Maria Valdelamar, of Pittsburg, Nathan Hunter of Jamaica, and Madia Arredondo, of Mount Pleasant, have been named the 2019-2020 Outstanding Students in Sociology.
When learning of her selection, Maria Valdelamar had this to say: “I was very honored to learn that I was named an Outstanding Student for Sociology. I am a mother of three beautiful children so going back to school was never in my plans. I decided to go back to school because I want to be a role model to my children. I want them to see that nothing should hold you back from achieving your goals. I decided to major in Social Work because I want to help children and families. Last semester, our class took a trip to City Square in Dallas. We provided the homeless with socks. I really enjoyed the kind and generous act. This trip made me want to continue pursuing my career in Social Work. After I graduate from NTCC I will transfer to Texas A&M University-Commerce to continue my studies to become a social worker. Once I graduate, I would like to work as a social worker at a hospital. Eventually I would like to be able to work with CPS as a case worker when my children get older. I also want to thank Mrs. Shurtleff for nominating me as outstanding student and recognizing my hard work.”
Nathan Hunter had this reaction to learning of his recognition: “I am honored and humbled to get this award. As a student athlete it’s not easy to train and go to class, but I have managed my time well. This shows that in life there is no such thing as impossible; it’s always possible. I also want to thank God. Without Him getting this award would not be possible.”
Madia Arredondo is the oldest of 3 and the first in her family to attend college. When asked about her goals, she said “I plan on majoring in social work and hopefully transferring to Texas A&M University - Commerce in the fall. I have worked with organizations like Salvation Army, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), and Communities in Schools, which have helped me have a better understanding of the field of social work.”
With hands-on, experiential learning opportunities and close mentoring relationships with faculty, these outstanding students have shown the commitment and dedication that will help them attain their goals.
Full and associate faculty who teach Sociology are Carmen Shurtleff and Dixie Anders. To find out more about the sociology program at NTCC contact Carmen Shurtleff, Instructor for Sociology and Social Work, at cshurtleff@ntcc.edu or Dr. Fulgham, Division Chair for the Social Sciences, at mfulgham@ntcc.edu.
