More Student Words

Vol 1. No 21

The following comes from David Drake, who is graduating this semester with 18 credits of Honors and transferring on to SUNY Oswego to major in Creative Writing and Linguistics.

"When I saw that the Honors Studies program would be full of active classes centered around seminar discussions rather than around lectures, I was thrilled! I knew I would benefit from this learning environment--students taking charge of discussions, instructors participating in homework assignments with the students, the atmosphere of autonomous learning (especially when given the option to pursue my curiosity with an Honors contract for a non-Honors course)--it was, in a word, perfect! Classrooms were full of mutual respect, even during times of challenges. Students collectively overcame obstacles together, and because of that, the students learned from each other just as much--and sometimes more--from the professor. And I think it was the same way with the professors: Their learning experiences continued by facilitating these Honor Studies courses. I am, simply and sincerely, honored to have been a part of the Finger Lakes Community College Honors Studies program!"

We wish Dave, and all the Honors Graduates, the very best as they head onward in their journey.

Contracts Matter!

Vol. 1. No. 15

A guest blogger for this issue as we begin a new semester.  The following little blurb was written by FLCC student, Noel Scouten, (Human Services, '18).  I asked her to write a little bit about her experience with Honors, especially in regards to the Honors Contract option.  Here's what she has to say...

One of the most important things I have learned here at FLCC is that self-reflection is necessary for advancement and any form of success. I learned this from Dr. Trista Merrill’s honors program and I am sure it is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I am currently working on an honors diploma with the help of Trista and I genuinely believe it is a key ingredient in the confidence I have academically and for my future. She has tirelessly worked with my schedule and the many times I have changed my major. The preponderance and brobdingnagian help being the option of honors contracts. This allows you to transform an ordinary class into an honors class simply by keeping a journal and completing a self-reflection essay based on your betterment in that class. I have completed one of my two contracts I may utilize for my honors diploma and am looking forward to utilizing my second and final contract.

Noel did her contract for Introduction to Literature because she couldn't fit the Honors section into her schedule. Often, however, students convert courses for which we don't have HAVE Honors sections.  I've seen successful contracts completed for such wildly diverse courses as General Chemistry, Workshop in Creative Non Fiction, Western Civilization, Addiction Counseling, Contemporary Biology, and Foundation Drawing II.

Do you want to know more?  Email:  honorsstudies@flcc.edu