Issue link: http://howardcc.uberflip.com/i/1059479
Judge Nazarian is present to critique the oral arguments and deliver feedback on how the case has evolved in an official court of appeals. "The students quickly realize that cases that seem interesting are not simple, and sometimes they have to defend an argument that they personally don't agree with," said Korbelak. "It's an eye-opening experience for them, especially when Judge Nazarian speaks up from the back of the classroom with a challenging question. We are giving our students exposure to what's happening off campus, in the community, and in our world." For years, Lisa Eng dreamed of someday becoming a nurse. Then, at the age of 52, she mustered up the courage to pursue a degree and make it happen. After diverse set of experiences that connect education to the real world. Individually, the three honors programs offered at HCC—Rouse Scholars, Schoenbrodt Scholars, and STEM Scholars—along with honors courses in a broad range of disciplines, make it possible for students to build their academic experiences around their personal interests and passions, as well as their professional vision and goals. Adrian Kuhlman, assistant professor of mathematics and assistant director of the STEM Scholars program, says that honors courses allow for more conceptual conversations in the classroom that test his students' understanding of a math problem and also explore the "why" behind it. He challenges his students to come up with the correct answer to a complex math problem, and then to explain how the solution was determined in simple, easy- to-understand terms. "I always say the greatest test is to present the process in a way that a 10-year-old will understand," said Kuhlman. "As we dive into these complex math problems and start to understand how they relate to the world around us, there is always a story that can be told. One of my favorite assignments involves students creating children's books. As the story unfolds, the math problem and solution are presented in a fun and creative way. It broadens their view and shows students how mathematics is part of everything we do." Projects such as Kuhlman's teach students about the importance of strategic and critical thinking, while encouraging them to step outside of their comfort zone and try new things. This is especially her first semester, based on her academic performance, she was eligible to take honors-level courses. She was intrigued by the idea, and appreciated the opportunity it offered to get the most out of her learning experience. "I wanted to be challenged with projects that required more research and more experimentation," said Eng. "The honors courses I have taken have motivated me to be the best I can as a student, so that one day, I will be the best I can as a nurse." HCC's honors programs offer extraordinary, out-of-the-box learning experiences that prepare students to venture off campus with meaningful insight, perspective, and skills. Collectively, the programs deliver a t Naomi Narat (front) joins other students in volunteer service during alternative spring break.