Cassandra Beverly
Cassandra Beverly, currently a student in our OBL program and a 2010 graduate of Merritt College in Oakland, was recently named to the All-USA Community College Academic Team for 2011. Cassandra works full-time, as she did throughout her time at Merritt, and is a mother of two children.
We asked Cassandra to give us a little more information about her achievements and her goals. Congratulations to you, Cassandra!As a first generation college student, I realized that I couldn't wait for someone else to be the example that my children needed to see. I needed to be their change.
— Cassandra Beverly
Tell us a little about yourself and the All-USA Team
I am a 29 year-old returning student. I decided to attend school in 2008. With support from my employer, I attended school full-time and graduated from Merritt College in 2010. I am employed full-time at Kaiser Permanente and I have two children(13 and 10).
What exactly are you studying at USF School of Business and Professional Studies?
I am majoring in Organizational Behavior and Leadership Studies
When do you plan to graduate?
I will graduate Spring 2012
How does someone get on this team? Do you apply or are you nominated?
In the fall, students from all the community colleges in California apply. The nominator from each school selects two students to represent their school. I was nominated by my school, along with another student. Each student nominated is automatically placed onto the state team. There are three teams, 1st, 2nd and 3rd. I made the first team in California. The final team of 20 was selected by a panel of judges from more than 1,600 students nominated by 800 community colleges. Judges considered grades, leadership, activities and, most importantly, how students extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom.
What does the team represent?
Making the All-USA team, means that out of all students across the US, we are considered the best. Over 1600 students applied this year and only 20 students made the team.
The All-USA Community College Academic Team is presented by USA TODAY and Phi Theta Kappa and sponsored by Follett Higher Education Group. Each of the 20 students receive a $2,500 stipend and a medallion.
These students are featured in the USA TODAY newspaper and presented at Phi Theta Kappa's Presidents Breakfast during the Annual Convention of the American Association of Community Colleges Convention (AACC) held recently in New Orleans, Louisiana.
What does it mean for you personally, as to your future work, etc.?
In 2008, I found out that no student from Oakland had ever placed on the national team. While the monetary value of the award was wonderful, this award was about me striving to make what was deemed the impossible, possible. I have succeeded at changing the history of not only my school and community, but the future of my children. As a first generation college student, I realized that I couldn't wait for someone else to be the example that my children needed to see. I needed to be their change.
The sky is the limit when it comes to my career. I have been working at Kaiser Permanente for 9 years. I plan to continue on to the Organizational Development program (MSOD), eventually becoming a organizational development analyst for Kaiser.
