Class of 2020: With an early start in college, this grad is ready for business career
Tabitha Meers is one of the members of the Fall Class of 2020 chosen as a student speaker for the virtual commencement scheduled Saturday, Dec. 12, at noon. She is graduating with a B.B.A. in Human Resources Management.
Hometown: Akron, Ohio
High School: Akron Early College High School on the UA campus
Q: How did you come to choose your major?
A: When I was a sophomore in high school I was given the opportunity through The Law and Leadership Institute to complete a week-long internship at Buckingham Doolittle & Burroughs. The human resources manager spent a lot of time introducing us to everyone at the firm, taking us between meetings and even threw us a party at the end of the week. I enjoyed seeing what her day-to-day work consisted of, and a short while later, I declared my major as Human Resources Management.
Q: What brought you to The University of Akron?
A: I started walking The University of Akron’s campus at 14 years old while attending Akron Early College High School. Its office is located in the Polsky Building, but both my high school and college classes were scattered throughout campus. In 2018, I graduated from high school and, three days later, I received my Associate of Arts Degree from The University of Akron With Highest Distinction. I knew upon graduation I wanted to continue my education at The University of Akron. Even though I have never lived on campus, I have enjoyed attending Zips Programming Network events, getting involved in organizations and making lifelong friends. I am so thankful for the opportunities The University of Akron has given me. I couldn’t imagine attending any other university.
Q: What’s next?
A: I will be seeking employment in the field of Human Resources Management upon graduation.
Q: What college experience contributed the most to your personal growth?
A: I’ve been the president of Omicron Delta Kappa — the National Leadership Honor Society since May 2019. O∆K has been on The University of Akron’s campus since 1922 and is the eighth oldest chapter in the United States. I’ve served as a chapter representative, presided over meetings, participated in elections and initiated new members of the Circle. In February, I was recognized as the 2020 Circle Leader of the year. O∆K’s president role has helped me learn to balance leadership, extracurricular and academic responsibilities, which illustrates my discipline and diligence.
Q: Favorite campus activity?
A: The University of Akron Homecoming and Family Weekend.
Q: Where’s your favorite place on campus? Why?
A: Since I was a freshman, I always admired the Top 10 Senior wall in the Jean Hower Taber Student Union. In the spring of 2020, I was chosen as a Top 10 Senior and I am honored to have my name on the Top 10 Senior wall in the Student Union.
Q: What did you learn from your internship?
A: I completed an internship at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. During my internship I worked in Compensation, Benefits, and Talent Acquisition. I learned expanding PowerPoint and Excel skills are highly valuable. It is important to ask the right questions, to understand how all the parts of the company work together, and to know how to use various systems to recruit individuals.
Q: What’s your advice to incoming freshmen?
A: My advice is to do your very best academically, but also get involved on campus and in the community. Always remember nothing is impossible, whatever you are striving to achieve you can do it! You don’t have to give up making memories, having friends, attending events, or joining organizations. You can do all these things as long as you maintain balance, remain organized, do your assignments as you receive them and, most importantly, take one day at a time. Nothing in life is easy, but it will be worth it in the end.