Goal: Make the World a Safer Place

By Tiffany King

No one can do everything, but sometimes all it takes is one person doing one thing to change someone else’s life. College of Coastal Georgia sophomore Cameron Foster, 20, is pursuing a career in criminal justice to make a positive difference in the world. He is majoring in criminal justice with a concentration in homeland security, with plans to have a career combating human trafficking.

Foster grew up on a farm in Ludowici, Georgia, and graduated from Liberty County High School in 2017. He is the middle child between four sisters, and his love and desire to protect his family is what motivates him to pursue a degree in criminal justice.

“I imagine that if my sisters went through something horrific, I would want someone to help them. I want to help someone else’s sister—that’s my goal,” Foster said. “I just want to help somebody—a lot of somebodies.”

After graduating from the College of Coastal Georgia, Fosters plans to enlist in the United States Marine Corp, where he will seek a commission. Then after serving in the military, he wants to apply for a position with the Federal Bureau of Investigation focusing on human trafficking—in particular, rescuing victims of child sex slavery. Foster wants to raise more awareness about human trafficking and help as many people as he can.

“I’m very patriotic. I believe the point of life in the United States is for people to enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and there are people being denied those rights,” he said. “Learning about slavery in school bothered me as a kid. As I got older, I realized that it’s still happening in different ways, and I can work to stop it. I think human trafficking is the biggest issue facing the world, and it’s not getting enough attention.”

Being able to do a concentration in Homeland Security is what attracted Foster to the College. The College of Coastal Georgia is one of the few institutions in Georgia to offer the program. He considered applying to other colleges, but the small city of Brunswick and the College’s proximity to the beach and to his home is what swayed him to attend Coastal Georgia.

Meeting New Faces, Discovering New Places

Foster said he’s been enjoying the full college experience so far, especially the convenience of being able to live, work, and study in the same location. Foster likes the small class sizes and having professors who know him by name, such as Dr. Michael Morris, assistant professor of history. Foster described him as a great professor and his American History course as “awesome.” He talked of being excited every time he went to class, and taking as many history classes as possible.

One of Foster’s favorite things to do is meet new people on campus, which he’s able to do through his job with Mariner Recreation. He works at Mariner Rec’s three facilities—The Recreation and Entertainment Center, The Brig, and the Fitness Center. Foster tends to whatever students need, whether it’s handing out towels or fetching a pool stick. He is also a referee for the College’s intramural sports, such as football and basketball.

“I like the gym and I like working out, so that environment was the ideal job for me,” Foster said. “I enjoy it a lot, and we have time to do homework and I get to make friends. I love interacting with the students and teaching fitness classes.”

Last year Foster taught the MOVE IT fitness class and this semester he will be trained to lead a new fitness class. When he’s not working, Foster will stop by the recreation facilities to check on the other student workers and make sure they have everything they need.

Foster took advantage of another opportunity to meet new people this summer by studying abroad in Paris. Approximately 90 students and faculty members from colleges in the United States travelled to the City of Light. In Paris, Foster studied world literature and global issues. He described learning about The Louvre on a Monday, then actually stepping inside the famed museum the following Wednesday on a field trip. On the weekends, he and some classmates explored France by themselves.

Making Memories and Making Connections

One of Foster’s favorite memories at the College so far is the College’s biannual Late Night Breakfast in the Mariner’s Galley dining hall, where students are served breakfast food at night by faculty and staff as they begin preparing for finals. Foster said he would sit back and soak in the atmosphere of music playing, students singing, dancing, playing games, and commiserating together over finals, while giving themselves a much needed break. He then stayed to clean up afterwards with his friends from Student Life.

“I’m always up there [the Student Life office]. With events like Late Night Breakfast, I’ll stay up with them until 1 a.m. if that’s what they need. If they need anything, they can count on me for it. They’ve done so much for me and I want to give back,” Foster said.

Foster’s advice for students is to not be afraid to speak up.

“It’s okay to talk to people. If you have a problem with someone, sit down with them and have a civilized conversation,” he said. “It’s important to make connections and have friends who will understand what you’re going through.”

He also encourages students to visit any of the recreation facilities.

“We’d love to have you,” Foster said. “You don’t even need to work out. #MarinerRec.”