Success is Elemental for Maureen Tanner
If you can read this, you have something in common with Maureen Tanner. With the ink barely dry on her degree from the University of Missouri in biochemistry, Maureen already has her eyes on a graduate degree and, ultimately, medical school.
“I always knew that I had a science aptitude,” said Maureen. “Not only did I understand the concepts, I knew that there was a good forecast for employment and work that made a difference in people’s lives.”
Made from strong timber, Maureen wasn’t afraid to sign on to become a pioneer at Cristo Rey. As an eighth grade student at Lee A. Tolbert Community Academy, Maureen put her hand up to join Cristo Rey’s first class of freshmen. In addition to working one day per week in a corporate setting, Maureen grabbed a hold of every conceivable opportunity the school offered.
Reflecting on her time at Cristo Rey, Maureen said, “The health profession summit that I attended every summer at MU made becoming a doctor seem possible. I met with medical students, doctors, residents, and people in every stage of reaching their goal.”
Demonstrating the she understood the networking lesson learned through the Cristo Rey Corporate Work Study Program, Maureen added, “I stayed in touch with Dr. Ellis Ingram, a Dean at the University of Missouri School of Medicine.”
Dr. Ingram became a mentor to Maureen and ultimately hired her to work as a coordinator of a precollege program for middle and high school students. While in college, Maureen worked part time for the CALEB Science Club, which provided students with mentors and exposure to science and health care professions.
“I planned events for the club, which grew to 50 to 60 students and was proud to see our students graduate from high school and enter college programs in the sciences,” said Maureen.
Currently, Maureen works at Marrillac Center, an in-patient treatment facility for youth and adolescents with psychiatric disorders. “The job has taught me patience and allowed me to be thankful for what I had growing up in my family.”
In all of her spare time, Maureen keeps her eyes on the prize: being back in school in a graduate program by the fall of 2015.
As parting advice to the students of Cristo Rey, Maureen said, “Don’t be afraid of detours. There is always an alternate route to your destination. And, know your math! Mathematics affects your understanding of so many life situations - from interest rates to recognizing a substantial savings on a purchase. Know your math!”