College students face many obstacles as they work towards earning a degree. Taking out thousands of dollars in loans, sacrificing sleep and socializing to study, and even moving away from home are just a few struggles that some may experience.

But Erwin Jacob feels the sacrifice is more than worthwhile.

Jacob, theater senior, said he feels excited and accomplished as graduation is getting closer. Jacob said he knows what his career plans are, but recognizes that he may face some challenges in his job market.

As an actor, Jacob said he believes the difficulties of finding a “gig” will be frequent. However, he said the passion for his craft compels him to plan accordingly and be optimistic.

“It’s not anything that I’m scared of,” Jacob said. “I’m already starting to look for auditions and locations where work is lucrative in the theater field.”

Ultimately, Jacob said he is striving to be a professional producer of theater and film. However, he said he believes there are many tasks he must conquer in order to accomplish that goal. His technique will entail having a “business mindset,” which he said will aid in his success.

To receive his diploma, Jacob said he has to satisfy a certain amount of credit hours, complete a senior project and submit a graduation application. As president of the Student African American Brotherhood and arts and entertainment coordinator of the Student Program Council, however, Jacob admits that preparation has become stressful.

In order to focus on earning his degree and becoming a better actor, Jacob said he is beginning to “shave things off” and set his time aside for what matters most. He said this is necessary for him to focus wholeheartedly.

“I want to prepare my resume and website, as well as new headshots,” Jacob said. “So I definitely need to focus more and create that time,”

Timothy Powell, general studies junior, said he first met Jacob through SAAB, an organization designed to encourage and create a network for minority males throughout their college careers. Powell said Jacob is someone who has grown into an effective leader within the short time he has known him.

“He’s gotten better along the year, especially with delegating and assigning people different roles within the group,” Powell said.

Powell said he believes such growth has influenced him, encouraging his desire to be a more professional and organized African-American male.

“I don’t think he knows how big of an impact he has on people,” Powell said. “He’s had a big impact on me.”

Powell said the excitement of graduation is obvious as Jacob is rounding out his final semester at IU Southeast. Despite being much busier, Powell said he believes Jacob is still on top of his game.

“I really don’t know how he does it, but he still finds a way to get things done,” Powell said.

In addition to being occupied with graduation duties and extracurricular activities at IU Southeast, Jacob said he is also bracing himself for his final productions in the IUS Theatre Department. His first play of the spring semester, “God of Carnage,” debuts Feb. 20 and runs through Mar. 2.

“Indiucky,” which will be produced entirely by theater students, will be a different experience, Jacob said. He said the students of his creative dramatic class will be creating a play based on historical events in their communities.

“We’re definitely going to be poking fun at and making fun of every stereotype and every stigma,” Jacob said.

Channell Barbour, assistant director of Campus Life, said Jacob has proven himself to be creative, artistic and smart. She said she admires his passion as an entertainer and believes he can accomplish whatever he wishes.

“Erwin has a vision, and he knows what he wants,” Barbour said.

Jacob has been part of the Student Program Council’s entertainment committee for the past two years. As an SPC officer, Barbour said Jacob has been instrumental in finding talent and volunteers. This, Barbour believes, will help the SPC progress smoothly after his departure.

“That is what a leader does,” she said. “They go out and find someone who is passionate and start grooming that individual, so that there is a seamless transition when he leaves SPC,” Barbour said.

Aside from being active in student organizations, Barbour said she has also seen Jacob perform with the IU Southeast Theatre Department. Though she was unable to recall the titles of those productions, Barbour said she remembered being impressed with Jacob’s talent.

As she watched his performances, Barbour said she noticed his transition from student to actor as he “became his character.” This has led her to compare Jacob’s talent with that of her favorite actor, Edward Norton, who has had leading roles in popular films such as “American History X” and “The Incredible Hulk.”

“This kid has talent. And it just shows the wealth of talent that he has,” Barbour said.

Jacob said being a student at IU Southeast has improved his professional approach to life situations. He now believes that, after being exposed to the diversity of the IU Southeast campus, he is a more effective communicator.

“I was always able to see and understand both sides of any situation, but I’ve learned to express my thoughts to people with different social and spiritual backgrounds,” Jacob said.

Outside of his professional life, Jacob said he believes this new-found skill helps him to be a better brother to his siblings.

He said he realizes that he has to communicate and understand ideas on a level that young children are able to comprehend.

Jacob will be the first of his immediate family to earn a college degree. He said he is proud to carry that responsibility and believes he will motivate others to pursue a higher education. As one of 14 grandchildren, he said he is setting an example for his younger cousins and siblings.

Jacob said he is ready to continue his journey after college. Before he leaves, however, he said he wants to thank IU Southeast and all that have been influential in his success as a college student.

As for other students working towards a college degree, Jacob leaves one piece of advice:

“We’re a university for a reason; just going to class and studying is not enough. Find something that pertains to your major and get involved on campus. That way, you will be able to get real-world experience of what you’re learning in the classroom,” Jacob said.