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Media Credit: Victor Rollins

Harun Thomas is a 36-year-old English teacher who has quite a history in the realms of music and journalism.

Thomas always had an interest in writing, but it was his attraction to music- specifically hip-hop- that directed his aspirations as a teenager and beyond. His involvement with a group of friends called "The Outfit" over 10 years ago gave Thomas a name in the underground hip-hop culture. He played drums and joined various jazz-fusion bands around the Delaware area. Thomas began recording music with a 16-track before it ever became a popular hobby.

However, during his time in hip-hop, Thomas began formulating a special fascination in journalism. He worked on the online component of the Gainesville Sun and on the school paper at the University of Florida, the Independent Alligator. He also worked at an AM radio station, which used analog technology- a system before digital came about. Thomas eventually earned a position teaching at UF.

Thomas moved from Gainesville to Daytona about four years ago. "When I taught at UF, I was eating stuff up. I got lots of rewards. But Daytona State has a better vibe, a great faculty and, honestly, much higher standards," said Thomas.

Thomas switched from journalism to English- specifically composition and literature- the classes he currently teaches.

"I hated journalism really. I didn't have the quality teachers like Professor Jarvis, who has a sense of humanity, can make a connection with the students, and cares about teaching," said Thomas.

Friend James Newell said, "He's articulate and energetic. He's someone I can collaborate with, and overall a great addition to this faculty."

Currently, Harun Thomas has three children and a wife who he has been married to for 10 years, since he has been teaching. He has only been teaching at Daytona State since August of last year. He was invited to come to Japan to witness the re-release of one of his old albums and increase in popularity of his former band's music.

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