Pay it Forward - Frederick Community College

Allison Beasley

I wish I could have completed all four years required to earn my teaching certificate at FCC. I enjoyed every moment of my experience. Fall 2013 – Spring 2015 Elementary Education/Elementary Special Education Allison Beasley decided to attend FCC after completing one year at a local four-year college. The college wasn't the best fit for her, so she decided to move home and work towards her degree locally. After completing her A.A.T. degree at FCC, Allison went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Maryland, College Park. She is currently a first grade teacher with Prince George’s County Public Schools.

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.

Isabel Miller

I had many great teachers at FCC, and I strive to make an impact on my students like they did for me. 2010 - 2013 General Studies, Concentration in English Education Isabel Miller graduated from FCC in spring 2013 with an associate degree in general studies. After FCC, she transferred to Shepherd University briefly before moving to Augusta, Georgia. Isabel graduated from Augusta University with a bachelor’s degree in world languages, and she currently teaches high school Spanish in Jefferson County, Georgia. Why did you decide to come to FCC?
I decided to attend FCC because it was close to home, affordable, and the courses were flexible enough that I could work. They also offered payment plans and that allowed me to complete my degree without taking out any loans. What did you enjoy most about FCC? I enjoyed my courses. My professors were amazing! They were always available when I needed them. They made the courses fun and memorable. I loved the small classes; the professors knew you by name. They also offered trips. I went to California with the education department to work at a YMCA for a week. It was just a great experience and an amazing school. 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 I will always remember is Dr. Bigham explaining the power of thank you notes. Ever since her class, I send thank you notes to everyone. I also learned to try things and experiences. Some courses require you to go to outside activities and it really encouraged me to step out of my box. What do you enjoy about your work now? I love it! Teaching comes with challenges, especially now of course. However, being able to inspire and make a difference in the lives of others is worth it. I had many great teachers at FCC, and I strive to make an impact on my students like they did for me. Why do you think it is important that Frederick has a strong community college like FCC? It really gives students a chance to get an education at an affordable price. Students can gain many experiences and try different things if they are unsure what they want to pursue. FCC is a close-knit community full of many opportunities. I always advocate for students to start at a community college first. Frederick is a beautiful, growing community, and FCC is a part of the positive impact and growth.

Genoveva Reyes

The education I received from FCC gave me the skills I need for developing the online classes I now teach. 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.

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.

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.

Emily Zamora

I remember much of the wisdom that was passed on to me by my education professors and use some of it in my own classroom today. 2011 – 2016 Early Childhood and Elementary Education Emily Zamora began as a nursing student at FCC. She soon realized that she wasn’t passionate about nursing and, wanting to make sure she ended up in a career that she loved, decided to try teaching. “I took one education class that involved classroom visits and was sold,” said Emily. “That class solidified that I was meant to teach.” Emily graduated from FCC and transferred to Frostburg State University at Hagerstown. There, she completed a two-year program and earned her bachelor’s in early childhood and elementary education. She currently teaches kindergarten in Frederick County Public Schools and plans to pursue a master’s degree in educational leadership. Why did you decide to come to FCC? FCC was affordable. When I was looking at schools, cost was important because I was going to be paying for everything on my own. FCC gave me the opportunity to receive a quality education without breaking the bank. FCC also gave me the flexibility to go part-time. I got to make my schedule and decide how many classes I wanted to take. What did you enjoy most about FCC? I really enjoyed the community the most at FCC. There were tons of opportunities to get involved. I was a part of several clubs and made many friends as a result. I played softball for two years at FCC. I loved being able to continue playing while I worked on my degree. 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? FCC taught me a lot of independence. It required me to take ownership and control of my own education. FCC gave me the opportunity to explore a variety of interests and helped me decide what I wanted to do with my life. The professors brought real-life experience to many of the courses that I took which made them applicable to both my personal and professional life. I remember much of the wisdom that was passed on to me by my education professors and use some of it in my own classroom today. What do you enjoy about your work now? I love what I do. I get to help students achieve their goals, build relationships, and prepare them for the next steps in life. Yes, there can be challenges in the field of education, but the difference that we make as educators makes up for all of that. Why do you think it is important that Frederick has a strong community college like FCC? FCC allows for students to get the college experience without paying the college price. I learned how to become more independent during my time at FCC and I was able to do it without having to go away. FCC also allows for students to become more involved in their community. I have made so many great friends and had some amazing experiences that I would not have had without attending FCC.

Kimberly Zirkle

I love working with kids. I know I am making a difference in many of their lives. 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 third grade teacher with Frederick County Public Schools and will soon be moving to teach fifth grade. 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.