Tamara Krause

Balancing Act

Tamara Krause
Florida Community College, Class of 2006

Tamara Krause is a busy woman. Double major. President of Phi Theta Kappa. Recipient of countless awards and scholarships. Community volunteer. Wife and mother of four. And through it all, tirelessly, relentlessly enthusiastic.

Tamara loves the “intimate” atmosphere of Kent Campus. She feels that all the faculty and staff are deeply committed to students and has a hard time singling out just one or two. “I would like to thank Wayne Singletary and Rebecca Ford; both professors truly love what they teach and are willing to go the extra mile to help their students succeed. I would recommend both to any student who is willing to put forth the effort in class and likes a challenge.”

Tamara definitely likes a challenge. She returned to school after 18 years in the work force after suffering an injury on the job with the Postal Service. She began classes at Florida Community College in 2004, and joined the honor society Phi Theta Kappa almost immediately. It only took a few service projects and she was hooked, eventually becoming president last July.

A highly abbreviated list of the organizations Tamara has worked with through PTK include: Habijax, the Donna Hicken Foundation, Hubbard House and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. She also mentors at Annie R. Morgan elementary several times a month. Her list of awards and scholarships for academics and community service is equally too long to fully list. Her most recent accomplishment is being named to the 2006 All-Florida Community College Academic Team (first team) and the All-USA second team. For more information about Tamara’s awards, recognitions and volunteer service, please see the sidebar page.

How does she balance it all? In addition to Susan Lewis, counselor and advisor for Phi Theta Kappa, who Tamara calls “an excellent mentor,” she credits her family.

“My husband Gary was the one who encouraged me to go back to school. He spends a lot of time taking care of our four children (ages 4, 8, 16 and 18) while I study or am off doing service activities. My success would not be possible without the love and support of my family. They deserve an award for putting up with my schedule over the last two years!”

Tamara will graduate May 6 with an associate in arts and an associate in science degree in legal assisting, and will start classes this fall at Jacksonville University. She’s planning to eventually enter law school at the University of Florida, but thanks to her work with organizations like the American Cancer Society, she’s been thinking about a career in the non-profit sector. Perhaps one day she’ll return to Florida Community College to teach legal courses and become an advisor for Phi Theta Kappa.

She wants to give back to the organization that affected her time here so positively. “I have gained public speaking and organizational skills, friendships that will last a lifetime, as well as a sense of pride in representing an organization that seeks to improve the lives of those around us. Phi Theta Kappa is so much more than a notation on your transcript or a special seal on your diploma; it will change your life.”

To see other students and faculty members that have been featured on the College’s home page, visit our Spotlight archive.