Georgia Perimeter College Newsroom

Kelly Commander accepts English academic award from GPC President Rob Watts. (photo by Bill Roa)

Kelly Commander: award-winning English student

Name: Kelly Commander

GPC major: I am an English major, and I am graduating this May.

Will you be transferring? Yes, to the University of Georgia where I am planning to become an English education major.

Career plans? I hope to be an English teacher, particularly middle school. I love the idea of helping kids get the basics of writing down before they hit high school where good writing skills can really help you and set you apart.

Best thing about GPC: Definitely the professors! All of my professors at GPC have been attentive and engaging. They all have a superb grasp of the subjects that they teach. I know that they are a big reason I have done so well at GPC.

Favorite GPC story or experience: Having the honor of being nominated for and winning the Outstanding English Student academic award.

Hometown/current residence: Peachtree Corners.

Family: Mom and dad and a younger brother, who is attending GPC with me, and two younger sisters. We are a really close family. They are my rock and help keep me on track with their support and love.

Favorite book: One of my favorites is “The Stand” by Steven King. I could read it over and over and never get tired of it. The depth of character that King creates in this story is incredibly deep and compelling. I find both King and “The Stand” to be inspirations in my writing.

Most influential person in my life: My mom, who made the choice to pull my brother and me out of a very stressful schooling environment and homeschool us. Being homeschooled was one of the best experiences of my life. It was an environment where I learned to feel comfortable in my own skin, as well as a first-class learning experience.

Leisure activities: I love reading, writing, making cosplay (aka costumes) and playing video games. Being able to be creative or experience someone else's creativity always helps me relax.

Pet peeve: I hate it when people use chalk in front of me. I hate the texture and the sound it makes when it is used. Just thinking about it right now is giving me the chills!

Most interesting thing about me: I have been told that there is an amusing difference between my good-natured, reserved personality and my writing. Apparently, I write like a different, more intense person.