Success Story of Marsha Sherrod

Ms. Sherrod was a participant of our Senior Job Training and Employment program between March 2017 and November 2017 (7 months) before her assigned host agency, Girls, Inc. hired her. When she came to us, one of her goals was to get her degree. Vera Kea, Meritan’s Associate Director of our Senior Employment program and others, including the host agency staff, encouraged Ms. Sherrod to take the steps towards achieving her degree.

Marsha Sherrod was retired after working 45 years in healthcare as an Infection Control Specialist. She is a mother, grandmother, and recently became a great-grandmother. Marsha is very family and church orientated, and she loves to travel, attend plays, listen to old school music, and dance. She works very hard by staying physically, mentally, and spiritually fit and healthy which brings her to where she is now. She has always had an interest in political affairs and the criminal justice system. Once she retired, Marsha thought to herself, “What better time for her to pursue her interest?” So, at 65 years old, she began her studies at Southwest Tennessee Community College majoring in Criminal Justice.

Marsha was asked, “What obstacles did you face during your journey of getting your degree?” Marsha responded, “I wouldn’t say obstacles because obstacles block one’s way prevents or hinders the process. I would say I encountered intellectual challenges that tested my ability to navigate through the technical aspects of learning i.e. Paws and online classes.”

Marsha also discussed her study abroad trip to Peru with Southwest TN Community College. She stated, “It was an interesting and enjoyable experience because I was able to meet new people and experiment with new cultures and history, including exploring the old city of Cusco and the modern city of Lima. The highlights of the trip were climbing Machu Picchu, which is a site of ancient Inca ruins and is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. I also enjoyed visiting the Sacred Valley of the Incas. I enjoyed eating Peruvian dishes such as grilled alpaca and roasted guinea pig.”

Marsha is very passionate about trying to make a difference and advocating for those that have a voice but that voice is not heard. Marsha is also an English honor student a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Alpha Sigma Lambda, and she graduated with honors and Magna Cum Laude with her Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Southwest Tennessee Community College at the age of 67. She graduated during a virtual ceremony on June 14th, 2020.

Marsha’s favorite life quote is - “To whom much is given, much is required.” Congratulations Marsha Sherrod. Meritan is so proud of you!