Nick Mitchell

For Nick Mitchell, going to college was never a question. Once he arrived at the University of North Georgia (UNG) in 2012, he didn't know what to do.

"I wasn't clear on the direction I wanted to take in life," he said. "I didn't do well at that time."

Mitchell took a break to work and save money. When he returned to the university, he had a plan and purpose.

The junior pursuing a degree in film and digital media with a production concentration hopes to work in Georgia's film industry.

"Ultimately, I would enjoy having my own small production company," Mitchell said. "I would like to do some indie films and small productions."

That's his plan. Mitchell also found a purpose on his second round at UNG.

The 27-year-old from Cleveland, Georgia, actively participates in Students for a Progressive Society and Spectrum, which is the LGBTQ-plus organization on the Gainesville Campus. He also founded the College Democrats on the Gainesville Campus. In each organization, he has been a member and served as an officer.

"Spectrum is the first organization I got involved in," said Mitchell, who came out as gay in his senior year of high school. "Spectrum is an amazing group of people who do a lot of good for their membership. It holds a special place in my heart."

He also served as a Diplomat for Diversity for Multicultural Student Affairs.

"Being a diplomat was an experience. It taught me a lot," Mitchell said. "I was encouraged to listen and be thoughtful. I find when people approach issues that way and have differences of opinion, then we can find common ground in unlikely places."

He said the conversations sparked his approach to problems. Mitchell has used that lesson and many others throughout his collegiate career.

"I'm pretty introverted, and I've learned to speak out," he said. "All of the organizations that I am involved in have a purpose that spoke to me."