Mikesh Patel, owner/operator of the McDonald’s in Clarkesville, stood proudly by as Megan Matkovic donned her cap and gown in preparation for the celebration. Matkovic earned her Associate of Science in Health Administration Services through the Archways to Opportunity program. There is no cost to the employee to earn an education other than the time and perseverance to see it through. It was something to commemorate for Patel and his team at McDonald’s, and they did.
On Tuesday, March 11, McDonald’s in Clarkesville, located at 502 Washington St, hosted a graduation celebration for Matkovic. The celebration included a cap, gown, cake, and many congratulatory hugs. The energy filled the restaurant, and the overall feeling of camaraderie and pride made it even more meaningful for those in attendance.
“It took a year and a half because I could fast-track some courses,” Matkovic said. It was no easy task as the mother of a 3 1/2 year old and a full-time employee on the Patel McDonald’s team. “The best part was getting it done. The hardest part was learning to manage work, me time, my son, and schoolwork.”
Investing in his team is important to Patel. It is obvious by the way he interacts with them. Being a part of this occasion was something he wouldn’t miss. “What separates many people is those with gumption and the guts to jump. There are a lot of opportunities presented in today’s world, but not everyone grasps them and does what’s necessary to succeed,” Patel expressed. Having one of his team members take the opportunity to complete it means a lot to him.
Patel has been working with his family in the restaurant business since he was 8 years old. He understands hard work, and seeing Matkovic take the opportunity and run with it is what it is all about for him. Matkovic took the most prestigious track and completed it.
Vice President Jay Riker explained, “This is something special McDonald’s has for its employees. Not many other organizations do the same. Megan is our first graduate. We have others in the program, but she is the first to complete it.”
“I did it for my son. That is what motivated me,” Matkovic added. “I was in and out of school a lot. I wanted him to see me finish.”
Patel emphasized that even if Matkovic seized the opportunity to complete college through McDonald’s and went on to become a nurse or work in some capacity in the medical field, “Good for her! That is what the program is all about. If we can be a stepping stone for her and anybody else in our restaurants, that’s what we want to be.”
Matkovic’s achievement exemplifies McDonald’s commitment to providing life-changing educational opportunities through its Archways to Opportunity program. This event honors her dedication to furthering her education and career.
