Macon State College MVPs is a web feature that profiles notable students, alumni, faculty and staff.
Non-traditional student Lakendra Haslem is working toward her dream of becoming a teacher.
Full Name: Lakendra Jemmica Haslem.
Age: 36. 36.
Hometown & Residence: Marshallville.
Family: Rodney Haslem (husband of 16 years); Dalen Haslem (son); Devin Haslem (son); Shaniya Haslem (daughter).
Current Employment: “Children’s Best Learning Center, where I have been a teacher for six years.”
Degree Objective: Bachelor of science in early childhood education.
Class Rank: Junior.
Activities: Future Educators of Macon State College.
Career Goals: “I want to become a teacher because I love working with children. I want to provide children with the best possible education. I feel that if I can change one child’s life, then I have made a difference.”
She chose Macon State College because … “It has an excellent education degree program. Macon State education majors are highly recommended in the career field.”
The one thing that surprised her about Macon State was … “How the professors are highly supportive of their students. They go above and beyond the call of duty to help assist their students. They encourage and motivate their students to always try their best and give it their all.”
Her favorite professor is … “All of my professors are great but if I had to choose one, it would be Loleta Sartin. She keeps me motivated and is very encouraging.”
Her favorite place to study is … “The comfort of my own home. I prefer my bedroom over any other room in my home. The reason I choose my bedroom is because I have more privacy. When I study, it has to be quiet and relaxing in order for me to focus.”
One thing people don’t know about her is … “I am a very outgoing person. I say this because in the classroom I am quiet and appear to be shy. But no matter where I go, I can make friends and get along with other people.”
My friends make fun of her because … “I am a neat freak. They laugh at me because every time they come to my home, I am always cleaning. They ask me, ‘Do you ever sit down?’ My reply to them is ‘NO!’ They always claim that I see things on the floor that they don’t see, but trust me, it’s there.”
The one person she’d most like to meet is … “The U.S. president. He has made history and had a great impact on the country.”
Five years from now she sees herself … “Having my bachelor’s degree in education and working as a teacher. I’ll be supporting my oldest son through college and getting ready to send my daughter to college. I see myself accomplishing goals that I have worked so hard to achieve for so many years."