Graduate Spotlight: Tanas is inspired by parents in pursuit of college degree
Kim Chaudoin |
Germeen Tanas knew from a young age that her parents were willing to make significant sacrifices to provide the best life possible for her and her brothers when they moved thousands of miles from her native Cairo, Egypt, to Florida.
Tanas and her family came to America with little financial resources and the transition was challenging. Before long, they moved from Florida to Nashville seeking better jobs — traveling by bus with no money for plane tickets. Within the first week of staying with some family friends, Tanas’s father found a job and the family was able to start a new life in Nashville.
“Despite the difficult transition, my parents were always present during my childhood, driving us to and from school, encouraging us to go to church, supporting our hobbies, and pushing us to make friends,” explains Tanas. “They made it a priority to always be there for my brothers and me.”
Tanas’ parents were determined their children would pursue a college education believing that to be a vital component of a successful future.
“My parents graduated from university in Egypt and had degrees that they were not able to use when we moved to the (United) States,” explains Tanas. “Their end goal was to see me walk the stage at my college graduation, get the job of my dreams and have opportunities they didn't have.”
Her parents will be able to do just that on Saturday, Dec. 16, when she celebrates the completion of her undergraduate degree in English from Lipscomb University, the second in her family to earn a college degree in America.
When looking for a university to pursue her educational goals, Tanas said she chose Lipscomb because it is a Christ-centered university as well as its size, which fosters a rich community life.
“I love seeing at least five people I know every time I walk from building to building,” she says. “I was able to make many strong lifelong connections with my professors and the staff at Lipscomb which led me to many wonderful opportunities. Even though I was a commuter student, Lipscomb has felt like home to me for the past three-and-a-half years. I'm grateful for all those who poured into me and treated me like family.”
As an English major in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Tanas says she has always loved reading and writing, but her passion for it flourished at Lipscomb
“Every person in the English department has inspired me to follow my dreams even when the outcome was uncertain and to always have faith that God has a plan for my life that is even greater than I could have imagined,” shares Tanas. “I will miss hanging out in the English department in my free time and feeling like I was always among friends.”
While Tanas says each of her professors and mentors have had a tremendous impact on her time at Lipscomb, she says Kenna Tomberlin, administrative assistant in the Department of English and Modern Languages, has been a particular blessing.
“In her, I found both a friend and a mentor. She has truly been a light in my life,” Tanas says. “I see God's love shining through her so effortlessly. She was always there to listen, help and guide me whether I had a personal or academic challenge. She prayed with me and for me all the time, and I think her prayers have played a big role in where I am today. She always knows the perfect Bible verse to read me.”
Tanas has advice for current students. “Take in these moments and be present for them. They are so precious and short,” she encourages. “Don't be afraid to be who God intended for you to be and to share your gifts with the world.”
Completing her undergraduate degree is a milestone that Tanas says is bigger than just her personal accomplishment.
“Reaching this point feels like all of my parents' hard work has finally paid off. My goal is always just to make them proud, but in the process, I've also made myself proud,” she says. “I am blessed to have a father and mother who left their lives behind so that I could have a better one. I pray to one day be half as extraordinary as them.”
“My college years were some of the most challenging of my life, but they were also the most fulfilling,” continues Tanas. “My years at Lipscomb were filled with joy, laughter, and so much personal, spiritual, and academic growth.”
After graduation, Tanas plans to start her career in content writing. She also wants to pursue a master's degree one day.