Student Testimonials
Elizabeth “Lizz” Guzman
Earned: A.A. degree
Graduated: Spring 2005
Transferred to SUNY New Paltz
After taking Honors classes in high school, it seemed that Honors at SUNY Orange was the next logical step. However, I was unenthused by my high school’s so-called Honors program and had no higher hopes for the college Honors courses. During my first semester at SUNY Orange, my opinion regarding the nature of Honors classes, professors and course work changed dramatically. I found myself challenged positively by the schoolwork, my professors and even my classmates. Some of the most exciting discussion and passionate debate that I have ever experienced occurred in the Honors classes. I was challenged, not in a “let’s see how much work we can pile on these kids” kind of way, but more of a “let’s expand the mind and challenge the way these kids look at the world” method of instruction. One of the best parts of the Honors program was the seminar component. With intriguing topics of discussion such as “The History of the Future” and “Gothic to Goth”, I found myself excited to go to class. Our Honors art show was a success in that every Honors student was able to display his/her personal artistic talent in a new and unique way and every major was acknowledged.
The Honors experience is like a roller coaster ride, every twist and turn takes you further away from a “typical” college experience and into something more exciting, richer in thought and possibility. Even at my four year college, I look back on the Honors program at SUNY Orange as one of my fondest and most fulfilling memories.
Laura Carson
Earned: A.A. and A.S. degrees
Graduated: Spring 2006
When I went back to school after spending several years working full time, I was looking for a challenge; I was looking to spend more time in an intellectual, discussion based environment. I was looking for a place where my ideas and opinions would be acknowledged and appreciated, but also potentially evolve and be influenced through discussion with professors and other students. SUNY Orange is a great school, but the Honors Program added so much to the experience. Small classes and intensified curriculum enhanced the already challenging task of being a college student and having to balance school, work and personal time. My favorite part of the Honors experience was the Capstone Project -- it was an amazing opportunity to work one on one with a faculty member on a research project. All in all, I would recommend the Honors Program at SUNY Orange to any student who is looking to get far more than just a degree out of his or her college experience.
Larissa “Lala” Lewis
Earned: A.A. degree
Graduated: Spring 2006
Transferred to Marist
The Honors Program at SUNY Orange benefited me in many different ways. It prepared me for when I transferred to a four year school. The amount and level of the workload given to me in my Honors classes at SUNY Orange was equivalent to the classes at my four year school. The Honors Program also allowed me to feel like part of something at SUNY Orange. It was fun to get to know the people of the Honors Program who were in so many of my classes. We had so many good times at many different events, such as the Murder Mystery Dinner where we all got to act out fun characters. Last, but certainly not least, it was great to have awesome professors teach our classes. Elaine was more than just an advisor; she was a friend who would lend an ear or help with whatever we needed! I thank the Honors Program for making my studies at SUNY Orange better than I could have imagined.
Mary Catherine Halfpenny
Earned: A.A.S. degree
Graduated: Spring 2006
Transferred to Vassar
A successful college experience is about effort and seeking out experiences that will expand your knowledge not only of the world, but also about yourself. Upon enrolling at SUNY Orange, I was invited to join the Honors Program. I was intrigued by the promise of smaller class sizes filled with classmates who possessed a similar work ethic to my own. I believe I made the most of my time at Orange County Community College and that the Honors Program helped stimulate my mind and build my confidence. I successfully completed my Honors requirements while maintaining a 4.0 gpa. The summer after I graduated, I was selected to attend a special program at Vassar College meant specifically for community college students. Although intense, I felt prepared and met the new challenge. I was encouraged to apply and now I am attending Vassar College full-time.
Honors classes are more difficult, but the challenges encountered help prepare students for transfer to a four year institution. The Honors Program also offers a degree of flexibility because of its small size and student input is encouraged because it influences future course offerings. In my final year at SUNY Orange, I served as a student representative to the Honors Committee / Advisory Board and was directly involved in helping expand the program’s influence both on campus and within the surrounding community. SUNY Orange’s Honors Program was the first important step to me before moving on to Vassar College and I recommend the Honors Program to any student looking for a rewarding challenge.
