Community, Family, and Addiction Services Student

Texas Tech University

Graduates in May 2013 – Trying to get a foot in the door!

Raised in a cotton field.

Born in a hospital.

Lubbock, Texas

April 11, 1991

I went to New Home High School in

New Home, Texas.

I graduated as the class Salutatorian in 2009.

While at New Home,

I was heavily involved in basketball.

Although I had to fight injuries, at the

end of my career I had earned

the titles of All-State guard, 1st Team

All-Region guard, and District MVP.

I was offered a scholarship to play

collegiate-level ball at Lubbock

Christian University.

However…

I was also involved in One Act Play.

I competed at the state level two years

in a row. I was honored with State

All-Star cast both years.

I was also offered a full-ride theater

scholarship at Western Texas College.

Undergraduate Experience

I moved to Levelland, Texas and

attended South Plains College

from September 2009 to May 2011.

I worked an internship at

Saint Michael’s. I ended up

becoming the junior high youth

minister. The program ended up

having over 130 teens

participate.

I first started out as a Pre-Engineering

major. I then changed to General Studies.

Through youth ministry, I

realized I had a knack for

counseling.

In September 2011,

I attended my first

semester at Texas Tech

University.

I have become heavily involved in the Catholic Student Association.

In the CSA, I am involved in Dinner Theater and DYRT.

Although I’m not involved in much with the Human Sciences department yet,

I plan on changing that very soon.

I chose to major in

something with the

College of Human

Sciences.

Undergraduate Experience My current major is Community, Family, and Addiction Services.

I mainly chose this major because my family itself has struggled with

addiction for years. Plus, I find the dynamics of a family fascinating.

I am currently a Junior, so graduation is getting closer and closer!

Classes I have taken so far:

Since I attended SPC and got most of the basic courses out of the way,

the majority of the classes I have taken at Tech have been more

oriented to my major.

I have taken several classes

that have been strictly about

addiction. I have learned how

it is a disease of the brain, and

I’ve learned about how it can be

treated.

My favorite class thus far is one that I am currently taking this semester.

It is titled “Family Dynamics of Addiction”. This is focused on exactly what

I am interested it.

A few of my own plans…

I am currently applying to do a summer practicum during this upcoming

summer at Catholic Family Services in Lubbock. I will work 300 hours

within two summer sessions if I get the job.

Hopefully, this opportunity will give me a little bit of a foot in the door,

because I would love to work at a place like this after graduation.

Extracurricular Activities

I am involved in a music

ministry called The Promise.

In the last 3 years, we have

ministered to over 500 teens.

I play piano, bass, and guitar.

Extracurricular Activities

I am also involved

in a faith-based

community called

ACTS.

ACTS is an acronym

for Adoration,

Community,

Theology, &

Service.

The community puts on weekend retreats for men and women…

From all walks of life.

Being a part of these ministries has challenged me to grow in

maturity, spirituality, and responsibility. They have also helped

me sharpen the people skills I’ll need for my future career.

Bottom line…

I love people. I have a passion for them.

I want to help change lives in a positive way. I believe that

is what I was created to do.

Graduates in May 2013 – Trying to get a foot in the door!

Community, Family, and Addiction Services Student

Texas Tech University

e: mary.j.maeker@ttu.edu

p: 806-787-1982

m: 370 US Highway 87

Lubbock, TX 79423