2007 Shear Fellows
Caitlyn Adams
University of Central Missouri
Caitlyn Adams was born and raised in Buckner, Mo. She is a junior at UCM, majoring in political science and social studies education. Caitlyn plans to graduate and attend law school. This past semester Caitlyn received an internship with the lobbyist firm Madsen & Wright. Upon graduating law school Caitlyn hopes to practice law or become a lobbyist until she is ready to settle down, get married, and start a family. She would then like to teach high school history and eventually start a political career, including making a run at a statewide office.
Sarah Bomhoff
University of Central Missouri
Sarah Bomhoff graduated from the University of Central Missouri this spring with a B.S. in History and a Minor in Political Science. She also enjoyed leading a supplementary instruction class, tutoring for American Government, working for the Warrensburg Parks and Recreation department, volunteering with Special Olympics and interning on a local campaign. A former UCM Jennies soccer player, Sarah also enjoys coaching and refereeing youth soccer. After an internship with Legal Aid of Western Missouri this summer, Sarah plans to work in a legal setting and eventually pursue a law degree. Sarah's interest in politics was sparked after working for the federally funded Upward Bound program where she saw first hand the impact of government programs. A women's studies course on the role of women in democracy opened Sarah's eyes to the challenges women have overcome in order to give her generation the freedom to pursue any dream. She sees the 21st Century Leadership Academy as a chance to learn the skills necessary to becoming a part of the political process. She hopes to honor the legacy of the women before her by continuing in their footsteps and providing more opportunities for following generations.
Victoria Boren
Southeast Missouri State University
Victoria Boren is a junior pursuing a degree in Psychology with two minors: Religion and Gerontology. She is involved in several volunteer organizations and activities, including visiting nursing and veteran’s homes, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Alzheimer’s Association. She has also held office in four organizations on campus and works two jobs to pay for school while maintaining a 3.862 GPA. After she graduates, Victoria would like to attend Occupational Therapy school at Belmont University to obtain her doctorate in occupational therapy and become an occupational therapist specializing in geriatric care.
Kruti Brahmbhatt
University of Missouri–St. Louis
Kruti Brahmbhatt is a sophomore majoring in International Business. On campus she is involved in the International Students Organization where she is the Student Government Association representative. She is also an active member of the International Business Club, Indian Students Association, and the Student Investment Trust and Debate Club. After graduation she hopes to work for a top multinational company and eventually establish her own. Simultaneously she wants to play an active role in world politics and later on plans on fully devoting herself to it. Her biggest ambition is to make a difference in the lives of people affected by poverty in her country of India and to make India a developed nation.
Crystal Brigman
Missouri State University
Crystal Brigman is a senior at Missouri State University, finishing her undergraduate studies with a major in Socio-political Communication and a minor in Political Science. She has been involved in many public affairs organizations at MSU including Student Government Association, Sierra Club, and World Affairs Council where she helps run the annual Mid-American Model United Nations conference for local high school students. She is also active in the MSU chapter of National Society of Collegiate Scholars where she currently serves as Executive Vice President. When not in class, Crystal spends much of her time volunteering at Planned Parenthood of Southwest Missouri as a Public Affairs Assistant. In December, she helped organize and publicize “Free EC Day,” allowing the Springfield clinic to give out more packs of emergency contraception than any other clinic in the nation. Crystal will continue her education at MSU by pursuing her masters in communication. Ultimately, she plans to work in politics or for a non-profit organization to promote equality and civil rights.
Tameka Bryant
Lincoln University
Tameka Bryant is a twenty- year old Journalism major from St. Louis, MO. Currently a junior, Tameka is involved in many activities including the marching band, The National Deans List, The National Association of Black Journalist, 2006 CAB Fashion Show, Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity, Student Support Services, and she's a producer for JCTV. Some of Tameka's goals are to graduate from LU in May 2008 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism and to become a news producer in a big market. Tameka was a 2006-2007 participant in the Lincoln University Women’s Leadership Academy where she enlightened the academy with a presentation on breast cancer.
Kimberly Burgess
Truman State University
Kimberly Burgess is a freshman at Truman State University where she is a Political Science major, a Spanish minor, interested in law school, and hopes to graduate with honors in 2010. Kimberly in continuing her participation in the Truman Leadership Scholars Program and is Truman College Republican’s Organization Representative to the Student Senate. On Student Senate, she is active in External Affairs and the Educator of the Year selection committee. She is also the Social Chair of the Truman Pre-Law Club. In the future, she plans to study abroad in Costa Rica and go on to law school, studying constitutional law. In her free time, she likes to participate in a number of recreational activities, especially running.
Anne Case-Halferty
University of Missouri–Columbia
Anne Case-Halferty is a senior pursuing a degree in English and Political Science at the University of Missouri in Columbia and is planning on graduating in May 2008. She has been involved in the Alumni Association Student Board (AASB) at MU since her freshman year and is the current president. In addition to her involvement with AASB, she has been involved in the Judicial Peer Advisory Council (JPAC), Griffith’s Leadership Society for Women, the political science honors fraternity Pi Sigma Alpha, and she was a leader for Summer Welcome in 2006. Anne was also a track and field athlete at MU for two years. In addition to her school activities, Anne is involved with her family and her community, and works alongside her mother to collect and distribute clothes to needy families in rural Missouri. In the future, she hopes to attend law school and specialize in labor and employment law, focusing on advocacy for labor unions and workers rights.
Jennifer Davis
University of Missouri–St. Louis
Jennifer Davis is a senior in the University of Missouri - St. Louis School of Social Work. She will complete her undergraduate degree at UM- St. Louis in May 2007 with a Bachelor of Social Work. She has been the Treasurer of the Student Social Work Association for the past year and plans to continue her involvement as an officer in the organization next year. She is also involved in other organizations on campus, including Golden Key International Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity. She is currently completing her second BSW practicum at the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office Victim Services Unit as an Advocate Caseworker. She is also a volunteer for the St. Charles Crisis Nursery. After graduation, she plans to pursue her MSW and J.D. degrees. She also hopes to pursue a career in Criminal Law or academia, and plans to eventually become involved in politics. Her interests in public policy include victim rights issues, education and children’s issues.
Antionette Dickens
University of Missouri–St. Louis
Antionette Dickens is a sophomore at the University of Missouri - St. Louis. She is planning on receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Communications along with certificates in Writing, Non-Profit Leadership and Management, and African Diaspora Studies. Antionette is also a student at the Pierre Laclede Honors College. She is currently Vice-Chair and Student Government Representative for the African American Leadership Council and is the Team Captain Coordinator and a Team Captain for the University of Missouri - St. Louis ACS Relay for Life. She has been a mentor in the Emerging Leaders Program for a year and plans on continuing as a mentor in the program next year. Having recently being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, Antionette has decided to become active in the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. After graduation, Antionette plans to continue studying communications in graduate school. She also has plans to start a Non-Profit organization focused on bettering African American youth by teaching them their culture, helping high school students transition to college, and coaching them to become leaders on college campuses as well in the community.
Caroline Erickson
University of Missouri–St. Louis
Caroline Erickson is a sophomore at the University of Missouri - St. Louis. She is pursuing a degree in Public Policy and Administration. Her career goals involve increasing the access and quality of health care and education to all people. After graduation, Caroline would like to work in developing and implementing public policy to make the distribution and access to resources more equal. She is currently a member of the Residence Hall Association. Through this organization she has arranged social gatherings, participated in making and displaying AIDS luminaries, and is a member of RHA’s Relay for Life team. Caroline is a graduate of the Student Emerging Leader program at UMSL. She is also a student at the Pierre Laclede Honors College.
Kristina Ernst
Lincoln University
Kristina Ernst is a junior working toward a degree in Psychology with a current GPA of 3.89. She is a Supplemental Instruction Leader for two Psychology 101 courses. Kristina is an active member of the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society and a member of the National Dean's List. She has received an Outstanding Achievement Award in Psychology and an Outstanding Achievement Award in General Studies. After completing her Bachelor degree, Kristina plans to continue her education in order to become a professor of psychology. Kristina was a 2006-2007 participant in the Lincoln University Women’s Leadership Academy. Kristina’s mentor was Donna Cavitte, Executive Director of the Missouri Commission on Human Rights. Together, they presented the Academy an overview of disability rights.
Ellie Glenn
Truman State University
Ellie Glenn is a senior Political Science student with minors in Psychology and Women and Gender Studies. She is currently working as a legislative intern in Jefferson City for Senator Joan Bray. While at Truman, Ellie has been active in a range of activities, from Student Ambassadors and Sigma Kappa social sorority to writing as a journalist for the student produced Greek Report. Ellie has also completed extensive work off campus as a volunteer for the Special Olympic and Inherit the Earth highway cleanup program. After graduating from Truman, Ellie plans to join the Peace Corps and afterward work toward a M.A. in Social Policy to pursue a career in public service. In her free time, Ellie enjoys traveling, reading, and being outdoors.
Jessi Glueck
Southeast Missouri State University
Jessi Glueck is a second-semester junior majoring in English with an emphasis in Literature and a minor in Creative Writing at Southeast Missouri State University. She will graduate in May of 2008. Jessi is a newly inducted member of the SEMO chapter of the honor society for English majors, Sigma Tau Delta. She is also the Vice-President and Fundraising Chair for the SEMO Model United Nations organization, which attends a variety of regional and international conferences throughout the United States and even hosts an annual high school conference for local Model United Nations clubs and/or classes which focus upon political debate. Through this organization, she has had the opportunity to attend three conferences in St. Louis, one conference in Chicago, and two conferences in New York held partially in the United Nations headquarters itself. Additionally, Jessi has volunteered for a variety of causes including lectures and round-table discussions of women’s rights as well as global/humanitarian issues such as the Save Darfur program. Her goal after graduation is to become a librarian. Ultimately, she would like to become a secondary English teacher, who not only teaches her students the joys of literature and reading but also inspires them to accomplish greatness within their own lives.
Christin C. Green
Missouri State University
Christin C. Green is a junior at Missouri State University, pursuing her undergraduate degree with a major in French and a second individualized major in Feminist Literary Theories. Since she began her studies at Missouri State University, she has served as vice president of Amnesty International and the Missouri State University Percussive Society. Recently, she founded Jane D.O.E. – Daughters of Eve and now serves as president of this original organization for women’s equality and empowerment. Christin enjoys connecting her two majors as she learns about women’s conditions and movements in different cultures. She is currently searching for a graduate program in women’s studies to continue her education. Ultimately, Christin hopes to write, teach at the university level, and speak publicly around the world.
Beth Groenke
University of Missouri–Rolla
Beth Groenke is a senior studying at the University of Missouri – Rolla. She is majoring in Interdisciplinary Engineering and minoring in Engineering Management and Psychology. On campus, Beth has been a very active member of several student organizations including: Associated Students of the University of Missouri (ASUM), Intercampus Student Council, Tau Beta Pi (engineering honor society), Omicron Delta Kappa (leadership honor society), SCRUBS (pre-health professional society), International Conversation Partners Program, and student and faculty government. She has served as the Student Services and Recognition Co-Chair, the Recorder, and the Vice President of External Affairs for Student Council. Next year, Beth will have the honor of leading UMR/soon-to-be Missouri University of Science and Technology as Student Body President. After graduating from UMR, Beth plans to attend Dental School.
Taylor Hahn
University of Missouri–Rolla
Taylor Hahn is a sophomore in Chemistry/Biology Pre-Med at the University of Missouri-Rolla. She currently serves as the correspondence officer in Scrubs, the UMR pre-health organization, and as Member Enrichment Chair for the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. Taylor is also on the Lady Miners Track and Field team and currently holds the indoor and outdoor records for the women’s pole vault. She is active in the UMR Christian Campus Fellowship and participates in the campus chamber orchestra as a violinist. After graduation, Taylor hopes to attend medical/graduate school and plans to pursue a career in pediatric oncology and cancer research.
Erin Hamilton
University of Missouri–Kansas City
Erin Hamilton completed her Bachelors in American Studies from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2006. During her American Studies program she interned as a Court Advocate at Hope House, a domestic violence agency. Currently, she is working toward a M.A. in Public Administration with an emphasis in Non-Profit Management at UMKC, and she is also employed at Missouri Bank in Kansas City as a Client Relations Representative. Upon completion of her Graduate Degree, Erin hopes to work with women and children in the Non-Profit field.
Traci Harr
University of Missouri–Columbia
Traci Harr is currently a sophomore at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Her undergraduate studies are in the fields of Non-Profit Management and Political Science with a minor in Leadership and Public Service. She is the current president of the student advocacy group Peers Against Secondhand Smoke. Her strong interest in health prevention and policy stems from her active involvement in the Peer Education program at the Wellness Resource Center on her campus. The programs that she presents to students discuss real issues from alcohol responsibility, stress management, drug abuse to sexual responsibility. After serving as a legislative intern in the Missouri Senate for the 2006 session, Traci hopes to pursue a career in public health policy. Upon graduation, she would like to work as an Americorps volunteer before getting her Masters in Public Health and Social Work.
Amari Howard
Missouri State University
Amari Howard is a junior at Missouri State University, pursuing her undergraduate studies with a major in Organizational Communication and a minor in Advertising and Promotion. She has served as a SOAR (Student Orientation and Registration) Leader, the historian on the Missouri State Gospel Choir executive board and the Public Relations chair on the executive board of the Association of Black Collegians. Amari intends to break barriers of gender and race as she continues on in her education and professional life.
Jessica Johnson
Missouri State University
Jessica Johnson is a senior at Missouri State University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with minors in International Relations and Communications. Throughout her high school and college years, she has been actively involved in policy debate, competing in the final rounds of the University of Kansas and Emporia State University Debate Tournaments. She has also served in numerous executive positions of the Missouri State University Honors Council and Gamma Pi Alpha honors fraternity, and is a member of the World Affairs Council. Jessica has been very active with nonprofit organizations like Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the United Nations Association, and the Ozark Area Community Action Corporation. Last summer, she interned for the Department of Homeland Security. She enjoys traveling and her adventures have included studying abroad in the People’s Republic of China and Kuwait. After graduation, she plans to put her leadership skills to work, building a career in public policy.
Tiffany Johnson
Truman State University
Tiffany Johnson is a junior Public Communications major, with a minor in Business Administration. She is the president of the Mu Tau Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, a service/social sorority. She sits on the executive board of the National Pan-Hellenic Council as the Vice President. She is a member of INROADS St. Louis with an internship at MetLife Auto & Home. She has spent two consecutive summers at MetLife where she handles and reports claims. She is licensed to handle insurance in various states and is working on her certification in the insurance industry. She is the first of four children to attend college. She believes that education is the key to success, which is why she is interested in policy issues surrounding secondary and higher education.
Lauren Maddock
University of Missouri–Rolla
Lauren Maddock is a second year student studying Architectural Engineering at the University of Missouri - Rolla. She is involved, not only, on campus, but at her church and enjoys doing volunteer work. Lauren was raised in a family that taught her to always do the right thing, and stand up for those who couldn’t stand up for themselves. She has always had strong beliefs and will only fight for something that she truly believes in. Lauren has always wanted to see the world become a better place and has worked to implement even small changes just by changing things in her life or the lives of people around her. She knows that every little bit makes a difference, but has always been eager to help with something on a larger scale.
Tammy Maxwell
Lincoln University
Tammy Maxwell is a junior working toward a degree in Criminal Justice. She continues to volunteer with the Girls Scouts Heart of Missouri several times a year. Tammy has been on the Deans List for 5 consecutive semesters. She is a member of several organizations: the Student Conduct Committee, National Criminal Justice Association, Student Alumni Association, and Alpha Kappa Mu. Tammy is planning a career in juvenile justice, perhaps as a probation officer. Tammy was a 2006-2007 participant in the Lincoln University Women’s Leadership Academy. Her presentation topic was “Networking.”
Jheel Mehta
University of Missouri–Kansas City
Jheel came to the United States on August 4th, 2002. After moving to Blue Springs, MO Jheel joined the debate team her senior year at Blue Springs High School. Jheel is a sophomore majoring in Political Science under the Pre-Law program at the University of Missouri – Kansa City. Jheel is currently active on UMKC’s nationally recognized debate team, volunteers her time at local high schools as a part-time debate judge and also works with novice debaters at Blue Springs High School. After graduation, she plans on going to law school to specialize in criminal justice while pursing further studies in American Foreign Policy. Jheel’s future plans also include becoming a Supreme Court Justice.
Bridget Yirakpoa Member-Meneh
University of Missouri–St. Louis
Bridget is a sophomore at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. She is seeking a degree in Business Administration with emphasis in Management and Organizational Behavior and also pursuing a certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies (WGST). The campus leadership positions that she holds include the secretary of the Helping Hands Student Organization and reinstating the Pan African Association. She contributes to her community by volunteering at the Fair Saint Louis Association where she assists individuals with the lost and found department during the weekend-long festivities. She has already taken steps to improve her leadership skills by taking a course instructed by Dr. Malaika B. Horne called, Women in Business Leadership. This class teaches women how to be leaders, how to go and look beyond the glass ceiling, how to network and how to ask for what you want. You must be ready to claim your spot.
Amy Metcalf
Lincoln University
Amy Metcalf is a junior working toward a degree in Criminal Justice. She is a member of the Student Conduct Committee, National Criminal Justice Association, Alpha Kappa Mu, and the Student Alumni Association. In addition to these organizations, Amy is also a volunteer for Girl Scout Heart of Missouri Council. She has been on Lincoln University’s Dean's List for two consecutive years. Amy plans to inspire other women to leave behind them something that will stand once they've departed from the earth: a legacy. Amy was a 2006-2007 participant in the Lincoln University Women’s Leadership Academy and for her culminating experience; she facilitated a panel discussion on “Surviving Breast Cancer.”
Jessica Nelson
University of Central Missouri
Jessica Nelson is a senior majoring in Criminal Justice and will continue her education at UCM in the fall with the Master’s of Science program in Criminal Justice. During her undergraduate experience at UCM, Jessica has been very involved in student organizations and on campus. She is a community advisor of three years and works with the special housing interest program. Most recently she was named to Who’s Who at UCM, received the G.E. “Bill” Davila award for leadership in criminal justice and a graduate assistantship position. Her policy interests include the enforcement and implementation of drug policy, disproportionate minority confinement, and solutions to these problems.
Shirley Okereke
University of Missouri–Kansas City
Shirley Okereke is a second year medical student in the Combined Six-Year BA/MD Medical Program at the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine. Before medical school, Shirley was a research grant recipient for the Howard Hughes Pre-College Research Program, and among seventeen individuals selected nationwide to serve on the Seventeen Magazine Teen Advisory Board for a year. She has served as the Class Vice-President for her medical class, and was awarded the Flarsheim Scholarship in 2006 by her school. Shirley currently performs clinical research in infectious diseases, and volunteers as a tutor for socio-economically disadvantaged children. She also volunteers at Harvester’s Community Food Drive, and the Sojourner Free Health Clinic. Shirley is a member of the service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega, the Student National Medical Association and the Medical School Advisory Council. She serves on the planning committees of Kansas City’s annual Relay for Life event, and her schools biannual Community Service Day event. Her interests include world music and cuisine, socializing and meditating. Following medical school, Shirley aspires to medically assist individuals in Third World countries and raise awareness towards the deadly crisis occurring in Africa.
Rachel Padgett
Southeast Missouri State University
Rachel Padgett is a junior majoring in Secondary and Middle Education with a concentration in Social Studies. She has been involved with Student Government since her freshman year and is the current Vice President. She is a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and has held numerous positions, including President and New Member Educator. She is a Big Sister to a first-grader at a local elementary school. Rachel is also the Secretary for Phi Alpha Theta history honor society and a Presidential Ambassador. She was elected Woman of the Year 2006 during Homecoming Week last year. After graduation, she hopes to begin teaching and working on her Master’s degree. In her free time, she is training for the Chicago Marathon to be held in October.
Kelley Robinson
University of Missouri–Columbia
Kelley Robinson is a junior at the University of Missouri in Columbia, where she is majoring in Sociology and Women’s & Gender Studies. Kelley has held many campus and community leadership positions within Kappa Alpha Theta, the Pan-Hellenic Council, the Mid-Missouri LGBT Coalition, Triangle Coalition (MU’s Gay-Straight Alliance), the Peer Rape Educators, the Missouri Student’s Association, and as a 4-year intern in the Walgreen Company Employee Relations Department. Kelley devotes a large amount of time to pursuing diversity and social justice initiatives. She is currently working on the “MU Hate Report.” The report will serve as a means of mediating climatic feelings and information gathered from victim/survivor support services with recorded police records in educating the community and supporting safety initiatives. Kelley has also been working with the Missouri Students Association to address issues within the organization that inadvertently marginalize students. In addition, Kelley has worked to establish the Delta Colony of Gamma Rho Lambda, a women’s social sorority that fosters sisterhood among lesbian, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, allies, and otherwise progressive women. Kelley’s goal has been to contribute to a safer university where every student voice is heard and experience respected, in an open and inclusive manner, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, class, national origin, sexual orientation, or Greek affiliation.
Shakea Roper
University of Central Missouri
Shakea Roper is a dedicated senior at the University of Central Missouri. Her field of study is social work. Shakea is constantly involved with different organizations in her community; she is a Step Up To Leadership Graduate, a Community Leadership and Involvement Means Better community (CLIMB) graduate, and also volunteers at various locations. Some of the organizations that she reports volunteering at include: a local marriage and family clinic, Bittersweet (a grief counseling organization), a domestic violence shelter, MO Veterans Home, Clothes Closet, and Food Pantry. Shakea also is involved on her campus. Some programs that Shakea advocates for to prospective students are TRIO and McNair. She also is involved with Sigma Alpha Pi (a leadership and success organization), and helps other organizations when possible. After earning a bachelors degree of social work in May 2008, Shakea plans to attend graduate school to pursue a masters of social work as well as a doctorate. Shakea intends to own her own marriage and family clinic in the future.
Lauren Ryan
University of Missouri–Columbia
Lauren Ryan is a junior at the University of Missouri in Columbia. She will graduate in December 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and a Minor in Leadership and Public Service. Lauren is in her second year as a Peer Advisor for MU Residential Life in the School of Health Professions Four Winds Community. Lauren is currently serving as the Director of Recruitment for Women of Worth Mentoring, a group that seeks an end to teen pregnancy through empowerment and role modeling. In the fall of 2006, she created a community service organization, Weatherization 4 Winds. The goal of this organization is to prevent low-income and disabled senior citizens from discomfort and illness during extreme weather by installing donated weatherization supplies in their homes. In the summer of 2007, she will spend time interning at Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services' Office on Women's Health to further her understanding of public policy making and advising. After graduation, Lauren plans to pursue a Master's degree in Genetic Counseling, and she hopes to continue to use her passion for public health policy in advisory roles to state and local governments as well as hospital administrations.
Mahin Shahlari
University of Missouri–Rolla
Mahin Shahlari, is a second year graduate student pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at the University of Missouri – Rolla UMR. She has been working as a graduate research assistant at UMR and is currently doing research on biodegradable polymers and interested in activities that keep our planet a healthy place to live. She is a member of Society of Woman in Engineering and of Chemical Engineering honor society. She has been a board member of a newsletter and had internship at supplying automotive parts (SUPCO).
Natalie Soltys
Truman State University
Natalie Soltys is a junior at Truman State University, majoring in French and Communication Studies. She is an active leader on campus as a captain of the varsity softball team and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle. She also demonstrates her leadership daily as the Recruitment and Initiation Chair of micron Delta Kappa, a leadership honor society, and as a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee. ODK discusses campus issues with Truman’s President and its faculty and staff members. SAAC is a group that unites the athletic teams and works with the athletic department. Natalie had an amazing opportunity to work in France for five months and because of that experience, she has a desire to work in some aspect with both the French and the U.S. governments. She strives to help all people, no matter their race, gender, religious preference, language, or hair style.
Shelly Wood
Southeast Missouri State University
Shelly Wood is a junior at Southeast Missouri State University majoring in Social Work and Spanish. She is a nontraditional student balancing family, school, and work. She is a member of the Spanish Club, the student chapter of Missouri Association for Social Welfare, and Phi Alpha (social work’s national honor society). Currently she is participating in the McNair Scholars program that is designed to prepare students for graduate studies. After receiving the degrees she is currently seeking, Shelly plans to go on to graduate school. In her free time she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband.