Lauren Lee
Music has given so much to Lauren Lee that the TCC Northwest Campus spring graduate plans to spend her life sharing it with others.
"I've had so many amazing opportunities that happened through music that I want to give back," said Lee, one of four Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society members recently named Coca-Cola scholars. Lee, a music education major, plans to teach choir in high school. "I was in a lot of choir and choral things when in high school which gave me an avenue to shine."
Initially leery of joining PTK, she now speaks highly of her experience. "It gives good leadership skills and opens doors to other scholarship opportunities," said Lee, PTK's spring 2009 secretary and a participant in the Cornerstone Honors Program. "I would not have been able to achieve as much."
Lee's academic success was not achieved in a vacuum. While working multiple jobs, she volunteered in her church as a vocalist in the praise band, mentor for high school girls, serving on alternating Sundays as a college group leader, and as the youth praise band leader on Wednesdays. She also found time to play volleyball on Tuesdays in a coed recreational league.
TCC was a good fit for her, Lee said. Small class sizes allowed her to talk with her professors so she could really understand the topics. It also provided her time to learn more about herself.
"When you are in high school you still are growing and learning. You do not know which road you'd like to take," said Lee, who recently celebrated her 20th birthday. "It gives you the opportunity to get your feet wet before jumping into the ocean."
-by Rita L.B. Parson