Marilyn explains that the trip will provide "an understanding of how a country's history and cultural traditions have influenced the current business environment … and are likely to impact its future."

Marilyn McGhee

2005 International Mission on Business

You might say that senior psychology major Marilyn McGhee is doing exemplary work in helping others do exemplary work. Marilyn, a graduate of James A. Shanks High School in Quincy, Florida, enrolled at FSU to study Performance Management, and has been doing a superior job of managing her own academic performance.

Google "collegiate honor societies" and you'll find many of the groups that have recognized Marilyn's achievements, including: Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Psi Chi (the National Honor Society in Psychology), and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She also was recently awarded a Charleston Partners ISD Scholarship.

The recognition has led to a unique opportunity. She was nominated by the National Society of Collegiate Scholars to participate in their 2005 International Mission on Business, which includes a travel mission to either China, Australia, or Central and Eastern Europe to be mentored by a region's prominent business leaders and international trade representatives.

Marilyn explains that the trip will provide "an understanding of how a country's history and cultural traditions have influenced the current business environment … and are likely to impact its future."

Her academic achievements elicit admiration. But see them in the context of her life situation, and we're likely to incline toward awe and wonder.

Before entering college, Marilyn was a single mother raising four children (currently ranging from 15–21 years old). She had no degree and worked at a job with limited prospects.

"I decided that it was not going to be a lack of education that kept me from doing something I wanted to do," she says.

So she began supporting her march toward her goal with work-study aid. She then increased her financial support through scholarships, grants, and part-time work.

"Now my four kids are so proud of me, and my daughter is enrolled at Tallahassee Community College."

How exquisitely apt that Marilyn is studying Performance Management, having managed her own performance so well.