Student's college experience includes learning outside the classroom August 29, 2019

Mackenzie McGee didn’t waste any time getting involved in college life when she started at Midland College. She auditioned for and was accepted as a member of the Cheer Squad. She became part of the MC Ambassador Program, which promotes the College. She joined the Baptist Student Ministry, and she even landed a job on campus.

"I wanted a great college experience, and I knew that meant I had to join campus activities," said McGee. "I really enjoy my classes because I feel like I have a greater purpose at MC. I am outgoing; I love meeting new people; and I have made some great friends. Some of my best friends are the ones I have met while being involved."  

McGee graduated in May 2018 with a double associate degree—Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science in Business Management. She had such a great experience that she decided to apply for the MC bachelor’s degree program in Organizational Management. She was accepted and is now in her final year of that program.

"I realized I really liked the people at MC; I really liked the campus; and I really liked the teachers,” explained McGee.   “MC just seemed like the place I needed to be to complete my bachelor's degree.  I was lucky everything fell into place. I feel at home here. Studying for my bachelor's degree at MC was a great balance, and it was a lot more practical because it was much less expensive than transferring. Not only is it more bang for my buck, but MC has just a great college atmosphere."

The Organizational Management program has taught McGee many applicable lessons.

"A lot of my classes have to do with how to manage a business; however, I have also had classes about leadership, finances and how to be a good entrepreneur," said McGee. "The business world lends itself to real life applications. A lot of the teachers keep telling us how we can apply what we are learning right now and in our next job."

During her time at MC, McGee was working in retail, but she was not enjoying it. While looking for a new challenge she stumbled upon a Midland College job posting for a part-time clerk in the Vice President of Instructional Services Office. She got the job and helps with special events and day-to-day operations. She admits there are benefits to working where you go to college. 

"I get to meet and see different sides of faculty and staff," McGee said. "I am making more connections than I would just from going to class. I really enjoy my colleagues. The job is also a good learning experience.

“Being a student here is enlightening, and being involved here has expanded my horizons.  I am a firm believer that what you put in is what you get out of every experience.  This has certainly been true for my time at Midland College.  I encourage students to take advantage of everything MC has to offer. The sense of being in a ‘college community’ is one of the best things about this place."