Marianna Tomc is quick to describe herself as a lawn and garden enthusiast.
“In the summer, my favorite activities are planting flowers and mowing. I mow a mean lawn,” joked Tomc, a senior at Columbia College. “I take a lot of pride in making my yard look good, honestly like a middle-age suburban dad.”
In much the same way, Tomc has carefully manicured her future by making the most of her college experience in mid-Missouri.
She has found a new home on campus, two hours from her hometown of Kansas City.
“I love being able to call CC home,” Tomc said. “I love walking across campus, being in class, or working my campus job and knowing every face I pass. It feels like a little family, truly. Everyone is so welcoming and so kind. I have felt like I belonged here the moment I toured campus as a senior in high school.”
Tomc will graduate at Spring 2026 Commencement on Saturday, May 2, earning a bachelor’s degree in General Studies. She plans to complete her elementary teacher certification shortly after graduation.
As a participant in Liberty Public Schools’ Grow Your Own Teacher program, Tomc will return to her roots this fall as a special education teacher in the district where she grew up. She credits Columbia College with “thoroughly” preparing her for this next step by exposing her to a wide range of programs and experiences, both inside and outside the classroom.
“My goal one day in life is to be a part of a classroom that incorporates nature and the real world into the classroom seamlessly to help non-neurotypical and neurotypical students alike,” Tomc said.
An Honors Program student, Tomc expressed deep appreciation for the Education faculty who shaped her journey, especially Assistant Professor Dr. Shari Lawson.
“Dr. Lawson has been very influential to me,” Tomc said. “She is kind to all and approaches each day as a new opportunity to better herself. Being far away from home, I have viewed her as a mother-type figure in my life where I go to her with any issues or problems I may be facing.
“Truly all of the Education Department professors have been there for me in hard times of my life and have helped prepare me for the future in ways that I will forever be grateful for.”
Outside the classroom, Tomc built lasting memories as a member of the track and field team. She contributed to a first-place finish in the 4×100-meter relay at last year’s American Midwest Conference outdoor championships and captured the high jump title at the AMC indoor championships this past February.
She has also been active in TEACH Club and worked as a student employee on campus.
“College was an adjustment, and it took me a while to figure out who I wanted to be,” she said. “CC gave me the space to grow into that person while surrounding me with a community that will be part of my life forever.”
