2021 Southwest Tennessee Community College Student Connection

MAY 2021 |

VOL 1, ISSUE 2

the student

connection

Celebrating Students of Southwest Tennessee Community College

Breaking All Barriers to Achieve the Dream Meet 2021 Student Commencement Speaker, Safari Love (article on page 3)

Congratulations Class of 2021!

Celebrating the Students of Southwest In the fall of 2019, the Department of

In this Issue...

3

students with SECOND CHANCES

students who STRIVE

6

students who SERVE

students who VOLUNTEER

10

8

students who PERFORM

students who WORK

14

5

12

alumni who SHINE

Communications, Graphic and Fine Arts launched two new degrees in Communication at Southwest. Since that time, more than 120 students have enrolled in the new program.

With these new degrees came new courses, including Intro to Media Writing.

The Southwest Student Connection was originally created to provide students the opportunity to showcase their writing skills, while highlighting and recognizing amazing students that make up our college.

In light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic, we felt the need to bring students together now, more than ever. We hope this publication will shine a light on just a few of students who make up the many unique faces of Southwest.

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the student

connection Editors: Lane Roberts, MSC, APR Bill Turner, MA Thomas King, MA Layout/Design: Lane Roberts, MSC, APR Contributing Student Writers: Kumba Berry Wayne Biles Blake Frasier Yakina Gamble Jayla Grimes Tyson Harrison Andre Johnson Jordan Keplinger Allison Metler Curtisha Moore Jackson Norman Carlee Pruett Jonathan Richardson Selena Ryan Aireyana Shead Send story ideas to: lroberts2@southwest.tn.edu copyright 2021

students with

second chances

Breaking All Barriers to Achieve the Dream

by Curtisha Moore and Jayla Grimes

Time is a valuable thing to waste. For Safari Love, a 44-year-old college student, Southwest Tennessee Community College helped him make up for lost time.

Love grew up in what many would call an underprivileged neighborhood. He has seen first-hand the barriers to obtaining a quality education and the need to better the community. “We are still dealing with the same equity and equality barriers that certain people faced in the 70's and 80's,” he said.

Before starting at Southwest, Love spent the last few years helping his community as a sign language interpreter for the hearing impaired. His decision to return to college is directly connected to his desire to fix these equity gaps. It was also the foundation for Design Love Studio, an architecture and design consulting firm he co-founded with his wife. “Becoming architecturally trained will allow me to be armed in ways to better serve disinvested neighborhoods like those from my childhood," he stated.

Love was not immune to the equity issues to follow his dream. “I’ve always wanted to go back to school.

However, self-doubt, bad timing, and a lack of funds always seemed to be obstacles that I could not overcome," said Love. After much research, he discovered the Tennessee Reconnect, a last-dollar scholarship for adults seeking a college degree. Love has also been actively involved in Project M.O.S.T. (Men of Southwest Tennessee), a program funded by the U.S. Department of Education for first time African American male students at predominantly black institutions.

Due to his leadership, strong character, and student achievements, he received the "All-M.O.S.T." award in 2020. He was also featured in the Tennessee Board of Regent's "We All Rise" biennial conference on equity and completion.

A general studies major, he graduates May 1 and was recently chosen as the 2021 commencement speaker. As the first in his immediate family to receive a college degree, he plans to transfer to the University of Memphis to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a dual major in architecture and interior architecture.

Love will continue his education journey and said he encourages others to seek out the equitybuilding resources available at Southwest to help break barriers. He says the title of this chapter of his life is “Can’t stop. Won’t stop.” (photo submitted by STCC Communications & Marketing Department)

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students with

second chances

Tennessee Reconnect Opens New Doors

by Allison Metler

Children can inspire us in many ways. That’s what originally brought Priscilla West to Southwest Tennessee Community College thanks to the Tennessee Reconnect program.

Missing the opportunity to attend college right after high school, West finally decided since her children were now older it was finally time for her to pursue her education.

“I didn’t get the chance at first right after high school. There wasn’t enough money, so I started working and then had two children,” said West. With her children now ages 10 and 20, she decided it was the right time to pursue her lifelong dream of completing her degree. “I had decided maybe I’ll go, and when I found the Tennessee Reconnect, that made it even easier,” West said.

"I had decided maybe I’ll go.

When I found the Tennessee Reconnect, that made it even easier."

- Priscilla West

The Tennessee Reconnect is a grant program designed to help adultlearners earn a tuition-free associate's degree. Tennessee is the first state in the nation to offer this type of program, which began in 2018.

Along with being a mother and student at Southwest, West has co-owned Memphis Barbecue Supply for seven years with her husband, Chris. Running a family-owned business allows her to adapt her work schedule around her class schedule at Southwest.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted all aspects of her life, including her education. Once she gained confidence, she transitioned to online classes, and also assisted her 10-year-old son with virtual school. The family business has also been impacted by the pandemic.

West said she has always been fascinated by Egyptian studies, and after graduating from Southwest she hopes to continue her education at the University of Memphis.

4

Tennessee Reconnect student Priscilla West

students who

strive

More than College - - A Community

by Andre Johnson

Community is at the heart of a college. Adults often don’t think they will be successful when returning to college, but not Johari Hamilton. Determined to provide for her family while returning to school, Hamilton had an ambitious mindset to succeed and make her dreams come true.

“Community is what inspires me and motivates me. That type of foundation is what will help me be successful even after I leave Southwest.”

- Johari Hamilton

Hamilton chose Southwest Tennessee Community College because of the benefits of the smaller class size and unique campus setting. The Tennessee Reconnect also helped launch her journey with free tuition for adult learners.

Unsure of her major when entering Southwest, she has always had a deep love for writing. She quickly found her passion in communication but decided to major in foreign language.

While at Southwest, Hamilton was actively involved on campus and was an exceptional student, earning a 4.0 GPA. She was also chosen to be a "peer mentor" and in 2020 received the prestigious SMARTS mentoring program’s “outstanding mentee” award.

Hamilton was also recommended by Dr. Joan McGory for the ImagineU entrepreneurship program. One of only four students at Southwest accepted to this program, she learned to redefine her passion and purpose. “The program was very much like a transforming experience and life changing experience and has impacted my life in many ways,” said Hamilton.

Hamilton has valued her time at Southwest and has enjoyed building relationships with students and faculty members. “I love that Southwest has a sense of community,” she said.

Set to graduate on May 1, Hamilton was recently awarded an honors college fellowship to Middle Tennessee State University where she will continue her education this fall. Congratulations, Johari!

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students who

served

From Marine to Working Machine

by Wayne Biles

From working with flying aces to acing an exam, Truman Thomas has proved himself as both a soldier and a civilian. Now a full-time student at Southwest, Thomas proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1999 to 2007, with multiple tours during the Iraq and Afghanistan War serving as a V-22 Osprey aircraft mechanic.

Thomas felt a sense of pride and due diligence when it came to serving in the military, a tradition bestowed from his father. Thomas said the military teaches “self-sufficiency” and becoming a man or woman beyond your parents' teachings. The Marines use an “if you’re on time, you’re late” policy. This policy, paired with the military’s status-quo of discipline, makes it easy to understand the dedication and focus it takes to be successful.

When asked about common misconceptions of military life, Thomas explained, “Civilians look at us (soldiers) and think we want accolades and ‘thank you for your service.’ I always say you’re welcome, but I don’t know how to respond to those. 95% of us don’t do it for the status. We’re a proud and humble bunch that doesn’t expect the streets to be lined in gold for us. Our humbleness is often mistaken for arrogance.”

Now a husband and father, Thomas serves as an environmental services manager at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and is currently majoring in Business Administration at Southwest. After earning his degree, he hopes to one day be back in the aviation industry with an executive level position.

Southwest has many programs and opportunities available for our Veterans. To learn more about the Student Veteran Organization at Southwest, contact Kristina King, Veteran Affairs Coordinator at kking2@southwest.tn.edu or call 901.333.4029.

Truman Thomas, pictured above during boot camp in his “Dress Blues” and left, pictured with his family.

(Photos submitted by Truman Thomas.)

6

students who

served

Helping Students Take the First Step

by Carlee Pruett

Many students feel that they won’t gain the same college experience at a community college as they would from a university, but that wasn’t the case for Navy veteran Corey Stewart.

Stewart believes that the biggest thing Southwest Tennessee Community College has to offer is its community--key when it comes to pursuing an education. "Lean on your community, you are in an academic setting for a reason" he said, "It’s easier to learn together than it is to learn alone."

STCC Peer Mentor, Corey Stewart

That is a concept that Stewart developed by being a member of the inaugural class of Southwest scholars at the University of Memphis Imagine U program in summer 2019.

The accelerated entrepreneurship program required students to develop inspiring real-world organizations. Stewart’s team created HANG, an organization that helped students form positive communities by “hanging out” together. Stewart said both Imagine U and HANG helped him understand the importance of having a supportive community.

“Reach out to the people around you, they will help you. Use your resources and your community and you will get through this,” he said.

Stewart didn’t stop at community building with Imagine U. When he returned to school, his goal was to meet as many people as possible. He continued by becoming a peer mentor.

Stewart first realized that he wanted to become a part of the D.R.E.A.M. Peer Mentoring Program during his accounting class while breaking down the material for other students to comprehend. His professor was highly impressed with his aptitude and approached him about joining the program.

Though it was never his intention to do so, Stewart couldn’t help but jump at the opportunity.

Stewart said the program helped his future career choice. “I am a veteran and when I was in the Navy, I had a human resources job and it definitely opened up my mind to how I could help people. I knew that’s what I wanted to do, and when I found the peer mentor job I realized that this could help me get to where I wanted to be.”

Stewart graduated from STCC last semester with an associate's degree in Business Administration. He continues to help Southwest students because he feels that there is so much the campus can offer, but few students acknowledge that. “My biggest form of advice to any student: this college journey that you’re on, I promise you that you are not alone.”

7

students who

volunteer When Life Comes Full Circle

by Jordan Keplinger

Each year, the Student Government Association (SGA) at Southwest works tirelessly to sponsor underprivileged youth as part of the Angel Tree program. For one Southwest student, life came full circle in 2020 when she experienced the Angel Tree program for a second time.

Shannon Crowder never thought she would go to college. In fact, when she graduated high school in 2012, the thought of attending college never crossed her mind. After working a series of odd jobs and growing tired of waiting tables, Crowder decided to make a change in her life and focus on a career. She enrolled at Southwest in 2018, making the bold choice to pursue her degree six years after her high school graduation. Since then, she has been one of the most actively involved students at Southwest.

Crowder currently serves as the SGA president, completed a work study program in the advising department, and works as a peer tutor in the Academic Support Center. “I love being in school and wanted any excuse to be on campus and be involved,” she said.

After joining Southwest, she quickly became active in student government. As president of the SGA, Crowder is also actively involved in community service projects. She was thrilled to take the lead in Southwest’s Angel Tree program, which adopts 10 underprivileged children from a local elementary school each year during the holiday season.

SGA President, As a middle schooler, Crowder was a recipient in the Shannon Crowder Angel Tree program when her family was struggling financially. She remembers her mother explaining that another “family” helped with Christmas that year. In fact, she still holds on to the matching Victoria Secret body spray and lotion bottles as reminders of the kindness her family was shown during that difficult time.

Crowder is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and participates in the National Student Leadership and Success program. The Tennessee Board of Regents recently named Crowder as a finalist in the 3rd annual SOAR awards. She says she plans to be a part of the Angel Tree program for many years to come. “It’s such a reward to be able to give back to a program that gave to me as a little girl.”

Issue 27 | 234

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students who

volunteer Sharing Love...One Zip at a Time Contributing writer Aireyana Shead

Leadership and kindness are incredible qualities, especially in a city with such a high poverty rate. For Psychology major Keisha Finkley, being part of the solution was simple.

Growing up in Marlow, AL, she developed a huge heart to recognize problems and find ways to help. “I grew up in a close-knit family where we all helped each other,” she said. “When I moved to this city, I saw people weren’t getting help. It bothered me and made me sad because I wasn’t used to seeing people on the streets, not eating, and looking through trash cans. So, I took it upon myself to be the change.” That’s when she put her concerns into action.

Finkley, 29, originally started the “A Zip of Love” program in 2015 after noticing a need to help the homeless population in Memphis. The program fills zipper-size baggies with hygiene and toiletry items to share with those struggling.

“I went to Dollar Tree and started buying toiletry and hygiene items to fill Zip Lock bags. I drove around Memphis to give them to people that needed them.”

While serving as an intern for the Center for Access (Disability Services) and as president of LEAD (Leadership, Excellence, Advocacy for Disability), she launched the same program at Southwest after observing fellow students who were unable to purchase their own hygiene products. Finkley worked with other students to assemble and distribute more than 100 bags

"A Zip of Love" founder, Keisha Finkley

of toiletry items at Southwest’s Housing and Social Services Fair.

“There were no bags left.”

This year, Finkley launched a new program called “An Extra Plate,” where she cooks and distributes healthy meals to people in need around the South Memphis area. In the future, she plans to launch another program that focuses on mental health and overall well-being.

Finkley continues to share the love in the 901. "I hope to continue to dedicate my life to help others better themselves.”

Issue 27 | 234

9 6

students who

perform

Applying Life Lessons from the Studio to Classroom

by Jackson Norman and Selena Ryan

For some, career paths are uncertain until they attend college. For others, they tap into their talents at a young age and choose to make it a career.

Such is the case for 31-year-old professional ballet dancer, now Information Systems student, Brandon Ramey. “At seven years old, I was pretty sure I wanted to be a professional at anything I was doing. So yes, I always knew I wanted to do professional dance,” he said.

Ramey can literally jump leaps and bounds over his fellow students.

He originally became interested in dance after a school field trip to see a performance of "The Nutcracker." Awed by the battle scene, he wanted to try it for himself. He started attending classes and that’s where the story began. “I went to class thinking I would get cannons to use, but I was given tights and slippers instead,” he said

Brandon Ramey pictured above with his wife, Virginia. (Photo submitted by Brandon Ramey)

Some of his favorite and most cherished performances include his leading parts in productions like "Black Swan" and "Giselle." He says, “The fact that I’ve gotten to perform these male lead roles with my wife opposite [me] are some incredible memories that I’ll never forget.”

Ramey danced for 24 years, before attending Southwest Tennessee Community College. He received his training at the Boston Ballet School, the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, and the San Francisco Ballet School.

Ramey applies what he’s learned in the studio to the classroom—organization through a handwritten and color-coded master calendar and perseverance to learn new coursework.

For the past 12 years, he has been a choreographer, dancer and instructor at Ballet Memphis. He’s won many accolades including recognition as one of the Memphis Flyer's “Twenty Under Thirty Class of 2018.”

“Just like in dance, whenever you’re trying a new step or learning new choreography, just because you can’t get it the first or second time doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to.”

10

students who

perform All Work and No Play

by Yakina Gamble and Blake Frasier

Last spring, Southwest psychology major, Sara Smith, made her first steps towards the performing spotlight, but COVID-19 had other plans.

After three semesters of taking general education courses, Smith decided to take a chance on an interest outside of her major. She auditioned and was awarded the opportunity to perform in Southwest’s production of "Nunsense." Sadly, the pandemic shutdown most of the school’s in-person courses and events, cancelling her theatrical debut.

Sara Smith (photo submitted

by Sara Smith.)

The news of the cancelled performance crushed Smith. “I was very, very depressed that we did not get to carry through with it because of COVID,” said Smith. “I did cry, but I prayed about it, and got over it.”

Smith originally found her love for theater and music at a young age.

Dancing, singing, and playing piano was her outlet as a young child. She further pursued this pastime with the elective, THEA 1015: Acting I, but her true passion is the study of the mind. “I want to examine why do you feel like ‘this was okay’ or why do you feel like you ‘needed to do that in that moment,’” she said. Smith has since immersed herself in classes such as PHIL 1040: Introduction to Ethics, and PSYC 2130: Life Span Development.

During the past year of social distancing, she has remained a full-time student and bank employee in Holly Springs, MS. Smith has remained optimistic about her lost opportunity to perform, and hopes to join future Southwest Theatre department activities that come her way.

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8

students who

work

Local Student & Business Owner Stays Busy as a Bee

by Jonathan Richardson

Southwest student and local business owner, Junie Adair, is as busy as a bee. Adair, along with his father, Billy, now owns Adair Honey, a full-time beekeeping operation.

His father originally began keeping bees about 17 years ago.

After graduating high school, Adair helped his father turn this hobby into a full-time business.

Now, these all-natural products, which include “100 percent pure,” unfiltered, non-pasteurized honey and other beeswax items, can be purchased from local stores in the 901 including Hollywood Feed, Ace Hardware and The Cupboard.

When not busy with the business, Adair is currently working on his Allied Health Science degree and has earned his basic and advanced EMT certificates.

Beyond his busy college schedule, beekeeping occupies much of Adair’s time. “Our day starts pretty early, often getting up around 5:30 a.m. in the morning,” he said. They make sure that all is well with the hives and “nothing is less than perfect.”

Top photo: The Adairs and other workers inspect a hive. Bottom photo: Junie Adair helps load a group of bee hives. (Photos submitted by Junie Adair.)

Currently, “March Madness,” as Adair called it, has begun.

He says the population is at an all-time high, with the bees busily searching for food for the colony as the first sources of pollen emerge. These two keepers work to ensure these 700 colonies of bees have exactly what they need for adequate honey production.

Adair plans to continue working towards his degree, but shows no signs of slowing down as long as Memphians are still buzzing about their products. From checking bees in the spring, to loading honey supers on hives in summer, and harvesting honey in fall, this beekeeper stays just as busy as the bees.

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students who

work

Finding Your Calling

by Tyson Harrison

Twenty-four-year-old, Toyshawn Hodges, has a passion for helping others.

The 2018 cum laude Physical Therapy Assistant alumna is pursuing her master’s degree in physical therapy but recently returned to Southwest Tennessee Community College to take additional transferrable degree requirements.

Her Southwest journey began in 2017 when she decided to pursue a profession that makes a difference.

“I wanted to help people with injuries and their pain the best way that I possibly could,” said Hodges.

Southwest's Physical Therapy Assistant program was the perfect fit.

Hodges was accepted into Southwest’s highly selective program on her first attempt.“I was determined,” said Hodges. “I knew this was what I was called to do, and I went and did it.”

For Hodges, her beloved occupation “does not feel like a job.” She hopes to one day open her own physical therapy business in Texas and to continue her education beyond her master’s degree.

Hodges also strives to be a role model for young women, encouraging and motivating them to achieve their dreams. “God, the universe, whatever you believe in, has a purpose and a plan for all of us, and mine is helping people,” said Hodges. “This is the way that I give back, and I enjoy doing so each and every day.”

Southwest alumna, Toyshawn Hodges, (right), is back at Southwest to continue her physical therapy education requirements.

13 13

alumni who

shine

The Show Must Go On

Southwest Alumna Creates Theatrical Opportunities during Pandemic While many performing artists around the country have faced shutdowns, the pandemic hasn’t kept Southwest Tennessee Community College alumna Mary Ann Washington from continuing to produce new works.

As founder of independent theatre company The Actor’s Renaissance Theater, Washington turned to the internet to create the art she so loves. “Last year was all about adapting to the COVID-10 pandemic by introducing Zoom performances,” she said. “[We] were able to reach more people with new and returning audiences.”

“Founder” is just one of the titles of this renaissance woman. Washington is also an actor, writer, producer, marketer, director and artistic director for this young theatre company.

Washington was recently named the 2020 Ostrander Best Leading Actress recipient in the collegiate division for her performance in STCC Theatre’s production of "A Raisin in the Sun" — the last show produced on campus before all live events were cancelled.

Assistant Professor Thomas King calls her a “true renaissance woman” continuing to praise her as having “outstanding artistic acumen as well as amazing business savvy. Mary Ann has been a stellar performer for two of my productions. She’s always someone that I can count out to be amazing on stage.”

Washington is grateful for her time at Southwest and hopes to extend the same courtesy to current and future students. In the future, she plans to create scholarships, recruit high school students to the program, and has aspirations to return to campus as an acting instructor.

Washington received her associate's degree in speech and theatre in 2017, and a bachelor’s in professional studies in entrepreneurship with a minor in Communication at the University of Memphis in 2020. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree.

Mary Ann Washington (right) performs in the virtual production "SWING" with the Actor's Renaissance Theatre (photo submitted by Mary Ann Washington)

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alumni who

shine

The Lifelong Pursuit of Learning

by Kumba Berry

Education is not a race, there is no time limit. Southwest alumna Terri Thornton did not allow her age to stop her desire to learn.

Thornton originally started working on her degree in the 1980s when STCC Union campus was known as Shelby State Community College.

At the time, she was majoring in Sociology, but did not finish. Life got

2020 Commencement speaker, Terri Thornton

in the way of her dream. At age 60, she decided to pursue her dream of going back to college.

She admitted that transitioning back to school was difficult. “At first, I was nervous. I wasn’t sure if I could keep up with the new way of learning,” she said. Getting the hang of online learning proved to be difficult in the beginning. Thornton says that her instructors provided comfort which eased her transition. She graduated in 2020 with her degree in Psychology and had the honor of being selected to be the 2020 commencement speaker for the college’s first virtual graduation.

For Thornton, studying and education continue to be her passion. STCC renewed her spirit and showed her she had the capacity to “learn and be more.” This newfound motivation prompted her to accept a job in the Academic Support Center as a tutor to help other students reach their academic goals.

She plans to enroll in the counseling program at STCC in the upcoming months. She wants to help people solve their problems and encourage them to reach their goals just as she did. “I always wanted to be a counselor,” she said. “I love learning about what makes people tick and do what they do.”

After completing the 6-month certificate program, Thornton plans to attend the University of Memphis to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

“Never quit,” Thornton said, “Never think you’re too old to learn.” She explained taking risks can lead to rediscovering yourself and finding your new purpose. Situations and circumstances will always arise throughout your life’s journey. Strength will always get you through those unexpected changes.”

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Earn a Degree in

COMMUNICATION .The Department of Communications, Graphic and Fine Arts at Southwest Tennessee Community College is proud to offer both A.A. and A.S. degree in Communication.

Communication majors can choose from a variety of career fields including: mass communication, journalism, film and video, public relations, marketing, broadcasting, advertising, and corporate communication.

These two-year university parallel degrees are designed for students planning to enter the workforce upon graduation, or continue their education to earn a bachelor’s degree in Communication or related degree at a four-year college.

To learn more about this degree program please email: Lane Roberts at lroberts2@southwest.tn.edu or Bill Turner at wgturner@southwest.tn.edu