C layton Exum

From:  Adel, Georgia.

Why Georgia College & State University: I chose Georgia College because of the environment. Georgia College felt perfect from the moment I first visited campus. You truly feel welcomed by everyone as soon as you arrive! I also appreciate the excellent teaching programs offered here. Georgia College values learning through experience which will best prepare me for a career in teaching.

Major: I’ll be majoring in Middle Grades Education with a focus on English and social studies. Education has always been a major passion of mine. I have been blessed with so many inspiring teachers, and I hope to continue down the path my teachers laid out for me. Working with kids in the Cook County Schools has strengthened my passion for helping others learn. It’s very fulfilling to be able to observe the changes you made in someone's education and development.

Being the rare male in education: Being one of the few men entering the field of education has taught me how to fit in with any crowd. I recognize the significance of my role, as I will be one of the few male figures that students can look up to and rely on. We need more men to join the education career field, particularly in younger grades, because this provides positive male role models for students to look up to and trust.

High school activities: At Cook High School, I was Key Club president my junior and senior years. I was also a part of the Anchor and BETA clubs. Through these clubs I was able to participate in community service projects in my community. In Key Club, I also had the privilege of leading these projects. I was chosen to be a member of our local Chamber of Commerce Jr. Board, which allowed me to collaborate with community leaders and contribute to the development of our community. Through the Work-Based Learning Program, I worked at Cook Primary School as an assistant teacher in our Early Learning Center and as a teacher in the Extended Day program.

What he enjoyed most: Out of all my activities, I probably enjoyed Key Club the most. It allowed me the opportunity to lead my fellow members to serve the public and become better community members. This club helped me break out of my shell and understand the importance of contributing to the community I belong to.

Biggest high school achievement: I consider the creation of three separate “Take-One, Leave-One” libraries in my hometown as my greatest accomplishment in high school. I managed this project as president of the Key Club, and I take great pride in successfully completing it. Access to books is important for a community’s success, and I’m honored to have made a contribution in my hometown. These Take-One, Leave-One libraries provide opportunities for everyone in my community to engage with literature. Being able to make a positive impact on literacy and access to books is something I hold in high regard and consider a significant achievement.

An experience that made him grow as a person: Once I was employed with the school system, this made me really realize how much I love education. It allowed me to experience how amazing it feels to watch students achieve goals for themselves. I’m so proud of how much the students I’ve worked with have grown over a year. Witnessing that growth shows how important a teacher’s job is. I will forever be grateful for my job at the primary school and for the amazing students I was able to help teach.

Activities he plans to pursue in college: I plan to join the College Middle Level Association (CMLA) at Georgia College to continue my passion for education. I’m excited to become part of a community of individuals who share a similar passion for education and are dedicated to making a positive impact in the field.

I also plan to participate in study abroad. This will allow me to observe the way education works in places outside America. Teaching has no set method; it’s ever-evolving. Being able to witness other methods will be very beneficial in developing my personal teaching style.

What he most looking forward to in college: I look forward to having new experiences and meeting new people. I hope to form long-lasting connections with people who share my passions. College is about growth, not only academically, but also socially and mentally. I am eager to embrace the challenges and experiences that will contribute to my overall growth as an individual.

What he brings as an individual to college: What will make me stand out the most is my work ethic. I’m always ready to get to work and finish a project. This—mixed with my love for community service—is something I hope to use to benefit Georgia College.

His future: After college, I plan to go back and teach in my hometown of Adel, most likely as a high school English teacher. This way, I can work alongside teachers who have guided me for the past two years. Eventually, I plan to get my master’s in Secondary Education at Georgia College. A big hope of mine is to give back to the community and people who’ve helped me so much.