Howard Community College

English Institute's resources and support pave the way for long-term academic achievement Maggie Zheng relocated to the U.S. from China at the age of 17, with her sights set on pursuing the best possible education. As a first step, she wanted to improve her English language skills. The English Institute at HCC's English Language Center helped her accomplish those goals, and prepared her to pursue credit courses toward her college degree. "Everyone I met was so supportive and helpful," said Zheng. "Studying at the English Institute opened doors for me to make new friends from different cultural backgrounds. It put me on the right path." In fact, Zheng's English Institute experience was so positive that she took a part-time job in the English Language Center while working toward her associate degree. "I never forgot how nervous I felt when I first arrived at HCC. I understood how the new students felt and wanted to help them, the same way others had supported me." After graduating with her associate degree, Zheng transferred to the University of Maryland, College Park, majoring in marketing and international business. She earned her bachelor's degree in May 2017, and intends to pursue a Ph.D. in marketing and consumer psychology. "I am forever grateful for the experience I had at HCC; they gave me so many resources," said Zheng. "It really is a great environment to learn." studying, she is also gaining real-world experience as a full-time patient care technician at Howard County General Hospital. "Working in health care, you get to form relationships with your patients every day, and I love that," said Delgado. "I hope in those little moments, I make a positive difference in someone's life." Future dental hygienist finds his starting point Jong Park wanted to become a dental hygienist, but first wanted to gain some core skills and understanding of the industry. While pursuing his associate degree prerequisites, he enrolled in the noncredit dental assisting and radiology course. "I learned about the instruments used for various dental procedures, and how to take radiographs," said Park, "but also important basics like how to properly clean the dental chair and how to maximize infection control in the patient care setting. It was a really beneficial entry point for my education and future career." Following completion of his prerequisites, Park entered the dental hygiene program and is on track to graduate in May 2018. He says HCC has prepared him well for a successful career. "The program is small, so each student really gets a lot of personal attention and support," said Park. "I know I made the right choice." It's a common scenario: students come to HCC with a basic idea of the type of program and career path they would like to pursue, but wonder where to start. Many find that answer when they start with HCC's division of continuing education and workforce development. A new career path with the right preparation Celeste Delgado put her career on pause to raise her five children. When she was ready to return to work, she decided it was time to pursue her true dream – becoming a nurse. Yet, she wondered, could she do it? "I am 51 years old, and I don't have time to waste," said Delgado. "I wanted to have some basic skills under my belt so that I would be comfortable on day one of clinical training." Delgado found noncredit courses through the division of continuing education and workforce development that would give her some experience and confidence. She began with the Certified Nursing Assistant course, and then registered for the Advanced Patient Care Skills course for more in-depth training in specialized patient care and procedures. "Taking these courses upfront made my learning process so much easier," she adds. Delgado will graduate from HCC's nursing program in spring 2019. As she is CONNECTIONS Spring 2018 | Pathways 15 Providing Pathways to Degree Programs

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