Balancing Act

Senior Monique Simmons Juggles Work and Classes

By Angel' Fosset

            Senior Monique Simmons exemplifies the word dedication. She is a New Orleans native who moved to Maryland in 2004 to further her education. She transferred to Bowie in the fall of 2007 from Prince George's Community College to major in sociology with a concentration in criminal justice.

            Simmons currently works at the Federal Aviation Administration full-time, CarMax part- time and is a full- time student. And although she has a busy work schedule and little spare time, she still manages to maintain a 3.2 grade point average. With all that's going on she said that she "remained focused on the goal and kept school first."

            It is very easy to have your concentration broken when money comes in play. Many people stay away from what is most important, to seek immediate gratification. Building a career takes time, patience and determination and Simmons has displayed them all. She excels in her career and in her education. She is a great role model and mentor to teens. She is very genuine and passionate in helping others. Her selfless acts are not unnoticed she stated that she believes she's "truly best, I love where I am at in my life and where I am going."

            Simmons's educational career will not end at Bowie State she plans to attend the University of Baltimore in the spring to get her master's degree in Criminal Justice. After graduate school she wants to be an advocate for delinquent juveniles. She stated that her favorite quote is by Cornell West "In order to help the people you must love the people. And in order to save the people you have to serve the people."

In following the words of West, Simmons plans to open her own youth center for troubled teens, in New Orleans and the District of Columbia-area. She believes that education and giving back is key. In order to make things better one must be willing to sacrifice, all great things are worth working for. She stated that Bowie State has been great experience, from attending interesting classes such as "criminalistics" and meeting new people.