{"id":225384,"date":"2025-01-10T15:07:36","date_gmt":"2025-01-10T20:07:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/?p=225384"},"modified":"2025-05-09T10:35:24","modified_gmt":"2025-05-09T14:35:24","slug":"from-ireland-to-america-former-waitress-and-chef-achieves-american-dream-of-a-college-degree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/newscenter\/2025\/01\/10\/from-ireland-to-america-former-waitress-and-chef-achieves-american-dream-of-a-college-degree\/","title":{"rendered":"From Ireland to America: Former Waitress and Chef Achieves American Dream of a College Degree"},"content":{"rendered":"

This is one of several stories highlighting\u00a0Winter Commencement 2025<\/a>\u00a0graduates who are pursuing the American Dream and have found a quality education and sense of belonging at Montclair State University.<\/em><\/p>\n

A trained chef, Jean-Marie Beeks, recalls chopping carrots with a 7-year-old girl in the South Bronx who confided in her that her mother had diabetes and her father was in jail. At the time, Beeks and a friend were running after-school programs in the Bronx and Brooklyn to teach children healthy cooking and eating habits. That moment, however, made her reevaluate her life.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy god, here we are chopping a carrot together, and this young child feels safe enough to tell me this stuff. I remember thinking, Where does my heart really lie? It’s not about chopping vegetables and healthy eating, it was the connection for me,\u201d Beeks says. \u201cIt was such a massive turning point for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

So, after 20 years in the food industry, first as a waitress and then running the programs, Beeks decided to pivot and study Family Science and Human Development<\/a> at Montclair State University’s College for Community Health<\/a>. As a wife and mother of two young children, the Dublin native knew juggling family, home and school wouldn\u2019t be easy. Starting with one class at Montclair, then two, then three, she steadily worked toward her dream. Six years later, she will realize her goal of earning a bachelor\u2019s degree \u2013 a dream she\u2019s had since arriving in this country. Her family \u2013 husband, children and mother and sister who are traveling from Ireland \u2013 will be cheering her on at Winter Commencement 2025<\/a> on January 13 at Prudential Center.<\/p>\n

Turning Shame into Empathy<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Beeks says her experiences growing up in social housing in Ireland help her relate to children facing socioeconomic struggles. \u201cWe didn’t have a lot. I remember at times going down to get day-old bread off the nuns, and there was a lot of shame around that,\u201d she says. She recalls carrying the bread in a brown paper bag to avoid teasing from other children.<\/p>\n

At 17, Beeks moved to New York to become a nanny. When that job fell through, she found herself waiting tables \u2013 the only job she could get without a green card. One day, while serving a regular customer, Beeks mentioned her dream of going to college. The customer took her information and had a friend from LaGuardia Community College contact her. This gesture marked the beginning of Beeks\u2019 long academic journey, which included remedial English and math at LaGuardia, followed by classes at Medgar Evers College, Brooklyn College, and finally Montclair State University.<\/p>\n

\"Jean-Marie
Jean-Marie Beeks\u2019 \u201cresilience and determination serve as a powerful reminder that it\u2019s never too late to achieve your goals,\u201d says CCHL\u2019s Acting Assistant Dean Hanan A. Atiyat. (Photo by University Photographer John J. LaRosa.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Overcoming Academic Challenges<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Early in her academic career, Beeks struggled academically, especially with math due to a traumatic childhood experience. \u201cI was told by a teacher that I was stupid, and I was never going to amount to anything,\u201d she recalls. \u201cMath was a massive fear for me because I felt that if I don\u2019t know how to do math, then I’m not smart.” She was able to overcome her anxiety around math thanks to the help of supportive staff and faculty. Mathematics<\/a> Chair Ashwin Vaidya \u201cmade math fun for me again. He was so patient and suggested that I stop saying I am bad at math. So, I don\u2019t say that anymore,\u201d she says. \u201cHe also reminded me that I\u2019m a chef, so I\u2019m doing math every day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Supportive faculty and staff helped her overcome this fear. She also dealt with the challenge of morning sickness during her second pregnancy, with a dean at another institution advising her to drop a class. \u201cI don\u2019t think a woman should have to decide between having a child and getting her education,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

At Montclair, however, she found a culture of compassion. Family Science and Human Development Professor Jonathan Caspi allowed her to bring her 8-year-old daughter, Ciara, to class when she lacked childcare. His concern during her struggles, including during her daughter\u2019s broken arm and two surgeries, moved her to tears. \u201cIt meant a lot to me,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Montclair: A Community of Support<\/strong><\/h2>\n

During her first Montclair class, a Creative Writing course, Beeks struggled with imposter syndrome when a class assignment called for writing about high school. She confided in Professor Rick Reid that she\u2019d not attended high school in America. He assured her that her life experiences were valid contributions, something that motivated her throughout her academic journey. \u201cI used that as the driving force to get me through,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

Associate Professor Olena Nesteruk, who taught Beeks in multiple classes, praises her as an active participant who brought invaluable perspectives. \u201cHer experiences as a mother, wife and immigrant enriched our class discussions,\u201d Nesteruk says. \u201cEven while managing school and family life, she stayed dedicated to her studies, setting a great example and motivating others.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Jean
Jean-Marie Beeks celebrates earning the Katharine B. Hall Family & Child Studies Scholarship with daughter Ciara, 8, during the College for Community Health Awards Ceremony earlier this semester. (Photo courtesy of Jean-Marie Beeks.)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Inspiring the Next Generation<\/strong><\/h2>\n

When Beeks\u2019 son Declan, 12, wore a Montclair State University sweatshirt to school, his classmates were surprised to learn it was his mother who was in college, prompting him to ask Beeks why it had taken her so long to get her degree. Beeks sees these conversations as teaching moments. \u201cThey see me working hard, and we talk about the importance of education,\u201d she says. \u201cI talk to them about how lucky they are to be living here and to get an education.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beeks notes that growing up, getting a job to support the family was paramount. \u201cIt\u2019s just lovely to be in a home where education is celebrated because I didn\u2019t grow up with that,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

A Bright Future Ahead<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Beeks has excelled academically, winning this year\u2019s Katherine B. Hall Family & Child Studies Scholarship<\/a>, which requires a 3.5 GPA, and she’s graduating with honors and a 3.7 GPA.<\/p>\n

Professor Lyndal Khaw, Chair of the Family Science and Human Development Department, says, \u201cJean-Marie is one of the most accomplished students we have had in FSHD. We are super proud of how far she has come and the impact she will continue to have on the people and communities she serves.\u201d<\/p>\n

Story by Staff Writer<\/em> Sylvia A. Martinez<\/em><\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Are you a\u2026\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Prospective Student or Parent? <\/strong>Learn more about Family Science and Human Development<\/a> or other programs in the College for Community Health<\/a> or plan a visit to our campus<\/a> and take the first step in applying to become a Red Hawk<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Journalist? <\/strong>Contact the Media Relations team<\/a> for assets or to schedule an interview with a graduating student.<\/p>\n

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