By Forrest Maynock
“We live in an increasingly competitive international society, and it will be those with demonstrated excellence who will succeed. Attainment of that excellence requires dedicated and consistent effort, and the Honors Program provides that environment,” said Daniel Underwood, Professor of Economics and Environmental Science at Peninsula College.
The Honors Program at Peninsula College offers students an Honors degree that can be attached to any AA or AS transfer degree. This will interest students who wish to transfer to a four year institution and want to enhance their resumes for applications. The program also offers to give a taste of how a doctoral thesis is done through the Capstone Project. According to Underwood the Honors Program at Peninsula College is open to any student regardless of GPA.
Underwood explained the layout of the program saying, “We do it first in Honors seminars, where students establish their goals of success, evaluate the extent to which they are successful, and continue in the process of success. This ‘self-assessment’ is the focal point for sustained student success and a process they master in the first year of the program. The second year centers on their project. Working with a mentor, participating in a projects seminar, and engagement with the Honors Coordinator and Dean of Instruction students work through the process of completing a unique research project.”
Underwood, said that this year there are approximately twenty students in the program, and many will be presenting their Capstone Projects at the Honors Symposium in June, 2017.
Many of the students in the Honors Program are international students.
“I always believe that the people who succeed in life are the ones who go one step forward. I joined the Honors Program because I wanted to improve myself both personally and academically,” said Hoi Kiu Chan, 18, an Honors student from Hong Kong.
Chan is working towards presenting her project in June, 2017, with the other Honors Program students.
Chan went on to say that, “Joining the Honors Program changed my attitude towards learning–– I’m more enthusiastic about learning now. Besides, the Capstone Project gave me a chance to gain a better understanding of what I’m passionate about; it will be very helpful for my future studies.”
Ka King Martin Lin, 18, from Hong Kong said, “It provides me an abundance opportunities for group discussion, so I’m hoping through the program I can develop my social skills, meet more people, and use this opportunity to have a deeper understanding about my major and find out if I want that to be my career.”
Tu Ngoc Lisa Hoang, 18, an Honors student form Vietnam said, “The program has already helped me to identify my area of interest and with my Capstone Project, I hope to influence more youths to pursue their love and passion. I have also received an internship opportunity from a governmental agency in Vietnam.”
The three students indicated their enthusiasm for the progress of their projects, and all hope to be ready to present by June.