Tamara Kelly
Staff Writer

As a teacher, artist, student, mom, and senator, Theresa Carr incorporates passion and love for life into everyday living. Taking the time to focus on each of her passions with determination and skill has helped her seize her goals.

Carr continues to be a strong example of perseverance as a fulltime student, especially with her determination to obtain high marks in school. She recently received award for the All American Academic Team Award for Phi Theta Kappa, a national honors society for two-year colleges.

Three years ago she returned to college to obtain her Associates degree in Digital Design. Carr attended an art school after high school, however she dropped out to pursue family life.

“I came back here, not really expecting a lot, but getting more than I expected.”  Carr said.

For Carr the struggle began even with the first few steps, having been injured from a previous job and being a bit heavier, she recalled how it took her twenty minutes to make up the stairs at the main doors.

Carr feels having five kids around her, especially her daughters, has shown her how to enjoy life, while also allowing her to recognize a few insights about herself.

“After losing the most important person in my life, besides my husband and kids, I learned if you don’t take chances you’re never going to get to know people.” Carr continued, “If you don’t get out there and experience something you’ll never have something to remember when your old rocking in your chair.”

Carr’s passion for art is not only seen through the work she exhibits, but it’s also shown through the love she has for teaching.

“About a year ago Kathleen Beaumont asked me if I’d be interested in teaching a class,” Carr said.

Feeling inadequate as a new student, Carr took the opportunity and taught an extended learning class on painting. The class was a success, which secured the opportunity for several more classes.

Carr Said, “They [students] got to enjoy it, meanwhile, I got to practice my skills on how to chronologically go through a project and learn how to teach adults.”

Along with teaching, Carr felt she could do even more for the school by being a Campus Affairs Senator. Part of her job is overseeing the book scholarship fund and creating ways to accumulate money for that scholarship.

One fundraiser was the silent auction she initiated last fall quarter ended up being a big success, generating $850.

“Last year I was able to give away five scholarships,” Said Carr.

The book scholarship is available to all students. They can apply by simply filling out an application with a short written description about themselves and their desired outcome. This quarter’s deadline is February 15. The scholarship requires a minimum 2.5 G.P.A. [Grade Point Average]. Applications can be picked up in Student Services.