Words from Honors Graduates

 

When I first came to King's, I was nervous about starting the Honors Program; although I was an A student in high school, I was worried that the classes would be too challenging as I worked to adjust to a new stage in my life.  Just days after starting at King's, though, I knew that I had made the right decision.  The classes were small, which made one-on-one interactions with the professors and students not just possible, but essential.  Everyday, I would enjoy stimulating discussions on whatever we were learning, and being with a group of students with similar goals helped me form strong friendships that I still have today.  I've gained so much knowledge from being around such bright, hard-working individuals.

On a personal level, the program has provided me with many outstanding opportunities.  I've had the chance to develop leadership skills while working with the Honors Program Student Advisory Council, and I've gotten to know students in other grades.  I've also had the chance to interact with students from Misericordia University's Honors Program and a number of other community members through events like Lounge and Learn, movie nights, trivia nights, trips, and service projects.  Because of my experiences, I have more confidence and interests than I ever would have imagined possible when I entered King's.

I believe that the Honors Program is responsible for a lot of my success both during my years at King's and beyond.  I've held two paid internships, I've won numerous scholarships, and I was actively recruited by a number of graduate schools--I know that listing the Honors Program on my resume has been integral to these achievements.  I'm really going to miss being a part of this wonderful group at King's! Gracemarie Mike '09

 

Participating in the Honors Program is by far one of the best decisions I made during my time at King’s. Courses in the Honors Program are populated by the brightest students and the best professors and so naturally feature a high level of intellectual discussion. The Honors Program also offers great opportunities to students outside the classroom with its cultural events, trips to various locations such as New York City, and inspiring discussions in its Lounge and Learn series. In short, the Honors Program fosters both academic and personal excellence. Michael Buckwash ‘09 

As a high school senior I hesitated to accept the invitation to the King's College Honors Program because I knew it would be challenging. Four years later I can tell you the Honors Program has played a huge role in helping me succeed in the classroom and to grow as a person. Classes are small and teachers are always enthusiastic and willing to help. Outside the classroom I enjoyed the various social events, including lectures and trips. In fact, some of my best friends from college I met in the Honors Program. The Honors Program pushed me to develop skills such as leadership, writing, and public speaking that will serve me well long after I leave college.  I have gained so many valuable memories and experiences from participating in the Honors Program that I strongly recommend the program to anyone who is interested. Susan Prentice ‘09

Participating in the honors program has been one of the best decisions I’ve made since coming to King’s. Graduating with honors gives me the competitive edge I need for law school and definitely gives a special touch to my resume. There were very interesting course selections with dedicated teachers, and students who actively participate and challenge one another. Rather than spending time several core classes, the accelerated program allows for the completion of several core requirements in single classes, leaving space in my schedule for more classes that I thought were interesting rather than required. The honors program has made substantial progress even over my four years at King’s and with the addition of socials and a new lounge is very welcoming and inviting. For me the honors program was an advantage I had over several of my friends and I definitely would recommend anyone even considering joining to pursue the program as it promotes success both inside and outside of the classroom. Michelle O'Brien '08

Out of all the decisions I made while at Kings, completing the Honors Program was by far the best.  The Honors classes were some of the most rewarding classes I took while at Kings. The professors' passion for the subject helped challenge each one of us to broaden our interests and attain a higher level of learning.  I was also surrounded by other students who wanted to get as much out of each class as I did which provided for great class discussions.  I enjoyed the course work that accompanied the Honors classes, and I also enjoyed working with honors extension contracts to gain even more from my major classes.  When I graduated from Kings as an Honors Graduate I was proud to wear my medal and know that without the Honors Program my experience at King's would not have been the same. Melissa Richards '08

As a student who felt as though their high school curriculum was far from challenging, it was not difficult for me to graduate from said high school without trying too hard. So when I received an invitation to become a member of the King’s College Honors Program the summer before my Freshman year, I was ready to be challenged, and therefore, I accepted. And challenged I was, every day, for the next four years. And although that might sound scary to those of you first starting your education at King’s, I can honestly say that my place within the Honors Program is something I am still grateful for. The opportunity to engage in conversation and even debate with the brightest students at King’s, and professors who expected me to demand more from myself than the bare minimum are just a few of the things the Honors Program can offer. My classes within the Honors Program curriculum forced me to become a better writer, more capable of completing extensive research assignments, a confident public speaker, and it taught me to have confidence in my own knowledge and potential. I believe my completion of the Honors Program was one of the reasons I will be attending law school in the Fall and why I was accepted to not one, but six of the top 100 law schools in the country. I hope that those of you are offered a place within the Honors Program know what an honor it truly is, and embark on a challenge that will ultimately better your King’s College education. Ashley Zingaretti '08