Tracy Wasson of Harrisburg (left) receives a $50 check from Dr. Dana Keating, SIC Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, for winning the 2016 Paul Simon Essay Contest at Southeastern Illinois College.
A student essay reflecting on how life’s circumstances can guide you in a different direction than expected and also how the encouragement given at Southeastern Illinois College helps one to follow their passion has earned Tracy Wasson of Herod the 2016 Paul Simon Essay award at SIC.
“I am feeling both humbled and encouraged to have won this essay award,” said Wasson. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to have written about my community college and the many opportunities that SIC has not only offered myself but many others in our rural area.”
After graduation in May, Wasson, an Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) student, plans to continue finishing her pre-requisite classes for a Bachelor of Nursing. Her specific long term goal is to complete a Master of Nursing Management and Administration. After taking mission trips to Haiti, Wasson feels compelled to visit again, this time as a Registered Nurse.
Dr. Dana Keating, SIC vice president for academic and student affairs, congratulated Wasson on her award and presented her with a $50 check. Wasson’s essay will be entered into the Illinois Community College Trustees Association’s Paul Simon Student Essay Contest at the state level. The winner of that contest will receive a $500 scholarship during an annual awards luncheon this summer in Normal.
SIC means opportunity for any person,” said Wasson. “It means a united force of many people, with diverse backgrounds that collaborate together to form a beautifully, yet tightly interwoven support system that empowers individuals to reach their goals. I am honored to be part of such a wonderful support system. Simply stated, SIC has changed my life, an impact I hope to have on future patients that I come across in my career.”
For more information on the contest, call 217-528-2858, ext. 1.
