Name: Jake Tench
Family: Son of Greg and Karen Tench; brother of Josh and Jessi Tench; uncle of Charlie, Baker, and Wills Tench
Hometown: Cornelia, Georgia
Current Town: Cornelia, Georgia
What Years at UGA: 2013-2017
School/Degree: College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) / B.S.A Agricultural Economics; Agribusiness
Profession: Director of Government Affairs, Georgia Agribusiness Council
Accolades: UGA Football Letterman; UGA CAES Alumni Board of Directors; Advancing Georgia’s Leaders (AGL) Graduate; Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity; Georgia CTAE Advisory Council; National Football Foundation High School Scholar-Athlete; Small Group Leader Level Grove Baptist Church
What life lessons did you learn while at UGA?
UGA has a unique way of teaching you a number of life lessons. Many of those lessons are learned inside of the classroom, but many are learned by simply being a part of the university and living in Athens between the ages of 18 and 22. Perhaps the most obvious lesson is learned when you are thrust into situation with a large number of people from countless places, backgrounds, and each have goals and aspirations that are uniquely theirs. Much like with anything in life, the true reward comes from the relationships that are built within the experience.
What professor did you most admire?
I do not think it would be possible to narrow the list enough to name any specific names. The College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences is fortunate to have many great professors and administrators that care about their students and have passion for education. However, many of them probably weren’t my biggest fan when I handed them an excused absence for every Friday in the fall from the Athletic Department due to football requirements.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
I would like to think that my greatest achievement is still in front of me. I’ve been fortunate take part in some pretty great stuff, but if I had to say one, it would most likely be the opportunity to travel all over the world and pour into people with my church.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Perhaps it’s more admiration than resemblance. I have always admired Senator Johnny Isakson for his willingness to talk to anyone and his ability to find common ground in order to achieve the greater goal.
If I am allowed to mention a fictional character, I would have to say the great Sheriff Andy Taylor. He was a soft spoken man that loved his community and always found a way to do the right thing.
Who are your heroes in real life?
I would have to say that my father is my hero. He is a man of integrity, generosity, and honesty that has provided an example not only for me and my family, but for the community and church that he calls home.
Quote to live by:
“When you want to help people, you tell them the truth. When you want to help yourself, you tell them what they want to hear.” – Thomas Sowell
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
I think perfect happiness is when you’re spending time with the people that you care about. When you forget about all of the things that you “want” and fully appreciate the blessings that you already have.
Also, Dawgs winning a natty, flushing a 4 iron, catching a big fish, and a successful hunt aren’t too bad either.
What is your most marked characteristic?
The things that I strive to be are loyal, amiable, kind, and virtuous
What do you most value in your friends?
Loyalty is obviously a big one, but I value the friends that genuinely care and are not afraid to tell you the truth.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
A couple more inches in height wouldn’t be the worst thing. Being bilingual and musically adept seem like they could be a good addition.
Who are your favorite writers?
I probably read more Thomas Sowell than anything else right now. He has the ability to make you think about things like you never have before. Currently, I like Cormac McCarthy for fiction because of his ability to write in a minimalist, yet effective way.
Fave social media and who to follow (and why)?
I am trying to cut back on social media, but I do find myself on youtube watching a vast array of things. Fried Egg Golf, Wild Fly Productions, and My Self Reliance are a few that can pass the time.