Jeremy Daniel truly is a role model.
After mentoring more than 15 individuals professionally and in the community — and his own four children daily — he still draws inspiration from time spent with others.
“Knowing what mentorship did for me as a mentee, it’s a privileged burden for me to pay it forward, to respect and honor someone who took time out of their life to sit down with me. Now, I get to continue that spirit,” Daniel said.
His efforts to build a better community were recognized recently with the President’s Fulfilling the Dream Award. Presented at the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Breakfast held Jan. 17, the award recognizes students, faculty, staff and community members who exemplify the words and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“I’m humbled and honored to receive the award, especially in light of who it honors,” Daniel said. “We still have more work to do.”
Daniel has mentored during his entire career and sees it as a way of honoring his own mentors. His career began in the railroad industry, working in management for five years. He took a position with the University of Georgia’s Facilities Management Division as a project manager in 2014, where he spent more than two years. During that time, he began mentoring through the Clarke County Mentor Program.
“I knew immediately when I got to Athens that I wanted to start serving in the community,” he said. “Servanthood is not a position or a skill. It’s an attitude.”
In 2016, Daniel took a position in UGA’s Office of Student Conduct. Two years later, he accepted a position leading the UGA Mentor Program, which he did for more than three years. Now, he serves as the assistant to the director for strategic initiatives in the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, and Public Service and Outreach unit.
Daniel still mentors with the Clarke County Mentor Program. His fourth mentee in the program is a seventh grader he spends time with every other week, playing chess and talking about life, hopes, dreams and fears.
“His spirit lifts my spirit. His personality drives me to want to do more and be more,” he said.
Jeremey Daniel plays chess with his mentee Aiden Dowdy. (Photo by Peter Frey/UGA)
In addition to mentoring in the community, Daniel also mentors within the university. He’s participated in both the Staff Mentor Program and the UGA Mentor Program.
“I try to be a hope dealer,” Daniel said. “In any position you’re in, how can you instill hope in the person across from you? We all need it.”
Daniel approaches mentoring with a sense of curiosity and a genuine care for the other person. He views it as a reciprocal relationship where he learns just much.
“It’s about asking the right questions,” he said.
Daniel served on the task force for the Clarke County Mentor Program and in several positions on the program’s board. He also recently joined the board for Family Promise of Athens.
“There’s never a perfect time to begin. So, if individuals feel led to serve, then just start where you are,” he said. “Whatever that cause is, if you feel called to take action, just lean forward.”
Daniel and his family also find ways to serve together, like volunteering with their church and at their local food pantry. It’s a way for them to honor their faith and the legacy of Solomon, the Daniel’s stillborn son who passed away in November 2016.
“I try to role model living a life of being selfless instead of selfish,” he said.
Daniel encourages everyone to do what they can where they can.
“Take a look around you and reflect on what you’re passionate about and what breaks your heart,” Daniel said. “What is one way you can serve others within the next 30 days? Take one step forward into service, and if you do that, you’ll continue those steps, and they’ll have ripples.”
