Tina Coleman - FSS Success Story

This month I would like to share with everyone an interview that I, (MC) recently conducted with FSS Program graduate Tina Coleman. Tina graduated from Kent State Tuscarawas in June of 2006 with a Degree in Nursing.

MC) What motivated you to go to college and complete your Nursing Degree?

TC) I definitely wanted to make a better life for myself and my children. I wanted to open the doors to more career opportunities.

MC) What is your current job title and you current job duties?

TC) I am a Registered Nurse at Country Club Retirement Center. My responsibilities include medication administration, patient assessment, documentation, and supervising the work of STNA’s.

MC) How would you describe your college experience at Kent Tuscarawas?

TC) The best part of my college experience was the confidence building I received. I put my best foot forward and did well in my classes. I made good friends with those I shared the experience with. Friends who still remain even after graduating. The worst part of the experience was simply getting through the initial nervousness of finally deciding to go to college.

MC) What are some of your future goals?

TC) I plan to go back to college to get my BSN Degree in Nursing. Learning is very contagious, when you start learning, you want to keep learning.

MC) What obstacles did you have to overcome in your life to achieve success?

TC) My own mindset and fears were the biggest obstacles. It’s really scary to think, “can I really do this?”

MC) What did you get out of your participation in the FSS Program?

TC) I had to set goals and I set big ones. Every step of the way the people at FSS encouraged me. It helped me fight my fears. I felt I owed it to the community and my children to do better. Their support pushed me to do my best even with subjects that initially intimidated me.

MC) What advice would you give other FSS clients, especially those who are just considering college enrollment?

TC) Take the first steps and do it. Fill out applications and seek financial help. It’s out there. Kent State wants you to succeed. Don’t worry about your weaknesses. My weakness is math—so what. They have free one on one tutoring. The pre-testing ensures you get into classes that are on your current level. It’s hard but you can do it so you should just go for it.

MC) What community activities are you currently involved in?

TC) I am currently on the “Ways To Work” Loan Committee. This program helps people gain access to reliable transportation. It is a program of Personal & Family Counseling Services. I also joined the Wellness Community Care Team set up by the United Way of Tuscarawas County.

MC) Are than any other recommendations that you would like to share?

TC) I don’t believe college is designed for the elite student. It is designed for the average. I was labeled a “slow learner” when I was in grade school. Take the labels that may have been placed on you by others or yourself and just shove them in the garbage can. Give yourself a new label, “College Student” with a bright, exciting and happy future. The time in school will go fast and you may just have fun doing it. The final results are well worth all of the effort. Graduation day and your family watching. Having an income that is double or triple your current income. Taking pride in yourself and having the opportunity to give back to your community. All of this builds self-esteem. I look forward in the future to hearing about the success of others. I will finish with a quote. “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him to fish and he’ll have food for life.” Learn to fish.