Suzanne Mortimer

Student

“Some people think SMC is just a ‘stepping stone.’ But I’m proud to say I go here, and I’d stay for four years if I could.”

What does the term ‘overachiever’ mean? A genius-level IQ? A huge ego? Perhaps in some cases. But overachievers are usually just people who know their limitations, apply themselves, are aware when they’ve got some problems, and aren’t afraid to ask for help. And that pretty well describes Suzanne Mortimer, board member of SMC’s Alpha Gamma Sigma Honors Society and future occupational therapist. “Coming out of high school, I was infantile, scattered, and not even thinking about college. I had—and still have—attention deficit disorder,” says Suzanne, “and I couldn’t read or concentrate.” But through some therapy, medical treatment, and her arrival at SMC, Suzanne has redefined herself.

“I feel such growth since coming here: I look at myself as an active part of society, not just as someone who wants to go out and hold down a job,” she says. “I see myself now as a mature young adult in all aspects: academically, socially, and in being drug-free.” Suzanne sends thanks to her SMC instructors, who “are just the best,” she says. “And the counselors too, like Patty Nakano, who gave me all kinds of insights into the transfer process,” she continues, “because I had no idea how to approach all that.”

Suzanne says that club involvement has also given her a great boost and sense of belonging. “One thing that’s good about our club is that we’re very interracial, which breaks down a lot of boundaries,” says the young woman who fronts for an alternative rock band. “And we’re not just for the ‘brains,’ either; we have a lot of great parties. But the serious work we do—volunteering, learning about leadership and legal issues, and raising money for scholarships—puts us in a good place to get the most out of our careers. And,” she admits with a laugh, “all this involvement looks pretty good on our transfer applications, too.”

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