CSI in the News - CSI Today

Mother, daughter graduate today at CSI
By Tevah Platt
May 27, 2010, 9:24AM
STAPLETON
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Mom and daughter, Leslie and Tara
Meiners of Stapleton, will graduate together today, with degrees in
education from the College of Staten Island (CSI).
Thirty-two years apart in age, mother and daughter were surprised
to realize they were filing for graduation at the same time — Leslie,
with a master’s in childhood education, and Tara, with a bachelor’s
degree in science, letters and society — the suggested major for
students going on become certified teachers.
Leslie Meiners teaches pre-school at the Foresight School in New
Springville.
She earned her bachelor’s degree while raising her family, taking
classes part-time between 1983 and 2003, when she completed
her degree in early childhood education.
Her daughter took the four-year fast track.
“My mom was like my personal advisor because she went through
everything I did,” said Tara.
Both say they had a fantastic experience at CSI.
Staten Island Advance/Bill
Lyons
Leslie Meiners holds the graduation photo of
her and her daughter, Tara. The two
graduate today from the College of Staten
Island.
While working on her degree, with minors in French and
psychology, Tara helped found the Peace Club on campus, and
swam for four years, earning 67 medals, setting seven records and
ending her tenure as captain of the team in her senior year.
Leslie said she built excellent relationships with professors at CSI
who were willing to help any student who showed commitment.
She wrote her master’s degree thesis on pre-school education, arguing that the federal dollars that go to pre
-school programs should fund parents to stay at home with their children until kindergarten.
The Meiners are thrilled to be graduating together.
“I’m more excited for my mom than for myself because it’s so deserved, after all this time, raising a family
and going to school, and finally getting that degree,” said Tara.
Financially and otherwise, the dad in the family, Curt Meiners, supported his wife and two kids (son Jesse
earned his associate’s degree five years ago) through their years at CSI.
Tara will be leaving in October to teach English in Tours, France.
Following commencement, the family will celebrate today at the Elm Park Inn.
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