Tamesha Miller

Interview by Seasons staff

What is your major?
My major is Accounting.

What made you want to come to Plaza College?
I wanted to better my future, and I was tired of what I call NO-End Jobs. I was tired of getting the title but not the salary.

What were you doing prior to enrolling at Plaza College?
Working F/T, casting calls, modeling

What is the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome while being at Plaza? What did it take to overcome this?
The biggest obstacle I had to overcome was leaving my 13-year-old at night. It took me a while to overcome this obstacle, but I was able to overcome it because I had the support of family and close friends in my corner.

What is your first memory of Plaza College?
Orientation was my first memory I remember being very nervous and still a little unsure attending night school.

What has been your most rewarding experience at Plaza so far?
My most rewarding experience at Plaza has been my progress academically.

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you at Plaza so far?
In my first semester here at Plaza, I was taking Business Concepts, and my teacher at the time was Mrs. Downs. I kept raising my hand to answer every question or at take a shot at it. Mrs. Downs said to me and the class, “Could someone else other than Tamesha raise their hand?” I thought that was so funny.

What has been the key to your success so far? How have you managed to keep such a high G.P.A.?
The key to my success is just doing it! Without any complaints or issues. I have managed to keep a high GPA by doing all my assignments and handing them in on time, and I participate in class. My hand is always up!

How do you spend your spare time away from Plaza College? What are some of your interests or hobbies?
When I am away from Plaza, I spend my spare time with my close friends and family, as long as I am finished with all my homework & studying. Some of my hobbies are reading, writing, dancing, and gardening. Also I am also an active member in my church, Antioch Baptist Church of Jamaica New York. I am on the Nurse Board.

What advice would you give to students who are new to Plaza?
Come to Plaza prepared! Be Serious and ready to better yourself for the future. Do not let rules affect you; follow them! They will help you achieve your goals.

What is your biggest goal in life right now? Where do you see yourself going after you graduate?
My biggest goal in life right now is to finish school get my degree. After I graduate, I will be coming back to Plaza in the spring for my Bachelors Degree. Right now that is my biggest goal.

What would you say to students who are considering attending Plaza?
I would say to students that it is a great school to better your future, and you can do it!

In moments when you get discouraged or overwhelmed, how do you motivate yourself to get back on track? Who/what motivates you?
When I get discouraged, I listen to my Gospel music and say out loud, “Everything will be all right.” God motivates me first, and secondly, my son, Adonis Miller. Being a single mother motivates me because I know what it is to struggle and to work hard for what I need and want. Next, my Mom is a great motivator. Since the beginning, she has always given me life instructions and positive encouragement. She is the best!

What are the most frequently played songs on your iPod or CD player/radio?
I play a variety of music. I like everything. I consider myself to be universal, But in my car, I listen to Donnie Mckurland’s “Walking in Authority,” especially when I am on my way to work in the morning

What has been your most rewarding experience at Plaza so far?
Just attending Plaza gives me a sense of relief. I know I am doing well in school and am working towards something positive that will pay off in the future. It is also paying off now because I am able to use what I have learned at Plaza in my everyday life.

Finish this sentence: To me, Plaza College is
The greatest reward for the future.

Professor Jonathan Howle on Tamesha Miller
“Whenever I have had a long day or am feeling burned out – I think of Tamesha Miller and am immediately energized. She is a fierce reminder of why I love teaching. She is the kind of student whose enthusiasm and hunger for learning are infectious; they invigorate an entire classroom. Her professionalism, humanity, great humor, and abundance of energy transcended our film class, field trips, and Freshmen Orientation, at which she spoke beautifully in May 2010. I also had the great honor of meeting her son, Adonis, on one of our field trips. At the age of 13, he is already such a gentleman; you can look in his eyes and tell that his mother is his greatest hero. In addition to working full-time, being a mother, and holding a high GPA – Tamesha also makes the best macaroni-and-cheese that I have ever tasted. (She made some for our end-of-the-semester pot luck dinner.) I’m from the south, so you know that’s a compliment! The sky is the limit for Tamesha Miller!”