Student Spotlight – Tracie Beck

LK: Why did you decide to go back to school?

TB: “I came here in the 80’s for education and realized that there weren’t many jobs around here for teachers. I quit and went to business school. Ever since then I’ve wanted to complete my degree and working at Cal U has given me the perfect opportunity to do that.”

LK: What does it mean to be a non-traditional student?

TB: “Someone that is not fresh out of high school. For me, it means working at a job and taking classes.”

LK: How do you juggle going to school and having a family?

TB: “It’s very difficult. When I first came back to school, I promised myself that I wouldn’t let my school work interrupt anything I do with my family. That means getting up earlier and going to bed later with either homework or housework.”

LK: What do you plan to do with your degree?

TB: “[Cal U] is a great place to work. I plan to either stay at my job or another job may open up on campus where a degree is required.”

LK: What are you involved with on or off campus?

TB: “I work full time at the internship center. I’m also busy running my daughter around and helping my son look at colleges.”

LK: What has been your most memorable moment at Cal U?

TB: “The day that I started working here because I tried for five years to get a job here.”

LK: What is the most frequently played song on your iPod?

TB: “Anything by Dave Matthews or Counting Crows”

LK: What is the last movie that you have seen in theaters?

TB: “Hannah Montana in 3D with my daughter”

LK: What is your best advice?

TB: “For students, make sure that you finish your college career while you’re young because your brain doesn’t work as well when you get older. Also, find your niche in life. Find something you love to do every day because there is nothing better.”

LK: What three words describe your life right now?

TB: “Hectic, Happy, Bittersweet”