Chapter Officers

2012 - 2013 TWU Chapter Officers

 

 

Yvonne Thomas, President

Town where you live: Dallas

Degree you are earning: Family Sciences

Major: Master of Science in Family Studies

What do you want to do with your degree? I would like to own and operate an adult care and learning facility.  The elderly generation is of utmost importance to all of us. They are the ones that have paved the way for our future. In this day in time, the elderly generation is not given the proper honor and respect for their contributions to family life and society. I would like to help make a change in how the younger generation in today’s society perceives, honors, and respects the elderly generation.

If you have free time, how do you like to spend it? I spend my free time with family members and close friends because family is of utmost importance to me and I truly enjoy all the time I am blessed to spend with them. In addition to spending time with family, I spend a lot of time on the following inspirational ventures:

1. Capturing special memories and past experiences of elderly family members so that I can pass the information to the younger generation of my family

2. Encouraging others to pursue their dreams and goals

3. Maintaining and updating the Thomas-McCowan family website

4. Mentoring young adults

5. Photographing special moments

6. Praising and serving God and sharing his word through inspirational writings

7. Publishing the monthly Thomas-Mccowan family newsletter

8. Teaching young women how to cook from scratch

9. Teaching elderly individuals how to maneuver through innovated technological devices and operate a computer (computer-related functions, software, e-mail, etc.)

10. Writing an inspirational book that I would like to publish sometime soon

11. Writing motivational poetry and inspirational short stories

12. Writing the 3^rd edition of the “Thomas Family and Friends Blood and Spiritual Ties” book

Why did you want to be an EOE Officer? I would like to assist in promoting online excellence and success, assist in encouraging and motivating others to complete or obtain their education, and assist in promoting the Epsilon Omega Epsilon Honor Society to all distance education students. Additionally, I would like to combine my ideas and talents with other EOE officers in an effort to help make a difference in areas that are of importance to online students and their education endeavors.

What advice do you have for distance learners? When you are always trying to conform to the norm, you lose your uniqueness, which can be the foundation for your greatness. So, color your own lines and DARE TO BE YOUR UNIQUE SELF! Distant education incorporates distinct individuals, who in turn will become distinguished members within society.

In what ways do you stay connected to TWU being a distant learner? I stay connected with TWU by maintaining close associations with various classmates and professors, being a member of the TWU Alumni, Epsilon Omega Epsilon Honor Society, and through membership in the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Share anything else you would like us to know about yourself?  As you can see, I have a great passion and love of family, and love being uniquely creative. I started a book club in 1995 - “Women in Unity” - because I love sharing special moments with family members and friends. In the year of 2000, I started another family and friends yearly venture - “The Thomas Family and Friends Taste of the World” (awesome cooking contest). There is always a deep-rooted feeling of joy when I am amongst family members and close friends.

 

Vanessa Patchen, Vice President

Town where you live: I live in Hurst, TX and I have lived here my entire life.  I grew up in Hurst and last year bought my own first home just a mile from the house I was raised in.  Obviously, I am a fan of the town!

Degree you are earning: Master of Library Science

Major: Library Science

What do you want to do with your degree? I want to work in my local community as a librarian helping patrons find the information that they seek.  I currently work in the circulation department at my local library and thoroughly enjoy the work that I do there.  I hope to continue doing this type of work but would be welcome to working in a public library youth department, as well. 

If you have free-time, how do you like to spend it? I spend my free time reading, listening to music, spending time with my puppies and trail riding with my husband on our dirtbikes. 

Why did you want to be an EOE Officer? I wanted to be an EOE officer to bring myself closer to the TWU community in the best way that I can – distance education.  Filling this role has given me an opportunity to expand my leadership skills and meet people throughout the TWU distance learning community. 

What advice do you have for distance learners? My best advice would be to stay ahead of the coursework in whatever way that you can.  Personally, I use a calendar (separate from work and personal) and I look at it every day.  I set goals for myself that are well in advance of deadlines to ensure that I do not feel pressured to complete assignments.  I also highly recommend keeping in contact with your professors by staying active on the discussion boards or through email. 

In what ways do you stay connected to TWU being a distant learner? I stay connected to TWU through Epsilon Omega Epsilon, Facebook, blackboard organizations, TWU’s website and staying active in the online community. 

Share anything else you would like us to know about yourself? I really look forward to working as an officer on EOE and I hope that I can offer a unique perspective for the distance education community. 

 

Eileena W Tran, Secretary

Town where you live: Houston

Degree you are earning: Masters of Business Administration (earned Aug 2011)

Major: Business Administration

What do you want to do with your degree? I hope to do some adjunct teaching in Finance on a college level and plan to participate in volunteer teaching for non-profit programs. I want to help equip people with skills to help them make better decisions with their money. My ultimate goal is to make Finance FUN so people will be interested in learning about it!

If you have free time, how do you like to spend it? I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I love travelling and exploring new and old places.

Why did you want to be an EOE Officer? It’s a great opportunity to stay involved with TWU as well as a way to give back what I’ve learned to the students and alumni.  

What advice do you have for distance learners? Stay focused! Be realistic about deadlines and don’t overextend yourself. Along with sticking to a schedule, make sure to reward yourself with OFF time. Don’t be afraid to ask your professors and fellow classmates questions, many times someone else is wondering the same thing. And lastly, enjoy the freedom of distance learning but don’t take it for granted!

In what ways do you stay connected to TWU being a distant learner? I stay connected to TWU happenings through contact with former classmates & professors, emails from various TWU orgs, newsletters, and social media (Facebook, Twitter). While a student, Blackboard was my very best friend because it always kept me connected to TWU J

Share anything else you would like us to know about yourself?  I believe that knowledge is the key that can open so many doors – and it’s not limited to what you learn in school but also in life, so everyone should give themselves the gift of always learning and re-learning things.