The juice was definitely worth the squeeze

Kim Morrison

As I stood there in the middle of FedExForum about this time last year with my fellow University of Memphis undergrads and we all moved our tassels from the right to the left side of our caps, my eyes started to well up with tears and it hit me, “This is it!”

The road to that point was filled with oh so many obstacles for me. I chose to return to school as an older, non-traditional student. I quit a good-paying job to return to school to end up job searching for a year longer than I banked on. My father suffered a debilitating stroke. I experienced being cheated on for the first time. I had my own health issues by breaking one ankle, having a stroke, then breaking the other ankle, all in the name of roller derby. I moved three times. And, I went through it all while balancing work, school, the rebuilding of our PRSSA chapter and the joys of life in general.

All through this though, I kept my eye on the prize. I didn’t initiate this life path to be thrown off or get distracted by something else! I was ready to get my bachelor’s degree. That’s what I set out to do, and I was bound and determined to make it happen one way or another!

I wasn’t a perfect student. I worked hard, but of course, I had moments where I slacked off or I simply got overwhelmed and something had to give. However, I made sure my work and grades were in order before making such a decision.

And at the end of it all, I was so beyond stoked to be at that point, to look behind at the past several years and be able to say, “I dealt with that; I survived that; and despite life’s best efforts, I made it through.”

So, the lessons I took away from all that was: (1) Regardless of the situation, you always have a choice; (2) With perseverance, you can make it through any situation; and (3) College is hard, but in the end, it’s totally worth it!

After a year in the workforce, I look back on what I’ve accomplished and all of the wonderful clients I’ve worked with over the past year. I’ve promoted large and small scale shows; garnered morning show appearances; seen my photos appear in numerous local publications; arranged features for clients in TV, print and online outlets; and managed meetings with the heads of some of Memphis’ well-known companies and nonprofits. And, it’s all thanks in part to the degree I worked so hard for. So, I claimed it a year ago, and I’ll say it again today, the juice was definitely worth the squeeze!

Stem Academy: An Experience of a Lifetime

William Young

Earlier this summer, I worked as a counselor at a summer camp called Stem Academy at The University of Memphis. The memories that I made while at the camp are some that I will carry with me forever. I met so many amazing people with awesome personalities. If given the chance, I would do it again with no hesitation. 

Stem Academy is a two-week summer camp where high school students who are interested in science, technology, engineering and math come to the U of M and experience college life. The students are provided with mentors and participate in many activities along with going to class. The students stayed in the dorms and were lectured by college professors.

My role as a counselor was to guide the students through the college experience. I also was a resource for the students whenever they needed someone to confide in. I was on duty 24 hours a day for two weeks. I was in charge of 50 students, and it really taught me how to have tolerance. Through this experience, I gained a new respect for people who work in the education field!

Upon arrival, I was very excited to be a counselor to a group of bright high school students. My passion is mentoring kids, and I wanted to use my positive attitude and energy to uplift them. I’m not that many years removed from high school, so I can remember how it was to be young, wild and free. 

At times, the kids got a little rowdy but never to the point to where I couldn’t handle them. They respected us counselors because we showed the kids respect. It was our goal to show them that school is not only about excelling academically but also having fun, as well.

I had tons of fun with the students.  One of the funniest moments of camp happened while I was resting my eyes one night. The kids caught me slipping! I was minding my business and sleeping with the door unlocked. Then all of a sudden, I was greeted with ice and lotion. I jumped out of bed and chased the kids down the hallway! I couldn’t believe that I had been pranked. 

The two weeks of camp went by quickly. I created some lasting bonds with people, and I look forward to keeping in touch with them. I was honored to be a part of the camp, and it has been one of the highlights of my career!