Henry “Hank” Harbin

H enry “Hank” Harbin is well accomplished. The biology/pre-med major was named salutatorian and STAR student of his graduating class and Mr. Southwest Georgia Academy by the entire school. 

He’s also no stranger to Georgia College. The Colquitt, Georgia, native attended the Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Conference held at the university the summer before his junior year in high school. As Harbin walked on campus, he gave serious thought to attending Georgia College.

“Fast forward to my senior year. I had my mind set on another college, but then I remembered GC,” Harbin said. “So, I had a tour where I was shown around by my amazing Admissions Counselor Brittany Bryan. After that tour, I just had this gut feeling that Georgia College felt like home. I could truly envision myself there.”

He is grateful for all he achieved from his hard work in high school.

“I knew I had spent so much time and effort in studying and making sure I made good grades,” Harbin said. “To know my hard work paid off truly gave me an empowering feeling that if I work hard enough, I can accomplish great things.”

And, he continues to accomplish great things at Georgia College, where Harbin received the Trustee Scholarship. His steadfast work ethic helped him obtain the scholarship. The process included two stages. First, he was paired with a few student competitors and a faculty member to have a meaningful discussion about their personal thoughts on a designated short story. 

“After that, I had an interview with two incredibly friendly faculty members—Drs. Brian Newsome and Kelly Manning Massey—in which I was asked some personal questions like what goals I have in life, etc.,” said Harbin. “I am very humbled to say that I was one of the very few from the hundreds of applicants to receive the highest scholarship offered at Georgia College.”

Harbin, who comes from a small town, looks most forward to meeting new people from various backgrounds and cultures at Georgia College. 

“So far, I’ve only met a few faculty members, but they all seem incredibly kind and care about the success of their students,” he said. “I also am looking forward to meeting other students and forming close bonds that will last a lifetime.”

Although Harbin is unclear which route he’ll take after college, he’s particularly drawn to the medical field.

“I’ve shadowed numerous surgeries at my local hospital, and the thought of being able to help someone in such a way that it can save their life fills me with so much joy and excitement,” he said. “I believe with that enthusiasm I would actually enjoy my job – which is a really big deal.”