Outstanding Students

Tiffany Lewis

Q: Where are you from? (city, state) 

A: Muscatine, Iowa 

Q: Why did you choose Kirkwood? 

A: I wanted to further my education at Kirkwood because the staff was very welcoming. Kirkwood is known for helping students prepare for University level entry and I wanted to be as prepared as possible before taking the next step.  

Q: What is your major and how did you choose it? 

A: I am a music major. I have always wanted to use music to heal those who are suffering. I want to research how we can implement music into the therapeutic properties of healing medicine.   

Q: What has been your proudest moment at Kirkwood?  

A: My proudest moment was after my first semester as an adult learner and returning student. The staff at Kirkwood welcomed me back with open arms and strove to look toward the future and lead by example with acceptance and made me feel comfortable. I was proud of how Kirkwood approaches making sure everyone feels included. Diversity is important at Kirkwood and the staff are amazing at focusing on the future no matter what differences, disabilities, or mistakes were made in the past. Kirkwood is highly supportive in helping their students achieve their goals. Because of Kirkwood, I have been able to raise my GPA dramatically and have made great strides toward fulfilling my goals to get my associates degree and transfer to the University. 

Q: What are your plans after Kirkwood? 

A: I plan to transfer the U of I and obtain a bachelor’s degree in Music therapy research. I may also want to get a degree in substance abuse counseling and use that experience as a foundation for music therapy research. 

Q: What inspires or motivates you? 

A: My family is my greatest motivator. My parents, children, and husband have always believed and supported through all of the achievements and struggles. I couldn’t do it without them. 
 
Q: Tell us about who you are outside of Kirkwood – hobbies, family, other interests, etc. 

A: I am a mother of four. My children range from the ages of 19 to 3. My daughter and husband also attend Kirkwood. We are and education driven family. I have 3 younger children who are also attending school and we love to visit state parks together, go camping, participate in community outreach activities as a family through our church, gardening, cooking, and we like to go to concerts, when Covid is not stopping us.   
 
Q: What does be named an Outstanding Student mean to you? 

A: I love to help others as much as I can so I would like to use this recognition to let other students and those in the community know that I am here to help in any way I can. 

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add? 

A: I would like to thank Kirkwood and their staff for being uplifting and amazing leaders in education!  

Categories: Outstanding Students