Tammie Morris
Member of The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
From Yucaipa, California
From Yucaipa, California
Six years ago I was given a terminal Stage IV cancer diagnosis. I will never forget when I asked my radiation oncologist what I was looking at facing. Her response was, Youll be gone in 18 months. to which I asked, and with treatment? Her response was a surprise. That is with treatment, without it, youll be gone in six.
So began a journey a period of introspection and living one day at a time as my body underwent severe radiation, chemotherapy, and surgeries. I wrote my will and I became as reconciled to my death as I think anyone in their 40s can become. The solitude and monotony of treatment left me exhausted but also with nothing to focus on except my impending death. I decided to go back to school to give myself something to focus on. I deteriorated for over two years. Then, against all odds, I didnt die. I hovered on the edge of it for about two months and slowly, oh so extremely slowly I began to improve.
Prior to my illness I spent many years as a small business owner and led a full life. My background was accounting but I wanted to change direction and learn more about people, so I choose sociology. Then due to the unwavering care of my husband Brendhan and the support of my family, I went into remission. I would live but all my assets have been consumed in living expenses and treatment over the last six years. I have undergone 15 surgical procedures in 11 surgeries, the most recent on January 27, 2020, with more to come. I am still currently unable to work. I am permanently disabled from the radiation damage and my daily physical care requires some ongoing assistance. But living requires earning a living so my decision to go to school was a fortuitous one. I am now looking into graduate school and where I want life to take me from here. I do not know where it is heading, but I know that I am grateful for being here for the ride.
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Kansas State University
California State University: Chico
Lake Tahoe Community College
Crafton Hills College
Tammie Morris Inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
Tammie Morris of Yucaipa, California, was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society. Morris was ini...
April, 08 2020 - Verified by The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
Tammie Morris was recognized for earning a spot on the Dean's List
Honoring superior scholarship
Fall 2019 - Spring 2020 -
Added by Tammie
Tammie Morris was recognized for earning an academic award
Dr. Andy Dick Faculty Choice Award
This is a new award for us, one you inspired. The sociology faculty wanted to recognize your
tremendous commitment to your education in the face of your health condition. That you have
never wavered in the pursuit of your degree, and that you continue to give your all to your
classes despite surgeries, illness, and pain, is incredible. Many students do not achieve a similar
level of academic success, even when they are not faced with the challenges and obstacles that you
have been facing. You have demonstrated not only your strong academic abilities but also
courage and determination. We applaud your commitment to your education, to sociology, and to
yourself.
The award is one that we named after our late colleague, Dr. Andy Dick. He was a beloved and
popular teacher, a prolific researcher, and a valued colleague. One of the things he insisted on
teaching his students was "to hold yourself to a higher standard" in being the best version of
yourself that you can be. Inspired by you, we have decided to give this award each year to a
student who has demonstrated exceptional courage, commitment and/or integrity in living out this
ideal. The sociology faculty agree that this perfectly describes you and your commitment to your
education.
Fall 2019 - Spring 2020 -
Added by Tammie
Tammie Morris was recognized for earning an academic award
Excellence to the Communication Studies Discipline
Spring 2019 -
Added by Tammie
Tammie Morris was recognized for earning a spot on the Dean's List
Honoring superior scholarship
Spring 2018 - Spring 2019 -
Added by Tammie