"Experiences shape who a person becomes. Some people take life for granted and never think about the choices they have made or the series of events that brought them to the present," Clement says. "I used to be one of those people." Clement met computer shop owner named Pat Cobb in spring 2001 and convinced Pat to let her work for her in exchange for a computer. After only three weeks, she had earned herself a computer.

Clement now builds computers for students who cannot afford to buy one. "One student in particular cannot attend regularly scheduled classes because of her permanent disability," she says. "By giving her a computer system, she can complete the classes she needs to obtain her degree via the internet." Clement also voluntarily fixes computers for people who can't afford to have them fixed otherwise. "It's just one way I can repay the kindness that was shown to me."

Additionally, Clement shines in her leadership roles as president of the Xi Phi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and a student ambassador. Upon taking over the presidency, she led her chapter in a new direction. The group has raised money for the March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, and Ronald McDonald House. She is a capable listener who believes in being an active participant and leading by example, not by directives. "I feel that it's important to teach others to be self-aware, to be understanding, to strive for diverse perspectives, and to work as a team," Clement says. "It's also very important to be diplomatic, to seek out the best way to resolve conflict, and to be able to motivate people."

Clement prides herself on being a self-taught computer whiz. She was working at a clothing distributor without a tech department when she realized just how integral computers really were. The only technicians the company used were in Pennsylvania, so when computer problems arose, it would take months to fix them. "I began doing research and reading manuals and tech guides," Clement says. "I would call the techs in Pennsylvania and discuss problems we were having and I could fix them over the phone. One thing led to another, and I became the first PC tech in the Florida division. Now, I find my knowledge is a way to help people who can't afford the exorbitant fees that most tech houses charge."

Currently working on her A.A. in English literature, Clement hopes to one day teach at the college level. Dr. Rhonda Morris from LCCC is responsible for Clement's love of literature. "I was so challenged by her class that I took another class with her the following semester," she says. "It was then that I realized that I wanted to be a teacher. I want to be an inspiration and to share my experiences and joys of literature with others." She's also putting together her application for Oxford University in England, but her ultimate goal is to come back to Lake City Community College and teach. Clement attributes her success to her family, friends and co-members, faculty and staff. "Without any one of them, I wouldn't be where I am today," she says. "When I find myself struggling with anything, I know I have their support. We work together as a team to get each other through the difficult times and celebrate together when we realize our successes."

Clement's greatest challenge is being a non-traditional student. Because she was settled in the work environment and became financially independent, Clement didn't realize how things would change once she went back to college. She had to learn how to juggle her time and responsibilities as well as budget her money. "I would have to say that my greatest success is that I have learned to juggle my responsibilities and still have time for my family and friends," she says.

Her successes are many, her service to her school and community is immense, and she is still striving to do more. "Pat taught me that it takes just a little of my time and effort to make a big difference in someone else's life, but those people whom I've helped have touched my life in return," Clement says. "The greatest gift I can give to myself is to give to someone else."

Contact Clement at clementk@lakecitycc.edu.