People

By Ilene Greenfield

Megan McCarthy, who graduated this spring with an Associate in Arts degree, enjoys making connections with other people.  While enrolled at Palm Beach State College, McCarthy took classes live online, online and in person at the Palm Beach Gardens campus, but learning in person was her favorite.

“As you continue to pursue a degree or career, you will have people to talk to who understand the dedication it took to get to where you are now,” she said.

McCarthy enrolled in the associate degree program at PBSC after earning her high school diploma. She admits to pushing herself when it comes to maintaining good grades and served as vice president of communications for the Alpha Gamma Sigma Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society at the Palm Beach Gardens campus.

Working Collaboratively Brings People Together
“We had just returned to meeting in person after the pandemic,” said PTK Gardens campus advisor Kerry-Ann Brown. “Megan had a great work ethic and brought many ideas to the table. She worked well as a team player, very collaboratively, and has a manner that is calming. This helped others step away from being divisive. She is engaging and encouraged student participation.”

McCarthy took the initiative to survey PTK Gardens campus chapter members. The group found out what activities would be of most interest.  As a result, chapter members became engaged and participated in a movie night, an ice cream social, and orientations to welcome new members, for example.

McCarthy’s mom inspired her to pursue her education.  Witnessing what her parents achieved as young immigrants and seeking to build upon that experience, like them, McCarthy hopes to own a successful business someday.

Seek Opportunities to Grow Your Network
McCarthy builds upon the connections she has made with many people through her PBSC experience and seeks additional opportunities to broaden her network.  She speaks with residents at the assisted living facility owned by her parents, and she had the opportunity to meet students and leaders from the United States and around the world at the Phi Theta Kappa Catalyst Conference held in Columbus, Ohio, in April.  At the recent PBSC Honors College celebration, McCarthy, who maintained a 4.0 grade-point-average, received the Academic Leadership Excellence Award.

“Learn time management,” McCarthy said when asked about advising others considering furthering their education. “Learning to divide an equal amount of time into each class is an advantage.  Take note of your due dates for tests and homework.  If you know this, you can balance school and life.”

McCarthy continues to widen her connections in other aspects of her life, too. She represents her hometown as a delegate in the Miss Florida USA competition this year.  In her spare time, McCarthy likes to travel and go to the beach.