Rebeka Geer, a senior majoring in public relations, has—literally—climbed some amazing heights during her years as a student at UGA.
Hometown:
Auburn, N.Y.
High School:
Auburn High School
Degree objective:
A.B.J. in public relations with a minor in communication studies and a certificate in leadership and service
Expected graduation:
Summer 2013
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
My time at UGA has been spent balancing my campus involvement with my passion to give back to the community both locally and globally. On campus, I’ve been very involved with the Public Relations Student Society of America. This organization has helped me develop my leadership and communication skills and in 2012, I was named member of the year. That same year, I served as co-director of ADPR Connection, a major networking event hosted by PRSSA at UGA and the AdClub. I also learned about many of my internships through PRSSA and am better prepared for life post-college thanks to my involvement with this organization.
In 2010, I spent my winter break volunteering as a teacher in Arusha, Tanzania. I lived with a local family and I loved how completely submersed I was in the African culture. In addition to my volunteer work, I also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. My passion for climbing flourished on this trip, and I recently returned from Nepal where I completed an expedition in the Himalayas that included a trek to the Mount Everest base camp. I love the mental and physical challenges that come with high-altitude climbing and hope to one day explore many of the world’s highest peaks.
Current Employment:
I am an intern at AthFest Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating the Athens community about the importance of music and art programs.
Family Ties to UGA:
I’m the only Bulldog in my family.
I chose to attend UGA because…
… I loved how genuine the faculty was. The woman who read my admission essay called my high school in New York and spoke with my guidance counselor about my thoughts on the university, and this gesture really resonated with me. It spoke a lot about the integrity of the university for someone to take the time to follow up on a single application with such intensity, and it definitely had a hand in my decision to attend UGA. I also received $100,000 in scholarships, so that influenced my decision as well.
My favorite things to do on campus are…
… reading and relaxing in the Founders Garden. It’s such a beautiful piece of campus that I feel so many people fail to experience.
When I have free time, I like…
… to spend as much time outside as possible. Whether it be at the Botanical Garden or exploring downtown Athens, if the sun is out, so am I.
The craziest thing I’ve done is…
… well, I do some pretty crazy things so this is tough. I’d have to say either bungee jumping at the Nepal-Tibet border or skydiving.
My favorite place to study is…
… if I’m on campus, I’ll definitely be at the Miller Learning Center. Off campus, I’d have to say Two Story Coffeehouse in Five Points.
My favorite professor is…
… Betty Jones, hands down. She has been an invaluable resource and mentor to me the past four years and I can’t thank her enough for her selfless generosity.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…
… Melissa Arnot, the only woman to climb to the summit of Mount Everest four times. She’s not only an incredible climber, but also a very dynamic leader. I believe there’s a strong sense of humility that comes with mountaineering, and Melissa definitely possesses this attribute.
If I knew I could not fail, I would…
… climb Mount Everest.
If money was not a consideration, I would love to…
… travel the world for a year or two. There are so many places and cultures I want to experience.
After graduation, I plan to…
… work for a company I’m proud of. I’m not sure where it is yet, but I know it’s out there.
The one UGA experience I will always remember will be…
… mispronouncing Uga’s name at my first football game freshman year. Since I moved here from New York and had no idea about the intensity of UGA football, I definitely made a fool of myself the first few games. I remember going to the bathroom in the stadium and pulling up the Wikipedia page for Herschel Walker on my iPhone since I was too embarrassed to ask anyone who he was. I’m proud to say that I’m much more knowledgeable now that four years have passed.