Kate

Although she worked hard in high school, Ellicott City native Kate struggled with her academic and social confidence. She knew she wanted to graduate early and go to college, but wasn’t sure if she was ready for a four-year university. That’s why she came to HCC to take classes during her junior year of high school. The result: she got her self-assurance back.

“If I had gone right away to a four-year school and been in a whole new big overwhelming place, then I really feel like my grades would have suffered,” she said. “Coming to HCC allowed me to go slower and regain my confidence. HCC made me feel like I was capable of doing a lot.”

Kate says joining student life activities on campus was the key to her success. “I didn’t intend to stay at HCC after high school, and then I started taking classes and I saw everything you could do on campus,” she said.

Kate became student government treasurer, Student Program Board co-chair, and HCC’s student representative to the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Kate is glad she stayed. She said, “Getting involved allows you to meet people. It’s good for networking, and ultimately you make friends doing it. You see a lot of people like yourself.”

Engaging on campus also helped Kate find her passion: marketing. “I’ve done a lot of marking of events with the Student Program Board, working with students and getting people excited. I realized, I can see myself doing this long term. I really enjoyed it. I feel I’m good at it.”

Kate graduated in spring 2017 with an associate’s degree in general studies, and is now headed to Drexel University to study marketing. She leaves some words of advice for future HCC students. “Don’t feel rushed to go to college or get your two-year degree. Take it at your own pace and get involved because getting involved allows you to find what you like.”