Life is a series of short stories.
English Professor Cody Miller shared two of his with 17 Psi Sigma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa honor society inductees April 22 in Southwestern Michigan College’s Mathews Conference Center West.
“Short stories pertain to smaller problems,” Miller said. “Each starts with an incident that pushes the protagonist to where they must make some type of choice. You can reflect on and learn from stories because they happen over and over again. Yes, I just described life as a never-ending series of problems for people to solve, which is a bit pessimistic, but that’s not the message we’re looking for about hard choices we continually make.”
After the “reeling” math major scored 67 on a Calculus III test, “which defined me at that moment,” Miller told an audience that included Dean of Arts and Sciences Dr. Keith Howell, who gave him that “crushing” grade. “He was just as surprised as me,” said Miller, who rebounded to a perfect score.
“That’s my story of redemption. I went from questioning my major to being a hero in my own story. College students face moments like this multiple times. Remember your moments of previous triumph to make smart choices in tough times. One single story does not define you.”
“Characters interacting and helping each other solve problems are stories. My SMC hiring was a dream I thought I’d have to wait years for until it unexpectedly came true. I needed a team to help reach my potential, like Iron Man had the Avengers and Batman had the Justice League. My team has saved the day more times than I can count as I strive to do my best, persisting in experience after experience. The other inductees, your communities, SMC, your instructors and your families are part of your team if you reach out to them. Believe in yourself. Get back up every time you’re knocked down.”
Miller, who teaches freshman composition and creative writing, started at SMC as a student in 2005. He earned his bachelor’s degree in English and mathematics from Indiana University South Bend and added an IUSB master’s degree with a specialty in creative writing in 2014.
President Leticia Marquez plans to work as a hospital phlebotomist technician, attending the University of Michigan this fall on a full-ride scholarship. She is the student speaker April 30 for the School of Arts and Sciences graduation.
Vice President Grace Orpurt graduates with a biology/pre-medical professional degree and plans to attend Southeast Technical Institute, Sioux Falls, S.D., to become an ultrasound technician.
Treasurer Kyna Johnson graduates in general studies and will transfer to Western Michigan University to pursue a bachelor’s in workforce education and development and, eventually, a master’s in organizational management.
Emily Adams graduates after summer semester in general studies, then majors in writing at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) this fall.
Nursing major Lauren Ahonen, projected to graduate in the fall of 2024, plans to work as an obstetrical nurse while continuing her education by applying to U of M.
Tatyanna Blaylock is graduating next spring with a health information technology degree and getting married in the fall of 2023.
Niki Britton, business major, finished her degree at the end of the fall 2021 semester and works in the field.
Erin Burggraf graduates with a general studies degree and completes her tribal leadership certification in the fall.
Allie Conner graduates with her general studies degree, then pursues a public relations and advertising major at GVSU.
Zyren Gilbert graduates in general studies, then studies cardiovascular sonography at GVSU.
Kisha Heaggans graduates in health information technology next spring, then sits for the RHIT examination to advance her current career with Beacon Health System.
Thomas Bentley, entrepreneurship major, graduates in the spring of 2023, transferring for his bachelor’s degree in either creative writing or strategic communication.
Shante Jenkins graduates in information technology help desk and starts a job in May at PEI-Genesis, a connector cable company.
Anne-Marie Latourette graduates and transfers to an Upper Peninsula university to major in technical theatre.
Jose Medina graduates in criminal justice and transfers to GVSU for bachelor’s and master’s degrees in higher education.
Isaac Pitsch graduates in social science and plans to transfer to Michigan State University for an anthropology degree.
Criminal justice major Shelby Whitaker attends GVSU this fall with a dream of entering the Michigan State Police.
Maiya Buckner majored in general studies, but after graduating next spring, plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Spanish travel translation.
PTK is co-advised by Colleen Welsch, director of library services, and Hailey Sheets, Communications Department chair, who draped inductees with stoles to be worn with commencement regalia as her sister called their names. PTK, established in 1918, boasts more than 3.5 million members in the United States and 10 nations.
