A passion for public service led Ben Harrison to intern with the University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government this past spring.
“I’ve loved every minute of it — whether making meaningful friendships or learning more academically. It’s made me excited for what I want to do for a career path,” said the Destination Dawgs Fellow.
Harrison is studying nonprofit management and leadership with an interest in sustainability, which made his Destination Dawgs placement shadowing Natalie Bock, a research professional in the institute’s infrastructure and community resilience division, a good match.
“I’ve heard about the incredible impact of this program throughout the years, and when an opportunity arose to serve as a mentor, I was thrilled,” Bock said. “It’s a wonderful symbiotic relationship where students can learn while assisting us with expanding our programs and projects.”
Building skills in the Bulldog Nation
Destination Dawgs is an inclusive postsecondary education program for UGA students with an intellectual or developmental disability housed in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. Students participating in Destination Dawgs attend college courses and build professional networks that prepare them for competitive employment and independent lives. Participants are fully immersed within UGA, gaining skills in and outside the classroom.
Ben Harrison, left, is a 2024 Destination Dawg postgraduate fellow. As a graduate of the program, he assists with an activity during the Destination Dawgs Pre-Admission Days. (Photo by Cat Elrod)
“It’s been a fulfilling experience to get a higher education and be part of the Bulldog Nation,” said Harrison, a St. Simons native whose parents are both UGA alums.
During the internship, Harrison attended numerous team and stakeholder meetings to learn more about the institute’s work while furthering his professional development. He researched topics related to energy resilience, such as electric vehicle infrastructure planning on university campuses and the expansion of utility solar sites across Georgia and the southeast. Harrison then created a literature review of sources, including the title and description of each article or paper.
“The greatest achievement in a project and collaboration is seeing the effort we all contribute to making a difference in a community,” he said. “The resources we create for long-term growth are building blocks for the next generation.”
The experience was also an educational experience for Bock, who credits the mentorship with sharpening her leadership skills.
“It has been a joy to share moments filled with laughter with Ben and celebrate his successes,” Bock said. “I learned how to be an adaptive leader while still maintaining expectations and encouraging him that he can achieve the tasks he may have felt he was incapable of otherwise.”
Hands-on experiences for future leaders
The Institute of Government is not the only unit of Public Service and Outreach to be engaged with the Destination Dawgs program. Before joining the program, students engage with the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development through the Destination Dawgs Pre-Admission Days, where they get a taste of college life through campus activities, dining hall meals, bus rides and sessions with UGA students and peer mentors.
Through these hands-on, engaging experiences, the students begin to see themselves as future college students and leaders.
Participants enjoy field activities during Destination Dawgs Pre-Admission Days. (Photo by Cat Elrod)
“Pre-Admission Days not only give participants a meaningful glimpse into college life but also allow FACS faculty and staff to witness firsthand the students’ drive, independence and potential to thrive in the Destination Dawgs program and beyond,” said Jason Edwards, Fanning Institute public service faculty and program facilitator.
As a Destination Dawg, Harrison also interned with PSO’s Archway Partnership. He learned about UGA’s connections throughout the state and fostered personal connections as he supported the front desk.
A future rooted in service
Although his internships have ended, Harrison’s journey as a Destination Dawg continues. He hopes to someday work full time in higher education or for a nonprofit and live independently. Either way, he’s committed to serving as a mentor or guide.
“I want to help others not feel anxious, because we all have a gift and we should share it with the world without having the preconceived notion that we’re going to be judged and looked down upon for the way we process and share our gifts,” he said.
A fan of 1990s alternative rock, Harrison shared a favorite lyric from the band Semisonic in summing up his intern experience.
“‘Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end,’” he quoted with a smile. “It came out the year I was born, so that makes it more special.”
