Two extraordinary students, two extraordinary stories

Friday, May 4th, 2007

Suzanne Mayo and Quaumeeka Saunders have prevailed over mountain-sized obstacles.

For their tenacity and humanity, the two family studies and community service students were honored at the Extraordinary Student Award Banquet Wednesday (May 2) in the Student Union.

A graduate student, Suzanne Mayo plans to return to her home state of Louisiana and lead a historically black university. Her dissertation topic is families whose members are incarcerated.

Multiple health problems have not deterred her from single-mindedly pursuing her life’s goal of getting a PhD.

Suzanne Mayo, 47, has survived breast cancer and brain tumors. She struggles against Multiple Sclerosis and recently was diagnosed with adult ADD.

Most extraordinary is her consistently cheerful and optimistic spirit, said Grace Hwang, assistant professor in leadership studies who nominated her.

Her many accomplishments include a 13-year-old son Destin and mentor to African-American student athletes.

Quaumeeka Saunders, known to friends as Meeka, grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, surrounded by poverty and crime. Violence took a harsh toll on Quaumeeka’s family.

Family resisted her efforts to attend college. Quaumeeka said she had to “sneak out” to fill out application forms. She encouraged her sister, Quauishan, who now attends K-State, too.

University life challenged Quaumeeka.

Because she missed some essentials in her high school education, the K-State freshman struggled. She had a lot of catching up to do. And catch up she did.

Adviser Rebeca Paz said, “That first year presented her with academic and personal challenges that would keep many at-risk freshmen out. She persevered.” The PILOTS Program gave her a $500 scholarship for outstanding accomplishment, integrity and character.

When faced with blatant racism, Quaumeeka counted each instance a lesson learned, emerging as a strong advocate in the fight against discrimination and social injustice.

She works at Kramer Cafeteria to put herself through school. She spent semester break in New Orleans rebuilding homes.

Quaumeeka hopes to graduate in May 2008 and work with children, perhaps in the foster system.

“I love children,” she said, “I want to give children a voice. I want to listen to what troubles them and concerns them.”

Paz is confidant Quaumeeka will make an impact.

“She experienced poverty, inequality and tragedy. She chose to persevere, to treat people with kindness in moments when the world was not being kind to her.”

Paz added: “Quaumeeka is strong, extra-ordinarily strong, teaching us all through action.”

This entry was posted on Friday, May 4th, 2007 and is filed under Dean's Blog.