Patrick Martin: Finding his (musical) wings
Before enrolling in Meridian Community College, Patrick Martin admits he was a reserved and quiet person.
"I always took a back seat and watched," this newly graduated MCC student said.
"However, through the many experiences and opportunities MCC has given me, I feel like I can take on the world," he said.
With the help of scholarships, Martin has received financial assistance for his next step: pursuing a music education degree at the University of Southern Mississippi specializing in the choral arena. "I want to achieve my master's degree and eventually work at a high school or college teaching the great art of choral music," Martin said.
Martin received the Choral Service Music Major Scholarship and the Sammy Broadhead Memorial Scholarship, which was presented to him during MCC's Awards Night ceremony. “When I first started applying for universities, I wasn’t sure how I was going to pay for schooling," he said. "So, when the scholarships came through, I was relieved of a lot of pressure."
He credits his MCC instructor, Tammy Miles, for directing him to choral music. "When Mrs. Miles shared her testimony and how she got where she is, I started to rethink my major. She helped me to see what it would look like for me to pursue what I loved instead of something that was not my passion," he said.
“Now, through my major, I can go on and impact others the same way Mrs. Miles did for me," Martin added.
While at MCC, Martin was a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the international academic honor society, the Phil Hardin Foundation Honors College at Meridian Community College, the MCC Dimensions vocal ensemble, the MCC Choir, and an Ivy League student recruiting team. He was also celebrated as a member of the Circle of Excellence during graduation. These graduates are saluted for their academic achievement, leadership, community service, and spirit.
He said, "MCC has given me the skills that I will take with me in all of my future endeavors."
Martin is the son of Patrick and Sonia Martin of Toomsuba.
To learn more about MCC's Music Department, visit meridiancc.edu/music.