Written by: Taryn Bates
Jess Grogan in Morocco, one of the many countries he has visited.(Photo special to The Saint.)
NGCSU graduate Jess Grogan has showed where hard work and dedication can take a person.
Grogan who graduated with a degree in International Affairs from North Georgia, has taken full advantage of the opportunities it has presented to him. He has visited at least 26 countries.
While he was still in college, Grogan was awarded one of the 110 Freeman-Asia Scholarships, which is given by the Freeman-Asia Foundation in New York. This permitted him to experience a new way of life in Japan. It opened his eyes and mind to all different types of cultures and races.
After that initial encounter with world traveling, Grogan couldn’t get enough and has since visited at least two dozen other countries.
All of this helped Grogan land his current job with the United Nations. Despite his world travels, Grogan describes working with the UN as “one of the most culturally diverse experiences I have ever had.’’
“There are so many people from all corners of the globe and there is such a dynamic exchange of ideas and opinions. It is very challenging work, but it presents lots of opportunities,” said Grogan.
Grogan admits that he has grown a lot since graduating college.
“As a student I still had massive goals; I wanted to be the governor of Georgia,” said Grogan.
However, after an internship with Georgia Legislative Internship Program in 2005, he quickly changed his mind. He then began to focus on traveling and seeing as much of the world as possible while he was still young.
‘’If I had to give advice to those still in college it would be to do as much as possible before it’s too late. Take advantages of what college has to and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone,’’ said Grogan.
Once Grogan stepped out of his comfort zone and started experiencing different parts of the world he was presented him with many different opportunities.
”There are a lot of opportunities out there if students will just take the time to look around and find them,”said Grogan
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