Passaic Today

Jean-Marie Beeks, a former chef from Ireland, has achieved her long-held dream of earning a college degree in the United States. Her journey began with a pivotal moment while running after-school programs in New York's Bronx and Brooklyn neighborhoods. During one session, a young girl shared personal family struggles with Beeks, prompting her to reevaluate her career path.

“My god, here we are chopping a carrot together, and this young child feels safe enough to tell me this stuff," Beeks reflected. "I remember thinking, Where does my heart really lie? It’s not about chopping vegetables and healthy eating; it was the connection for me,” she said. “It was such a massive turning point for me.”

Beeks decided to pursue Family Science and Human Development at Montclair State University’s College for Community Health after spending 20 years in the food industry. Balancing her roles as a wife and mother of two young children, she gradually increased her course load over six years until she completed her bachelor’s degree. Her family will be present to support her during the Winter Commencement 2025 on January 13 at Prudential Center.

Her upbringing in social housing in Ireland helped shape her empathy towards children facing socioeconomic challenges. “We didn’t have a lot," Beeks recalled. "I remember at times going down to get day-old bread off the nuns, and there was a lot of shame around that.”

At 17, Beeks moved to New York City but struggled initially without legal work authorization until she found employment as a waitress. A regular customer who learned of her educational aspirations connected her with LaGuardia Community College, marking the start of her academic journey through several institutions before arriving at Montclair State University.

Beeks faced significant academic challenges along the way due to past negative experiences with math. “I was told by a teacher that I was stupid and I was never going to amount to anything,” she recounted. With support from faculty like Mathematics Chair Ashwin Vaidya, who encouraged her not to view herself as bad at math, Beeks overcame these hurdles.

Montclair State University provided an environment where supportive faculty members like Professor Jonathan Caspi showed understanding when personal circumstances arose during Beeks' studies. His willingness to accommodate situations such as childcare needs made an impact on Beeks.

In addition to overcoming imposter syndrome with encouragement from Professor Rick Reid during creative writing assignments, Associate Professor Olena Nesteruk commended Beeks’ active participation in class discussions enriched by life experiences as an immigrant mother and wife.

Her dedication inspired not only classmates but also her own children—such as when son Declan wore Montclair merchandise leading peers to inquire about his mother's educational pursuits—and fostered important conversations about education within their home.

Beeks excelled academically by winning awards like Katherine B Hall Family & Child Studies Scholarship requiring high GPAs; ultimately graduating with honors maintaining GPA above required threshold: “Jean-Marie is one of most accomplished students we have had," noted Department Chair Lyndal Khaw expressing pride regarding both accomplishments thus far potential future impacts communities served thereafter."