Michelle Pecheck

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“A bachelor's degree is a necessary foundation for the public health work that I want to do. The only question was, which school would be the best fit for me -- and could I afford it? I found the perfect school and now I have this wonderful scholarship. I am blessed.”

  • Program: 2011 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Recipient
  • Resides: Placentia, CA
  • Hometown: Long Beach, CA
  • Age: 52

Biography

Profile: Scholar Michelle Pecheck has her own fan club.  There’s her husband and two grown children, and membership has been expanded to include just about anyone who has ever had contact with Michelle, who studied culinary arts at Long Beach City College (LBCC) near her Southern California home.  The 50-something Michelle went back to college after raising her two kids.  What’s next for Michelle?  A career in public health after attaining her undergraduate degree is her next goal.  But before she begins classes at her new college, the dedicated community service volunteer was planning on spending the summer of 2011 in Uganda teaching people how to preserve food during the hot dry summers there.  

Inspiration:  There are two instructors at LBCC that meant the world to Michelle . . . and still do. “Without a doubt, the teacher who influenced me the most was Chef/Instructor Pierre Jues,” she said.  From the first day of her first class, he and Michelle just seemed to “click.” Chef Pierre instructed Michelle in six classes that she needed for her major. “Chef Pierre introduced me to many topics outside of my major, gave me opportunities for growth and development and became my good friend.”  Michelle also had the “good fortune” to have Joanne Armenia as a mentor and “wonderful inspiration.” Ms. Armenia is the LBCC campus coordinator of Student Health Services and advisor to the women's Honor Society and become a wonderful friend to Michelle. “I would not be where I am today without their support and friendship.”

Aspiration:  A career in public health, specifically as a health educator, is just a few semesters down the road for Michelle.

Making a Difference: “I come from a family in which I will be the first one to earn a Bachelor's degree,” Michelle said recently after graduating with honors from LBCC.  “The attainment of higher education was always important to me, yet it always seemed to be just out of my reach. I resolved that this would not be the case when I had a family of my own, and that my children would be university graduates. I am very proud to say that I met this goal. My daughter graduated from Cal. State University-Long Beach in 2009 and my son is graduated from Cal. State University-Fullerton.”

Accolades:  Michelle was presented with The Viking Award from Long Beach City College (given to no more than 12 students per semester, out of 30,000 enrolled) and was awarded the President's Volunteer Council gold medal for community service (received from The White House).  But “the highest honor of all is being given two beautiful children to raise with a loving husband who has supported me in all I have done."

Interesting Fact:  A Southern California ocean-loving girl, Michelle is proud of the fact that she knows how to surf.  And she has a sweet tooth. “I am a complete chocoholic and have chocolate with me at all times!”

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