As students of a community college, it would be hard to receive the full college experience without becoming involved with those around you. The Honors Program functions well beyond who and what we see, the work we put in, and the connections we make. Our time is time spent preparing for our future. The future of the Honors program relies heavily on past and present members and staff. Our alumni serve as an inspiration and witness to the importance of honors beyond the classroom. As past members of the Honors Program, our alumni understand the importance of the Honors program for the future of student lives.
Kaitlyn Schumacher, an Honors Program alumna, expressed the importance of finding a place in college to dedicate yourself beyond academics.
As a student of OTC, she spent her two years striving for a journalism degree with the passion to become a reporter. She joined the honors program with the hope of receiving the most out of her education instead of just coasting through. As an active member of the Honors Program, she found that it helped her develop a stronger worth ethic by “giving 110% all the time.”
Upon graduating with honors distinction with the intent of transferring to Drury, Kaitlyn was offered a teaching position at OTC. To say that her time spent in the honors program helped develop this opportunity is an understatement.
To students that are indecisive about joining the program, Kaitlyn says, “It’s definitely worth it in the long run….and it could also help you get your foot in the door in places you might not have expected to be able to get into.” You can now find Kaitlyn over at Drury pursuing her master’s degree or here at OTC as a part time instructor in Electronic Media Production.
“To current and future honors students, one thing that is important to remember is not to undervalue yourself… don’t be under-ambitious either. Don’t think that you can’t do something for any reason. Go ahead and give it a try and see what happens and you might get a little further than you think.” —Kaitlyn Schumacher
Written by: PAIGE MCFARLAN
