Hilary Coles came to Georgia Perimeter College to pursue a degree while also working two--sometimes three--jobs. What she found here was her future. A professor guided her into Honors courses, and she became involved in Phi Theta Kappa and the campus newspaper.

It was the college’s newspaper, “The Collegian,” that helped Coles define her identity, establish her goals and learn to apply an art degree to the real world through design and photography.

Coles earned multiple awards for reporting, photography and editing and served as the Collegian’s presentation editor.

In September 2011, Coles poured her photography skills and heart into the volunteer program Will Write for Food in Hollywood, Fla. She joined other college journalism students from across the United States to produce the 20-page newspaper, ”Homeless Voice,” from start to finish in roughly 36 hours. This publication is one of the largest newspapers for the homeless in the country. It’s sold on the streets of South Florida.

"One reason I wanted to work on the ‘Homeless Voice’ is because I had been homeless myself for a brief period,” says Coles. “It was also an opportunity to work with like-minded students who share the same passion for journalism that I have.”

Coles credits the caring commitment she experienced from GPC’s faculty and staff for her academic success. She graduated in December 2011 and is now enrolled at Oglethorpe University. She also works part-time as a Graphics Designer in GPC’s Department of Marketing and Public Relations.