Tammy Coleman
Guest Writer

 

As I plan my final (summer) semester at NMC I am reflecting on the changes I’ve experienced over the past 35 years in education and as an individual. During high school, I didn't know what I wanted to be. My parents did not graduate from high school. My Dad raised me after my parents' divorce. As a result, I wasn't quite sure how life, and certainly college, worked. As a single mom in poverty (only a sleeve of saltine crackers in our cupboard) I knew I wanted to be around students, and that I loved science. I eventually figured college out by making some expensive mistakes. When I started teaching, computers were relatively new and the hand-operated ditto machine prevailed.

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Thirty-five years later, while I still wrestle with technology (a huge shout-out to our tech team!), I love everything about teaching and being “in” college. I truly love NMC. My gregarious and talented colleagues, our beautiful campus, the positive vision of our president, and the many opportunities for health, wellness and growth, but the one thing that has always been at the forefront of what I do is a love of my students. You see, I get you. I see your struggles as they mirror my own, and….I know that you CAN, and HAVE and DO move past them to succeed. Set your bar high, use your “growth mindset” and do great things. This is only the beginning! 

I believe in you, I cherish you and I am rooting for you. Congratulations to all of you who are “graduating” with me this year and to those who have overcome the hurdles that motivate you to stay focused on your goal.

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Love, Dr. Coleman (“Tammy")