen. Moreover, although her driving force for school is her punctuality, her passion for foreign languages is what drives her to pursue this career. 

Gwen’s interest in foreign languages started when she was a freshman in high school and took her first German class with Mrs.Knezovic. However, a two-year elective requirement would turn into so much more for her. The encouraging and creative ways Mrs.Knezovic taught her class helped create a strong foundation for a future profession and a strong passion for Gwen.

When I asked Gwen, “What was one of the most notable readings that have stuck out to you this far,” she replied, “The Delbanco.” She went into detail about this text, comparing how the goal of a professor has stayed the same while society’s point of view on the institution professor’s work for has significantly changed. She said that professors have an attitude of education not being about pursuing a career, while society makes higher education an expectation for a career. Her opinion on this overall text, was encompassed as “frustrating.” When she chose to speak about this reading, it aligned perfectly with her ideologies as a student. Gwen, a high-achieving and determined student, knows that one of the most significant barriers that kept her from pursuing more from higher education is because of how expensive it is. Somebody as determined as she is, it is truly notable to her character that this is the passage that stuck out the most. 

Gwen is a hardworking and dedicated person. One word she continuously used to define herself was punctual, but she is much more. Her desire to exceed at high levels and commitment to respect others’ time, is profound. But her commitment to herself is what is most impressive. When I think of a genuinely academic person who strives for their success, I now think of Gwen, and you should too. 

Citations- 

Andrew Delbanco, (March 202, 2012) College: What It Was, Is, and Should Be

https://www.amazon.com/College-What-Should-William-Bowen/dp/0691130736

Subject- Gwen Hubert

By: Thai Daniel