Cambria Klement, Ulysses, graduated from Northeast this past December with two degrees, an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science in Elementary Education. She is currently enrolled this semester at the College to take further advantage of a number of academic courses available to her before she pursues a Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and School Counseling from Wayne State College this fall.
Klement credits two family members, in particular, in her motivation to become an educator. One is her sister, Ella.
Klement said she has spent her life learning from Ella, diagnosed with a genetic brain disorder, and applies these lessons in her own life and career. She says her sister has taught her to face her fears, push through battles, and to always be true to herself.
“Ever since Ella was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, she has taught me more and more about myself and helped me decide that I want to help others just like I help her,” Klement said. “I want to be able to make life as easy as possible for young kids and adults.”
In addition, Klement calls her father her greatest role model. As a business owner, Michael Klement was able to teach his daughter early on about the value of hard work and education and instill a work ethic within her that has molded her into a driven leader and role model for others.
“My Dad, who is my role model, owns his own business which is right across the street from the house I grew up. This allowed me to be able to help him and learn firsthand what it was like to go to work every day from the time I was five-years old.”
At Northeast, Klement is a member of the college’s TRIO Student Support Program, a federally-funded academic program that serves and assists income-eligible individuals, first-generation college students and those with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs.
For her dedication to her education and to others, Klement has been named TRIO’s February Student of the Month at Northeast Community College, an award that recognizes outstanding students who excel both in and out of the classroom.
In addition to TRIO, Klement has been involved in the Northeast Student Education Association and has earned induction into the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She has worked as one of two TRIO Summer Boot Camp counselors and has extended that position this past semester as a role model for freshmen TRIO students. During her academic journey at Northeast, Klement has been named to the Dean’s list multiple semesters.
“TRIO has helped me become more involved on campus by showing me what opportunities are available to me,” she said.
Mary O’Boyle, Northeast education instructor, said Klement possesses many innate qualities that will make her an outstanding teacher and a real asset to the profession.
“Cami is responsible, committed, and serious in pursuing her career and in making a difference in this world,” O’Boyle said. “She effectively manages many opportunities in her life and is an inspiration for others.”
Northeast TRIO Advisor Brandi Rossman calls Klement a true example of a leader. She said she is responsible, driven, and works hard to achieve her goals.
“She is also a great role model for younger students and a lot of them look up to her. I am very proud of what Cami has accomplished and look forward to seeing her achieve all her dreams,” Rossman said.
The TRIO Student of the Month Award recognizes outstanding students who have been accepted into the program. Each month, a participating TRIO student is selected for the award based upon their work in TRIO and other activities on campus or in the community. Award winners receive a plaque from the TRIO program and have their photo placed in the “TRIO Program Student of the Month” Achievement Recognition board.
The board, located in the TRIO office, features the theme True Leaders. TRIO staff members define true leaders as those who are first to strive and who give their all for the success of the team. True leaders are first to see the need, envision the plan, and empower the team for action.
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PHOTO CUTLINE
Cambria Klement, Ulysses, a graduate who has earned Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degrees in Elementary Education at Northeast Community College, (right) is presented the February TRIO Student Support Services Program Student of the Month award by Brandi Rossman, TRIO advisor, during halftime of the Northeast-Quakerdale Prep Academy men’s basketball game recently in Norfolk. The award recognizes outstanding TRIO students who excel both in and out of the classroom.