TTU at Waco Student Shares Educational Experience

By Lewis Snell, Director, TTU at Waco and TTU at Hill College

Like many transfer students, Tammy Pitts, a spring 2018 graduate from Texas Tech University at Waco, combined classwork from McLennan Community College (MCC) and upper level courses from Texas Tech University. We visited with her to find out more about her experience and the challenges she faced as an adult re-entering college after having children and a career.

Tammy had many reasons for deciding to return to college.

"I chose to pursue this degree with Texas Tech University because I wanted to better myself, not just for my future career but also for my children. The Human Sciences degree allowed me to focus my studies on areas that were of interest to me. I was also drawn to Texas Tech because of its prestigious name and Tier One designation."

Prior to completing her degree, she spent more than 10 years in the field of pediatric dentistry. After graduation, Tammy hopes to continue her work with the children in her local community while utilizing her areas of concentration.

When Tammy considered applying to Texas Tech, she realized she needed to complete a language requirement and was nervous about the course load that would be required to obtain a bachelor's degree. After visiting with Sydney Cox, TTU at Waco program manager, about her degree requirements, she took advantage of the transfer scholarship options and enrolled full time. She decided to take sign language at MCC to fulfill her language requirement. By taking her classes on campus she was able to interact with her classmates.

Tammy pursued her coursework, and talked about some of her upper level requirements.

"My most challenging classes were the integrative studies courses because they required a great amount of introspection, research from various perspectives, and deep reflection," she said. "These courses afforded me more understanding, tolerance, progress and solutions to complex problems than I would have ever imagined otherwise. The integrative studies coursework also allowed me to connect the research theories from my three concentrations and see how they complement each other."

Tammy elected to complete a degree in Human Sciences with an emphasis in nutrition, sociology and family studies. She was fortunate to have a number of great instructors, but mentioned a couple particularly.

"Some of my favorite classes with Texas Tech were Criminology with Professor Chunn and Individual Studies in Sociology: Religion and Society with Professor Lockhart. These classes were very informative and gave me a greater understanding of social interactions, patterns of society, various cultures and religions. Additionally, these courses helped me to see the diversity of our society and to embrace what makes each of us unique."

Many students take advantage of the opportunity to attend a Texas Tech sporting event or other activities that are organized for students in both Waco and Lubbock. Tammy had the opportunity to attend the ring ceremony in Lubbock.

"Attending the ring ceremony in Lubbock was a wonderful experience and one that I will fondly remember," Tammy said. "That evening I felt fortunate to hear Dr. Bill Dean, president of the Texas Tech Alumni Association, retell some of his memories of many, many years at Texas Tech University. Hearing the meaning behind every detail of my ring gave me even more pride in my ring as well as the degree I had almost completed. Attending this ceremony helped me to feel truly connected to this great university as part of the Texas Tech family. I am so happy that I made the trip to Lubbock to attend this ceremony."

Tammy was excited to be able to attend the graduation reception in Waco as well as travel to Lubbock for the commencement ceremony last spring.

"I am so glad that I chose to attend my graduation ceremony in Lubbock, "she said. "Sitting in the basement of the United Spirit Arena before the ceremony, I had time to reflect on my journey of obtaining my degree as well as being able to talk with my fellow graduates sitting nearby."

Tammy described how anticipation and excitement filled the air, and then someone began the 'Raider Power!' chant.

"The sound of our voices filling that room with school pride will be a moment I'll never forget! As I entered the arena, I heard the familiar music of "Pomp and Circumstance" along with our families' cheers and applause. When President Schovanec asked the degree candidates to please rise, I stood with my fellow graduates, the crowd cheered, and my eyes welled with tears. All I could think was 'I did it!'"

Tammy said the trip to Lubbock for the graduation ceremony was well worth it.

"All of my sacrifice and struggle with late nights of reading and studying had finally paid off. The moment I had worked so hard for was finally happening! I am so glad I chose to make the long drive to Lubbock to attend my graduation ceremony. President Schovanec handing me my degree and shaking my hand was far more memorable than pulling my hard-earned degree out of my mailbox. Once again, in that moment I felt like I was part of the Texas Tech family and I was reminded that I am now and will forever be a proud Red Raider."

Tammy feels fortunate to have the love and support of her family.

"I would like to thank my husband, Steve, and our daughters, Avery and Naomi, for their love, encouragement, patience and support throughout my academic journey, as well as other family members and close friends, for their support and encouragement."

Tammy has been a shining star with Texas Tech University at Waco and is sure to be an ambassador for Texas Tech and any working adult that is looking to further their educational opportunities. Tammy is another great example of the slogan "From Here, It's Possible."

Tammy told her daughters, "Guess what! Mommy is finished with her homework so let's go outside and play!"

 

 Tammy Pitts at the TTU at Waco graduation reception.