Katreena Kirkland Named April Student of the Month at UNM-Valencia

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From left: Dr. Claudia Barreto and Katreena Kirkland

LOS LUNAS, NM (04/20/2012)(readMedia)-- Katreena Kirkland was in disbelief when she was named the April Student of the Month at UNM-Valencia. Her award was presented to her in Dr. Claudia Barreto's Anatomy and Physiology II class.

"I am in shock," she said later. "It blew me away."

Dr. Barreto would argue that Kirkland shouldn't have been surprised. On the nomination form Dr. Barreto wrote, "Treena is an exceptional scholar. She takes a full load of difficult courses every semester. She always comes to class prepared and anxious to learn...In class she is attentive, asks discerning questions, and adds greatly to our class discussions."

It was also noted by Dr. Barreto that Kirkland is involved in the community as Kirkland is an active volunteer for the Belen Public Library and she helps senior citizens in the community with their household chores.

At the Valencia campus, Kirkland works at the learning center as a tutor. She tutors her fellow students in English, biology and chemistry. She admitted that "anything science" is what she prefers to tutor.

"English is not my favorite subject," she said, "but I can do it if I have to."

Kirkland plans to apply to the Associate Degree in Nursing program at the campus next academic year. She wants to become a registered nurse but really hasn't decided on a specialty as yet.

She has faced some interesting challenges in her schooling over the years. Kirkland was home schooled where she grew up in Holland, MI. Her brother, Sammy, who is also a student at UNM-Valencia, was also home schooled.

Her first encounter with a classroom was her first semester at UNM-Valencia. She admitted she didn't know if she would like campus life.

"But it's been a good experience," Kirkland said. "It's different from being home schooled. You are around people a lot more, and that is very different."

One adjustment she said she had to make in coming to college was the extra homework and making study plans. Kirkland said that with home schooling, everything was self-paced. But deadlines have to be met in college.

Another obstacle Kirkland has tackled is dyslexia. At UNM-Valencia, Kirkland receives assistance through captioning on visual presentations and extra time for taking exams.

"Sometimes you have to try harder than others do, but you can do just as well," she said. "Some people live with dyslexia and don't think about it, but they should ask for extra help."

Does she have any advice for someone who has been home schooled and is leery of taking college classes?

"Just try it," she said. "It's not right for everybody. There are always online courses if it doesn't feel comfortable, but you won't know till you try it."