Mayland Community College student Gemma Mottern is Mayland's Student of the Month for September, 2008. Mayland's Student Government Association (SGA) developed the Student of the Month (S.O.M.) recognition program.

Mottern is a full time student working toward her Associate in Arts degree. She intends to attend East Tennessee State University in the fall and major in Biology, then continue her education at East Carolina University for her degree as a physician's assistant.

"I came to Mayland as a nontraditional student expecting to be out of place and for the most part, on my own," said Mottern. "What I found was an entire community from the faculty and staff to the students that really cared if I succeeded and how well I did. Mayland is truly a learning college and everyone there helps one another along the way."

Mottern, in addition to being a full time student, also works full time as a Paramedic Supervisor for Watauga Medics Inc. in Boone.

Each month a Mayland student is selected for recognition to receive gift certificates, an award, and a parking spot for simply "doing the right thing."

The nominator for Mottern said that, since the first time she walked on Mayland's campus, Gemma had been her 'Mayland mamma,' helping her and supporting her while in school.

As Student of the Month, Mottern will receive: a certificate of recognition, signed by Mayland's President Dr. Suzanne Owens, a designated parking spot for the month of July, a MCC book bag compliments of Mayland's Bookstore, and a minimum of $100 in gift certificates and awards from local merchants.

"Everyone at Mayland is treated with respect and equal importance," said Mottern. "I plan to graduate this coming spring, and hope to spread the 'Mayland school of thought' to my next college experience."

Mottern, her husband Nathan and son Jonathan Beck reside in Newland.