Macon State College MVPs is a web feature that profiles notable students, alumni, faculty and staff.
Nursing major Tierra James is president of the Resident Student Association.
Full Name: Tierra James.
Age: 20.
Hometown: Chicago.
Residence: Macon.
High School: Central High School, where she was a member of the band's auxiliary team and the Beta Club.
Family: Parents, Maurice Jr. and Sharon; siblings, Andre, Maurice III, Alexix, and Oliver.
Current Employment: “I am currently a full-time student and I work in Student Support Services on campus.”
Degree Objective: “As I was just accepted into the nursing program, I plan to acquire my bachelor of science in nursing and continue on to get a master’s in nursing with a focus on clinical nurse leadership. Later I hope to obtain a second master’s degree and become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.”
Class Rank: Junior.
Activities: “I am president of the Resident Student Association, one of the founding members of the Campus Activities Board and, although I am not a member, I voluntarily assist the Student African-American Brotherhood (SAAB) organization however I can, whenever I can.”
Career Goals: “Ultimately I aspire to work as a CRNA in a hospital and/or a private clinic. I will work towards a leadership position in all that I do.”
She chose Macon State College because … “I transferred here as a biology major on the pre-med track. Originally I liked the school because of how affordable it was. But I found that Macon State offers a very pleasant learning environment, and the vigorous training of the nursing program really got my attention. I genuinely enjoy what Macon State has to offer as far as the professors and the learning atmosphere.”
The one thing that surprised her about Macon State was … “The classes are much more challenging than I anticipated and that honestly impressed me. Also, the professors help you reach so far beyond the classroom when you take the time to let them.”
Her favorite professor is … “Dr. Jeffrey D. Williams. I met him in spring 2010 while taking ‘Anatomy & Physiology I.’ I was drawn to the way he relates to his students. Facing some REALLY dry information at times, he introduced his method of altering the perspective of the information in order to make it easier for each individual to learn. Dr. Williams taught me how to teach myself.”
Her favorite place to study is … “The Professional Sciences building across from the coffee shop in the evenings. Peaceful does not begin to describe it.”
One thing people don’t know about her is … “I changed my career goal from becoming an anesthetist to becoming a CRNA because I value having a family more than having an incredibly well-paying job. I live for comfort, not luxury, and money can't buy happiness.”
Her friends make fun of her because … “I can be very silly and playful.”
The one person she’d most like to meet is … “There are two: Michelle Obama and Herman Driskell, Jr. Michelle Obama worked hard and gained her success prior to meeting Barack Obama. I feel she represents the beautiful power and pride within African-American women who refuse to personify stereotypes. Herman Driskell, Jr. is the late father of my current boyfriend, and I would just be honored to meet the man who inspired and touch so many people in his lifetime.”
Five years from now she sees herself … “Married and enjoying family life. I will have just acquired my master’s and will be enjoying a break from school.”