FCC Alumni - Frederick Community College

José Escobar

I arrived at the teaching career I wanted thanks to my start at FCC. Fall 2016 – Summer 2019 Spanish Education José Escobar decided to attend FCC because it offered an affordable education that was close to home. He graduated from FCC in 2019 with an Associate of Arts in Teaching Education: Spanish and then transferred to Hood College. Between 2019-2020, the year he transferred from FCC and began at Hood College, José was able to earn 60 credits between the two schools. He graduated from Hood College in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish studies and a certification to teach Spanish PreK-12 and is currently employed as a Spanish teacher with Frederick County Public Schools.
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Genoveva Reyes

The teachers at FCC gave me the support and motivation to continue with my education. 2009 - 2017 General Studies When Genoveva Reyes started taking classes at FCC in 2009, her goal was to learn English. After she passed English 101, she was motivated to continue taking more classes and decided that she wanted to earn an associate degree. Her career goal was to teach Spanish, and Genoveva ultimately graduated from FCC with an associate degree in general studies. She currently teaches Spanish and Latin culture to the Special Forces of the US military and develops lesson plans and classes for Chi-Chack, a woman-owned small business that provides specialized support to government and Department of Defense clients. What did you enjoy most about FCC? I loved the experience of attending classes with students who were friends of my children from Urbana High School. I also had the opportunity to meet new people. What did you gain from your time at FCC? Are there any lessons or skills you learned while at FCC that you use in your professional life today? When I was in FCC I took the class School and Society with Doctor B. This was the most productive class because I learned to develop lesson plans and what I learned at that time is now what I do every day at my work. What did you do after your time at FCC? When I graduated in May 2017, I received an offer to become an online Spanish language instructor to work with American soldiers as my students. In other words, I had a job waiting for me as soon as I graduated. What do you enjoy about your work now? My current position allows me to work from home teaching Spanish and Latin culture to the Special Forces of the US military. I also now develop the lesson plans and classes for the company I work for, Chi-Chack. I love that I work from home and I can create my own schedule. I have the opportunity to know and to work with high-ranking officers and diplomats. I also enjoy working with students all over the world. Why do you think it is important that Frederick has a strong community college like FCC? Frederick County has a wide variety of foreign people and having FCC in the community helps many people find a path to an affordable education and develop a career in a productive society. I was the first in my family to graduate from college. I am an immigrant from Honduras and now I am an American Citizen. Anything else you would like to add, either about your time at FCC or about your professional/personal life now that you think is good to know? For me it is important to mention that the teachers at FCC gave me the support and motivation to continue with my education. The administrative staff always gave me a good experience and the counselors guided me to find a good plan to achieve my goal.

Upon graduation, I was prepared to immediately enter the work force and apply the knowledge I gained from my degree. Every class I took helped me practice my English and become completely bilingual and the FCC English classes taught me everything I needed to know about English grammar and this was the foundation of my skills to effectively teach Spanish grammar to English speakers. Read more

Tim Snyder

When you're paying for college out of your own pocket, you learn to appreciate your education. Fall 2012 – Spring 2016 Elementary Education Tim Snyder graduated from Governor Thomas Johnson High School in 2007. After attending a four-year university for three years, he decided to move home to give himself a reset. Tim knew that an associate degree was an attainable goal, so he came to FCC where he studied elementary education. After graduating from FCC he transferred to Frostburg State University at Hagerstown and earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood/elementary education. Tim currently works as a middle school math teacher in Hagerstown. Read more

Leaora Wagner

FCC changed the course of my life. Everyone deserves the amazing opportunities I was provided as a result of going to FCC. 1999 - 2005 General Studies Leaora Wagner studied education at FCC from 1999 – 2005 and was the first person in her family to attend college. She came to FCC because it was local and she could attend part-time, one class at a time. Leaora graduated from FCC with an associate degree in general studies and decided to continue her education, earning a master’s degree in human services, applied behavior analysis from University of Maryland, Baltimore County and a doctorate in educational leadership and management from Capella University. She is currently employed as a clinical support manager where she works with individuals with autism. What did you enjoy most about FCC? The staff and the opportunities. I loved getting to learn and grow with my peers and the kindness of the staff. What did you gain from your time at FCC? Are there any lessons or skills you learned while at FCC that you use in your professional life today? I learned how to build a wall, one brick at a time. I learned that hard work pays off. The professors were committed to my learning and I am so grateful for their extra time and effort. I learned what is most important about teaching and found myself while I was learning and growing at FCC. What did you do after your time at FCC? After FCC, I kept going with my education. I now have a doctorate degree in educational leadership and management. I have presented all over the United States and in Europe. I have had the incredible opportunity to work with children with varying abilities to make meaningful differences for them and their families. What do you enjoy about your work now? I have the amazing opportunity to make a meaningful difference for children and families with varying abilities. I have been blessed to help change systems to provide meaningful progress for individuals with autism and their families. Why do you think it is important that Frederick has a strong community college like FCC? FCC changed the course of my life. I am honored that FCC helped me find my purpose. Everyone deserves the amazing opportunities I was provided as a result of going to FCC. Anything else you would like to add, either about your time at FCC or about your professional/personal life now that you think is good to know? FCC is the first step in a journey. It is worth taking the first step, even one class at a time if that is all you can do. If you are wondering if you can do it, you can. You deserve to invest in you. Take the first step, you won’t regret it. Read more

Kimberly Zirkle

FCC gave me the best college experience I could have asked for. Fall 2016 – Spring 2018 Elementary Education/Elementary Special Education Kimberly Zirkle graduated from FCC in 2018 with an Associate of Arts in Teaching. After graduating she transferred to Mount St. Mary's University where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Teaching and Special Education. Kimberly currently works as a teacher with Frederick County Public Schools. Why did you decide to come to FCC? I decided to go to FCC because it was close to home, it wasn't too expensive, and I knew it was the smartest option to get the same education as a university while allowing me to save money for my first two years. What did you enjoy most about FCC? I really enjoyed that even though you don't live on campus, there is still a sense of community and there are many clubs you can join and places to sit and meet new people. What did you gain from your time at FCC? Are there any lessons or skills you learned while at FCC that you use in your professional life today? One thing that I gained was friendships. I left FCC with a new group of friends that I still talk to. I also gained way more responsibility. When you don't live on campus, there can be more home distractions from your school work. But FCC showed me that it is both important and possible to balance a home life and school life. I also pushed myself harder than I ever would have if I had gone away to college. What do you enjoy about your work now? I love working with kids. I know I am making a difference in many of their lives. It is wonderful to teach them new things and have them teach me new things all the time. Kids are also very funny! They make me smile every day. Why do you think it is important that Frederick has a strong community college like FCC? I think FCC has made a difference in so many people’s lives. It's important that young adults know that going to a super expensive university isn't the only option. Going to FCC and getting a two-year degree can open up so many doors for so many people. Two-year degrees or going to the Career and Technology Center can help a person get a job. There are so many different ways to get an education, especially at any age, and FCC is a great option. Anything else you would like to add, either about your time at FCC or about your professional/personal life now that you think is good to know? I remember when I decided to go to FCC, I had people tell me that I needed to go away to a "real school" so that I could get the college experience. FCC gave me the best college experience I could have asked for and every senior in high school should know that FCC is just as valid as any other school. Save money your first two years and be smart about your education. Read more

Alison Huston

FCC is an incredible community resource that provides a chance for everyone to grow and learn. August 2014-December 2015 Culinary Arts Alison Huston had a bachelor’s degree in journalism/public relations and had been a stay-at-home mom for 10 years when she decided it was time for a career change. She came to FCC because she wanted to develop a new set of skills to help her break back into the workforce, and the culinary arts program was exactly what she was looking for. After graduating from FCC, Alison attended graduate school at American University where she earned a master’s degree in nutrition education. She is currently a middle school food science teacher. What did you enjoy most about FCC? Learning! I loved learning culinary techniques from knowledgeable experts and having a safe space to practice with other people who shared my passion. What did you gain from your time at FCC? Knowledge, skills, and friendship. I was nervous going into the program because I was much older than the typical college aged student, but I was pleasantly surprised that I had as many older students like me in my cohort as there were first time college students. I made some lifelong friends from my time in the culinary program. Are there any lessons or skills you learned while at FCC that you use in your professional life today? Many. During my time working in a local restaurant and catering I relied heavily on my culinary education; during my time as an instructor and graduate student I relied heavily on the nutrition information I learned in my culinary program. What did you do after your time at FCC? I worked in local restaurants, catered for private events, conducted food/nutrition presentations, went to graduate school, and am currently a teacher in Frederick County Public Schools.

Consumers are much savvier about the foods that they are eating and I wanted to better understand the nutrition side of the food world and be equipped to help people know what nutrients they are getting from the foods they are eating, and, thanks to my culinary degree, also teach them how to cook/prepare those foods in creative ways.

I consider my teaching career to be an addition to my culinary career. I get to teach food science to middle school students every single day. Part of my curriculum includes cooking labs where I get to use my culinary degree to teach my students basic cooking principles and skills. I also have whole units dedicated to restaurants, menus, food & culture, and kitchen/food safety. In addition, I teach about nutrition and the MyPlate guidelines and how to apply both when doing meal planning. Teaching allows me to bring all of my educational background together so it is the perfect place for me. What do you enjoy about your work now? I get to talk, every day, about the things about which I'm passionate. Why do you think it is important that Frederick has a strong community college like FCC? It provides an accessible, quality education for people in our community of various demographic backgrounds. FCC is an incredible community resource that provides a chance for everyone to grow and learn. Read more

Anne Strotz

I'm grateful that FCC offered me the opportunity to hone in on what I'm passionate about. 2012 (as a dual enrollment student while attending high school) - 2015 Communications

Anne Strotz graduated from FCC in May 2015. She began taking classes at FCC in 2012 as a dual enrollment student because it provided access to accredited classes that counted as homeschool high school credits while allowing her to work toward an associate degree.

After graduating from FCC, Anne continued on to earn a bachelor’s degree in communications from Regent University, specializing in advertising and public relations.

Dan Whitt

My experience at FCC helped inspire my decision to give back and provide guidance and mentorship to aspiring respiratory therapists. 2005 - 2007 Respiratory Care Dan Whitt graduated from FCC in 2007 with a degree in respiratory care. After graduating, he sat for his board examination and accepted employment at University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore, MD. He is currently appointed to the board of trustees for the National Board of Respiratory Care, The Maryland Board of Physicians Respiratory Care Professional Standards Committee, and maintains full-time employment as the chief of respiratory care services for the Veterans Affairs Maryland Healthcare System which includes three facilities across the state of Maryland. He also maintains intermittent employment as an ECMO specialist for University of Maryland Medical Center and recently served on the Maryland/District of Columbia Society of Respiratory Care Board of Directors.
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Grace Meier

FCC allowed me to gain financial freedom in my adult life because I didn't have to take out loans for that year. Fall 2013 - Spring 2014 Chemistry Grace Meier attended FCC from fall 2013 to spring 2014 after graduating from Urbana High School. She decided to come to FCC because it gave her more opportunities to be accepted into four-year universities and allowed her to save money. Grace studied chemistry and was a member of the volleyball team while attending FCC, and later transferred to the University of Maryland where she received a degree in middle school education. She is currently a middle school teacher at a school in Cheaspeake, Virginia that serves a high number of low-income families. Read more

Maciah Thomas

You have the ability to be great. Everything you need is in you. Spring 2017 and Summer 2019 Business Administration Maciah Thomas is the founder and president of Double Up Foundation, a Frederick-based non-profit that aims to improve the lives of local youth and adults through sports, mentorship, and community service. He founded the organization shortly after graduating from Frederick Community College (FCC) in 2019.

Maciah transferred to FCC after attending West Virginia University (WVU) for two and a half years. A native of Frederick, his goal at the time was to start playing baseball again, prioritize his education, and grow as a young man. After graduating from FCC, he began working full-time, holding positions in medical warehouses, a biotech office, and as a landscaper. Knowing he needed to put his time and energy into something more meaningful in order to benefit his community, he founded Double Up Foundation. Why did you decide to come to FCC? I had attended WVU and was not performing at an acceptable level. FCC was a chance to get my goals aligned, restore the time I had let slip away, and have a moment of clarity for the future. I was very excited to attend FCC and continue my studies right in my backyard. It felt like home again, and that it was.
What did you enjoy most about FCC? The first thing that comes to mind is that it was familiar, close to home and not a commute. But as I think again, the best thing about FCC is its precision. I can only speak for myself, but I never experienced any inconveniences as a student at FCC. The staff and administration were skilled and professional. It is run the way a college should run.
What did you gain from your time at FCC? I gained a second chance from the mistakes, procrastination, and laziness I allowed to rule my life. I was back on track. It gave me the means to finish my associate degree and continue on. It reminded me of my path.
Are there any lessons or skills you learned while at FCC that you use in your professional life today? Networking. When you’re attending school in your hometown, it’s very easy to put your professional and career life on hold. You get comfortable knowing everyone around you, and you forget to present your ideas, your goals, and your actions in the community. FCC helped me realize that the race was not done and I still had more to do. I began seeing all the opportunities to network and partner in my own community.
What did you do after your time at FCC? After my time at FCC, I continued my academic and athletic career at a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) school in Florida. I received my associate degree in the summer of 2019 from FCC and began to work full time. I soon realized that I was getting complacent again and needed another journey to funnel my energy into. That is when I started the Double Up Foundation.
What do you enjoy about your work now? My favorite thing about the work I do is the unpredictability of it all. There is really no set time to start or stop the day. When you work in this field you must be ready at all times, prepared to step in and help at any time, and be ready to knock it out of the park. There's no "easy day." Every day is a challenge, a problem that needs fixing, or an obstacle to overcome. I was born for that. I thank God every day that I am able to get up and work with the great organizations in the community, people of this community, and spread God's work daily. I do not like to be in the same setting every day for work, and this gives me freedom. I am able to be constantly moving, see different places, and meet new people all in a day's work.
Why do you think it is important that Frederick has a strong community college like FCC? I think a lot of kids in the Frederick area do not utilize it to their advantage. Some people can't afford the out-of-state or university tuition prices. Many students wish to get out of the city in which they are from and journey off into a new chapter, but having a solid community college in your city gives you access to higher education at an affordable cost, allows you to save money on prerequisite courses, and offers a complete and safe environment of learning to better yourself.
Anything else you would like to add, either about your time at FCC or about your professional/personal life now that you think is good to know? Thank you to my parents, family, Aje Hill, I Believe In Me Inc., Damascus Road Church, and fellow mentors for including me in their mission this year. I am glad to partner with great organizations while I am still growing!
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Rebecca Bazawada

I felt very supported throughout my training at FCC, that they didn’t just look at me as another student but they treated me like family. Spring 2003 - 2005 Respiratory Care Rebecca Bazawada graduated from FCC in 2005. After earning her degree, she went on to work at Georgetown University Hospital where she continued to practice the respiratory care skills she attained from FCC. She is currently a clinical instructor. Why did you decide to come to FCC? I had a friend from high school who had gone to FCC. She told me they had a wonderful student life, academic programs, and not to mention a peaceful and caring atmosphere. What did you enjoy most about FCC? I really enjoyed the activities that student life provided us as students. Sometimes they would even provide us with lunch. The teachers were so caring, helpful, and very understanding. What did you gain from your time at FCC? I felt very supported throughout my training at FCC, that they didn’t just look at me as another student but they treated me like family. Any time we had a question we could go to our program director or our teachers, or administrative staff. Everyone at all times was so receptive and welcoming, they would help us with any questions that we had. What do you enjoy about your work now? I was given an awesome opportunity to become a clinical instructor; I’ve always enjoyed working with the students. I’m so thankful to have been given such an awesome responsibility and opportunity to mold and shape young and aspiring RT students. I am thankful to be an RT because of the invaluable skills learned to save lives. Why do you think it is important that Frederick has a strong community college like FCC? Frederick is such a beautiful county- the fresh air, the greenery, the people. I think it’s one of the strongest community colleges in Maryland. They have very good tuition rates, flexible schedules that help provide us with good work life balance, and not to mention wonderful professors who want to see us strive and succeed. Anything else you would like to add, either about your time at FCC or about your professional/personal life now that you think is good to know? I am so thankful to be a respiratory care practitioner because for 15 years I have had a great opportunity to work with fantastic people such as my health care colleagues who provide love and support to individuals, helping them in the process of healing, and holding their hand during a stressful time as a patient. It helps me to be motivated to always be thankful and to keep a positive perspective on my personal life. Read more

Vincent Brown

I was unsure if I would be successful in higher education and heard that FCC had a great, student-focused program. I decided to give it a try, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. August 2010 - May 2011 General education courses Vincent Brown completed mostly general education courses while attending FCC, but he enrolled in an introductory course on meteorology that got him interested in the weather and climate. That course is one of the reasons he decided to study atmospheric science at Salisbury University, where he completed a B.S. in Geography in 2014. After Salisbury University, he attended the University of Tennessee and received an M.S. in Geography in 2016. He then attended Louisiana State University (LSU) where he studied climatology, with a focus on precipitation, and earned a Ph.D. in 2019. Vincent is currently an assistant professor-research at Louisiana State University and was recently appointed as the climate research director for the Southern Climate Impacts Planning Program (SCIPP), a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) funded Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments (RISA) team.
Why did you decide to come to FCC? I decided to enroll at FCC because I did not feel ready to attend a four-year university. What did you enjoy most about FCC? I will never forget the dedication, experience, and commitment of my professors during my time at FCC. At larger universities, especially in general education courses, students can go an entire semester without interacting with their professor(s). At FCC, in almost all of my courses, I was able to connect and interact with my professors in a way that is somewhat rare at larger schools. I found that the educators at FCC were always happy to answer my questions and talk with me during their office hours. I never felt like I was bothering them, and it made me feel comfortable to ask more questions, which helped me succeed. What did you gain from your time at FCC? My biggest gain was learning how to succeed in higher education. FCC taught me how to be a better student and sparked a curiosity in me for knowledge that prepared and guided me on my educational journey. I credit FCC and its exceptional professors and resources for my success at the undergraduate level that eventually translated to the graduate level. Are there any lessons or skills you learned while at FCC that you use in your professional life today? My professors at FCC, through their dedication and actions, showed me how to be an effective teacher. When I first started at FCC, I was not passionate about school and did not think I was higher education material; however, my professors worked with me and never gave up. Their devotion to the students, no matter their qualifications or proficiency, rubbed off on me and is something I remain committed to as a professor. I hope I can be as impactful to my students as my professors at FCC were to me. What do you enjoy about your work now? It is difficult for me to call what I do at LSU and SCIPP work because I have so much fun doing it. I truly do not feel like it is “work.” I come in every day excited to conduct research and investigate something in a way no one else has done before. I feel truly blessed to be in the position I am in now because I get to do what I love every day. Why do you think it is important that Frederick has a strong community college like FCC? Unfortunately, for many people the cost of college is too much, the transition from high school to college is too onerous, or the time required to be successful is just not there. That is where a strong, student-focused community college comes in. FCC provides students from all walks of life the ability to learn and attain an education which frequently uplifts the students and thus the community. As stated by Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” We need to do our best to ensure that education is affordable without a lapse in quality, and I believe FCC has and continues to accomplish just that. Read more

David Crum

FCC provides a great way to gain post-secondary education while not accruing large amounts of debt and potentially hindering your future financial goals. Fall 2005 - Summer 2007 Economics After attending FCC David Crum transferred to Towson University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in finance. A few months into his first full-time job he earned a management role, and eventually transferred these skills into a career in banking. David is currently a bank officer and branch manager at Woodsboro Bank’s East Street branch. Why did you choose to attend FCC? I decided to go to FCC because it was close to home, it offered the greatest opportunity to work while going to school, and it was a tremendous way to save money. FCC provides a great way to gain post-secondary education while not accruing large amounts of debt and potentially hindering your future financial goals. What did you enjoy most about FCC? Besides the cost and flexibility in schedule, I really liked that many of my educators had real world, on the job experience in their areas of study. What skills did you gain that you still use today? My favorite classes at FCC were economics with Dave Hickman. Learning about the economy has greatly helped me today as we attempt to forecast what the future may hold. This is incredibly important in banking while we attempt to plan for the needs of our clients in order to assist them reach their financial goals. What do you enjoy most about your work now? The thing I enjoy most is the people. Not only my fellow colleagues, but all the amazing clients I’ve had the pleasure of working with through the years. As community bankers, we love seeing successes of our clients as this has a direct impact on the strength of this wonderful county. Why do you think it is important that Frederick has a strong community college like FCC? I think FCC is incredibly important to provide advanced learning right in our backyard at a reasonable price. FCC offers many courses for recent graduates all the way through life. It provides a local place to learn professional skills to increase the talents and marketability of the workforce in Frederick. Anything else about yourself? For me FCC was not all work. While attending the college, I was also honored to join the school’s golf team and play at many great local courses with some talented players. The spring golf season had such an early start that I can still remember playing Maple Run Golf Club in a match while snow was falling making it almost impossible to see the ball. I can’t remember winning or losing, but this is just one of the experiences I will never forget as part of the FCC team. While I still play golf today, I am most often found spending time with my family or assisting my Woodsboro Bank clients with banking solutions. If you ever find yourself on East Street, please stop in and say hello. Read more

Niccole Rolls

I have always believed education was the key to my future. 1988 (as a dual enrollment student while attending Middletown High School) - 1994 Business Administration Niccole Rolls earned an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration in 1994. She soon started a photography and visual arts company with her husband, who is an artist. In the mid-2000s, Niccole transitioned into a new career field – fundraising. She soon decided she wanted to progress into non-profit management so earned her Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Maryland University College, now University of Maryland Global Campus. In late 2019, she joined the Frederick Rescue Mission as the Partnership Development Director. She also recently completed a four-year term as a councilperson in Waynesboro, PA, where she currently lives. Why did you choose to attend FCC? I have always believed education was the key to my future. I grew up in a family that had very little. After my father died when I was young, I watched my mother work hard at two and three jobs simultaneously, in order to support my brother and me. It was always a struggle. FCC gave me an opportunity to try college. I could dip my toe in the water and see if I was smart enough to succeed in school beyond high school. I was also paying my own way through school and FCC was affordable, which allowed me to explore different areas of study before settling on a business major. I also have to thank the Plamondon Companies for having a tuition reimbursement program for students who worked in their restaurants for 15 hours a week and maintained a B average. That is how I paid for my A.A. What did you gain from your time at FCC? At FCC, I gained confidence. I proved to myself that I was smart enough to succeed in college, and I learned how to manage my time. I also learned that I could do hard things if I broke down the assignments and took it one step at a time. I use these skills each and every day in my personal and professional life. Why do you think it is important that Frederick has a strong community college like FCC? Frederick Community College is an essential part of our community because it provides an opportunity to explore professions and areas of interest at a very economical price. I believe we have an epidemic of student loan debt in this country that will be felt for generations. FCC offers options for a first-class education at a price point that is much more affordable than a traditional four-year school. Your husband is now a student at FCC. Tell us about that. I am excited to attend another FCC graduation ceremony in the next year as my husband completes his Associate of Arts degree in Culinary Arts from the Hospitality, Culinary, and Tourism Institute (HCTI). When he had a career left turn, we were excited to find a program close to home that would let him explore a new field. This time I will get to sit in the audience with our children and grandchildren cheering him on, and reinforcing the idea of always learning to a new generation. I can add “you are never too old” to the list of reasons FCC is important to our family. Read more