As a 28-year-old divorced single mother, Amy Beardsley couldn’t support herself and her child and knew she had to do something. So she did – she went to college.
Starting fall 2009 at Muskegon Community College, she had no idea what career she wanted to pursue. She soon found direction with MCC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the largest honor society in American higher education.
On Nov. 20, 2015, MCC’s PTK chapter celebrated its 10-year anniversary with dinner and the induction of 28 new members, and Amy was the keynote speaker.
“It isn’t easy,” explained Amy at the PTK dinner. “Juggling a college schedule is tough enough, and when you add a job and toddler into the mix, it can seem impossible.”
Now with two Associate degrees from MCC, a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Ferris State University, and a career as Court Administrator at Newaygo County Probate Court, Amy attributes much of her accomplishments to the help of scholarships supported by the PTK.
“The time I spent at MCC, especially with Phi Theta Kappa, is the most valuable to whom I am today,” said Amy. “I was raised in poverty…but didn’t let that define me.”
For many students at Muskegon Community College, they are forging new territory, beginning college even though their parents never had that opportunity.
“I’m a first-generation college graduate,” said Amy. “No one pushed me to go to college. I don’t remember my parents ever talking to me about it.
“I’m proud of my accomplishments,” she continued. “Nothing was handed to me – I created opportunities to build myself into who I am today. I was focused. I had purpose. I was creating myself.”
More About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in American higher education, with more than 2 million members and 1,200 chapters located in all 50 states, and U.S. territories. The MCC chapter offers more than 180 students co-curricular programs focused upon the Society’s Hallmark of Scholarship, Leadership, Service and Fellowship since established on campus in 2005. It is estimated that 200,000 students participate in Phi Theta Kappa programs each year.
To be eligible for membership a student must complete a minimum of 12 hours of associate degree course work and generally earn a grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Students must maintain a high academic standing throughout their enrollment at MCC, and generally a 3.25 GPA.
For more information, contact Kelley Conrad, the MCC Phi Theta Kappa advisor, at (231) 777-0362.
