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A Message from the Interim President

A few weeks ago, we had the honor of celebrating the incredible Frederick Community College Class of 2022.

This class was made up of more than 925 students who ranged in age from 17 to 73 years old. Our graduating class included 34 veterans, 280 first-generation college graduates, and 393 students who graduated with honors. The five most popular programs were nursing, business administration, social sciences, STEM, and general studies.

We officially recognized the Class of 2022 during a Commencement Celebration in our Student Center. Seeing the smiling graduates and their proud family members and friends of all ages cheering them on was a great reminder of the importance of FCC and the power it has to change the lives of our community for the better.

The celebration and some of our graduates’ stories were shared in an article in the Frederick News-Post that can be read online.


We have highlighted a few of our newest graduates below.  I congratulate all members of the FCC Class of 2022, and I thank all our dedicated faculty and staff who helped them on their path to becoming our newest graduates.


Dr. Thomas H. Powell
Frederick Community College

FCC Class of 2022 Graduate Highlights

Katherine Weinhold

Degree: Associate of Arts in General Studies

What was your favorite thing about your time at FCC?
After three years, that's hard to pick! Being the editor-in-chief for the Tuscarora Review comes to mind immediately as it was one of the most unique and rewarding experiences I had here. Overall, though, I think my favorite thing has been just being on campus and experiencing such a rich well of opportunity, knowledge, and community. I have always been able to learn something new, make connections, and push myself to a higher standard every semester. I really have loved it here and hate to have to leave.

What do you think you gained from FCC?
I have such a wide variety of experiences here that I wouldn't be the same without. I think at the end of the day it's the connections I am walking away with. Obviously, I have student friends that I have made. However, I never expected to have so many professors who I am staying in touch with who continue to help mentor and guide me. It's invaluable to know these amazing people.

What would you say to anyone considering enrolling at FCC?
If you have any doubt in your mind about what degree you want, go to a community college first. It will save you so much stress, time, and money. FCC has so many gems waiting for you to find that you won't be able to find anywhere else. I wish it was a four-year school because I have no desire to leave! Take your time and don't adhere to anyone else's schedule but your own. Education is not just an 18 to 22-year-old's journey. You can get whatever degree you want at any point in your life you want. You will probably never find smaller class sizes with such amazing professors who love students so wholeheartedly. Take advantage of it while you can.

Raissa Forkou

Degree: Associate of Arts in Business Administration


What do you think you gained from FCC?
Time and patience. For someone like myself who was very uncertain about what I was interested in, FCC gave me a lot of time to really think about my future. While my high school peers had multiple schools lined up, I was still uncertain about where I would end up but, in my defense, I had already earned 12 credits from FCC by my senior year, so the choice was obvious. I also gained a lot of beautiful friendships and opportunities.

What are your plans for after FCC?
I plan on taking a well-deserved break during the fall semester then start again at University of Maryland during the spring semester. During this time, I plan on getting my life together in preparation for the next school year, do a bit of adventuring, and work on my hair business. I want to take this time to perfect my craft and hopefully get it started before the year ends. I deal with hair braiding, wig making, and installation. 

What would you say to anyone considering enrolling at FCC?
Don't think twice or look any further. Don't waste your money and time on a four-year institution if you don't know what you want. And if you are considering enrolling at FCC, you will be getting your money's worth. The professors are amazing and because the sizes are smaller, you get the opportunity to connect with them one-on-one. You get hands-on experience, job opportunities, and much more.

Do you have any message for your fellow graduates?
A big congratulations to my fellow graduates because it was not an easy two years for me at least. You have all done an exceptional job and I wish you the best in all your endeavors.

David Staub

Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Management

 
What was your favorite thing about your time at FCC?
The professors were my favorite thing at FCC. Professor Krzenski specifically went above and beyond to work with me even after I was not his student anymore. We still keep in touch.

You were an Honors student – can you tell me about that experience?
I think the Honors program experience was great. Not only was everyone helpful but it also pushed me to look into research and topics that were outside the teachings in the classes. I gained additional knowledge and made connections that I would not have made without that experience.

What are your plans for after FCC?
Currently I reenrolled to gain an associate degree in business management and business administration along with going to a trade school for aquatic maintenance. I plan on starting my own aquarium maintenance company. I currently maintain 12 of my own tanks that house multiple types of fish and turtles.
 
Do you have any message for students who are trying to decide whether they should attend FCC?
This was my third attempt at a degree. The first two attempts I was not ready to focus on college and did not make the time for it. The best message I can give is keep trying and eventually you’ll find the right time to follow through.

Annshirley Anthonio-Mills

Certificate: Culinary Skills

How did you decide to enroll at FCC?
I was invited to FCC when my first son was graduating from here and was receiving an award. I went to the Admissions Office to thank them for helping my son. I got talking to them about how I always wished I could go to school and that I love cooking for other people. For a single mother with two boys, finding the money to attend college was an issue. But I was soon referred to the Office of Adult Services and found out about some scholarships. Stacey Yost helped me so much and encouraged me. I was then connected to a lot of other offices and people who all kept encouraging me and helping me find scholarships. I have vision challenges so was also introduced to Megan Henry in the Disability Access Services department who is always so patient and helpful. If I hadn’t gotten support from all these people, I would have thrown in the towel, but they encouraged me to keep going.

What did you enjoy about your time at FCC?
I enjoyed everything about it. I didn’t know if I could go back to school at my age, but I’m so happy that I did. I also really enjoyed an internship I did at the Rescue Mission. I was supposed to work there 40 hours, but I ended up doing much more. I was able to meet so many different people who helped broaden my mind. I got so much joy from being able to serve the community and help people. One day I was able to prepare food I love from Africa, and was able to teach other people about the dishes.

What do you plan to do after FCC?
I want to open my own African restaurant, where everything is homemade and people from the community can come and feel at home. I’d serve food popular in Ghana – where I’m from – but I also want to serve food from other African countries too.

Leann Booth

Degree: Associate of Applied Science in STEM Technology 
(Cybersecurity Area of Concentration)


What did you gain from FCC?
I gained an understanding of how college life works to pass the information on to my children. I also gained a better understanding of time management which was necessary as a single mom working two jobs and raising two children alone.

You were in the Parents Lead program – what was it like earning your degree while raising children?
Earning my degree while raising two children was a handful, but obtainable. The Parents Lead program was my saving grace. Had I not been accepted into the program I would not have been able to attend college nor obtain my degree. The program provided additional financial aid, and I had professors/adjuncts who were understanding that I am a single mom.
 
What would you say to another parent considering enrolling at FCC but worried about making it all work while raising kids?
My advice to a parent considering enrolling at FCC is DO IT!  You will definitely not regret it! The feeling of accomplishment I felt when I graduated made it all worth it. I am so proud of myself, my family is proud of me, and most importantly to me is that my kids are so proud of me. I have shown them that even if you get off track, you can always get back up and running. It is never too late to try to make a better life for you and your family.

Cheyenne Van Echo

Degree: Associate of Science in STEM

You were a member of the FCC Early College Program (pictured left), which allowed you to enroll at FCC while still in high school. How did you benefit from the program?
I have been academically challenged in a way that I feel the high school was not able to do. I enjoy being surrounded by other kids who also want to succeed and take pride in their schoolwork. The people in this program want to be here and are focused and motivated to study and learn all the course material. During my time in the program, I was also a part of the Frederick Community College Honors College and completed three research projects. The Honors College was a fun way to enrich my education and gain experience with literature reviews and designing my own lab experiments.  

What would you say to another student who is considering applying to the program?
Go for it! If you are motivated to get ahead in your college career and are willing to put in the extra work to study for college-level courses, then don’t hold back. Early College isn’t a walk in the park and it requires a lot of academic discipline and many hours of at-home studying. If you like to be challenged, the hard work is very rewarding.

What are you plans after graduating from the program?
I will be attending the University of Maryland College Park College of Agriculture and Natural Resources in the fall and plan to major in animal sciences with a possible double major in agribusiness. I have been invited to the Honors College and will be a part of the Gemstone Living-Learning Community, a research-based program. During my time at UMD, I would like to join the University of Maryland Equestrian Team, Pre-Veterinary Club, Student Ambassador Program and investigate other clubs the AGNR school has to offer. After completing my bachelors at UMD, I plan to apply to veterinary school. 

Lysa Wrote

Degree: Associate of Arts in Social Science

You faced serious health issues while pursuing your degree. Can you share information about that?
Six weeks into my first semester I became chronically ill and my lung function dropped to 14%. I needed a lung transplant. I had to quit work and became completely disabled and dependent on others but I stayed in school through it all. It gave me a sense of normalcy despite living in the hospital for weeks at a time. My academic journey was piecemeal, 1 or 2 classes at a time, but at 50 years old my brain is a lot slower than when I was younger.  I got my bilateral lung transplant in December of 2018 and was back in class January of 2019. It took me seven years to finish my degree. My friends joke that I should be a doctor by now. None of that matters. I was never an “A” student before, but here I am graduating with a 3.9 GPA. If I can do it, anyone can.


What was your favorite thing about FCC?
The staff members in the Disability Access Services (DAS) department and all my professors. My professors were wonderful and very understanding about my condition.

What did you gain from FCC?
The list is very long. I gained knowledge and self-esteem. I’ve learned so much in every class and I feel confident that I can hold an educated conversation on many subjects. The classes that I was dreading the most ended up being my absolute favorites.

Do you have any advice for other students, especially ones who may be going through health or other challenges like you have faced?
Wake up every day and choose joy. Your life is your message to the world. Do not let your difficulties define you. Rather, choose to thrive in spite of them. Learn to laugh in the face of adversity and know that you are capable of far more than what your disability dictates.

SUMMER AND FALL REGISTRATION
Registration is open for summer and fall courses.
Browse courses here >>
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