Gimse finds his calling at Kirkwood
–Sean Flack, Communique’
Follow your passion. In a nutshell, these three words describe Geoff Gimse, a Kirkwood Community College student who is full of passion and ambition.
Gimse, a Liberal Arts major, was born in Detroit, Mich. but moved to Wisconsin where he attended Boyceville High School, in Boyceville. He was involved with speech, debate and Odyssey of the Mind.
After some brief stints at the University of Wisconsin and Northern Michigan University, Gimse moved to Minnesota and worked for a couple years before coming to Kirkwood.
“Originally I came to Kirkwood to expand on my pre-existing skills but then after a year in, I decided to pursue a career I’d been interested in for a while,” Gimse said. According to Gimse, that career is in the English field.
After Kirkwood, Gimse said he will transfer to the University of Iowa where he has been accepted into the English department honors program. After he earns his bachelor’s degree, Gimse said he’ll stay at the university for graduate school and then continue to study English or pursue a career in teaching.
“I’m fairly inspired by the things that go on around us every day. Our language is evolving and changing, especially in regard to technology,” Gimse said.
While at Kirkwood, Gimse has been involved with the Cedar Valley Divide and has been a member of two of Kirkwood’s most prestigious academic groups, Phi Theta Kappa and the dean’s list.
“I would say the most unique thing about me is my focus. I tend to be very singularly focused,” Gimse said.
Gimse is a self-proclaimed media junkie and in his free time enjoys photography, writing and technology. He currently resides in Cedar Rapids with his girlfriend.
Gimse said Kirkwood has been a great experience for him since he came in without even thinking of getting into English.
He credits English professors Susan English, Tonja Robins and Renee Schlueter for especially being a great help to him.
“I’ve been really impressed with the English department. They’ve really helped me focus on English. I wouldn’t be here without them,” Gimse said.
He added that one thing he realized during his time at Kirkwood is that sometimes it’s ok to take the less recommended route. “No matter what everyone is telling you, follow your passion,” Gimse said.