Marcia Teresa Barnes

Student

“Being a student myself, I can always think of two million things to make education a better experience.”

“I’m majoring in broadcasting and bilingual studies and I’d like to go into radio, using a bilingual style format,” says Marcia Barnes. “I’d like to develop a variety of programs in Spanish, English and Portuguese and take it to my mother’s country, Brazil,” she says. “Ideally I would have a program that encompasses culture, politics, the arts and involves the man on the street. I want to be involved in broadcasting something that has meaning for everyone.” But Marcia, who is involved in many clubs on campus, has already found a niche where her efforts are enjoyed by a broad “audience.”

“I was the student government director of financial support but I’ve switched jobs because I wanted to work more on instructional issues,” says Marcia who also works ‘part time’ 30 to 35 hours a week. “Now I’m the commissioner for instructional support,” she says. “It’s my job to make sure that students receive what they need: computers, properly running equipment, tutors. I’m involved in making sure that everything’s updated and that departments and students are all getting what they need in terms of instructional assistance. And the best thing about my job is that I’m in touch with so many people,” she continues. “Students and teachers are always offering suggestions about what will keep the instructional level high.” And Marcia reports that the efforts of herself—and a lot of others—do seem to pay off.

“I hear from a lot of friends who have transferred from SMC,” she says. “And they tell me that SMC has really prepared them for a university, because this is a tough school. And when you really make the effort here, you’ve got all the background you’ll need when you arrive at a four-year school.”

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