Student Spotlight - Hannah Jean Pennock

What branch of the military did you serve in and when did you serve?
U.S. Army, 2011-2013

What did you study at EvCC?
I received my Direct Transfer Degree. I am planning on majoring in Human Services by taking the program through Western at EvCC.

Why did you choose EvCC?
I chose EvCC mainly because it is close to home, and I have heard nothing but great things about EvCC specifically. I was recommended to go here by almost everyone that I had asked. I love how beautiful the campus is. I've always wanted to thank the landscapers for maintaining the school grounds and keeping it so beautiful, but I never knew where they were located?!

What kind of support did you find for veterans at EvCC?
The Veterans' Resource Center and the people working in there are amazing and extremely helpful. If I needed anything, had any type of question, they were able to help me without any issues, or find whatever it was out for me. They are also very friendly and willing to help, which definitely helped me and made the whole school thing easy for me, since it never has come very easy to me in my life. I always felt welcomed and appreciated, and that I received the best help I could get when I went in there. They go above and beyond for their fellow veterans. It's awesome.

Who helped you succeed at EvCC? (faculty member, staff). What did that person do to help you?
One specific instructor that really sticks out to me when I think of who helped me succeed, was my Math 91 and Math 92 teacher, Mike Story. Also, Candace Ronhaar from the Tutoring Center. Mike was an awesome instructor, who was always in such a great mood, seemed like he loved teaching every single day, and that he sincerely cared about his students. He made it really fun. Math has always been my worst subject, but he definitely changed that for me. I took him for Math 91 and I was very fortunate to have him the next quarter for Math 92. He motivated me to do the best I could, and was always willing to give me extra help that I needed. I think I asked him about a million questions, and he never seemed irritated, and always fully answered my questions, making sure I understood completely. He made math easy for me, which I never thought was possible. I think I received an A and a B+ in both of his classes, when in grade school I received C's and D's in math. 

For Candace, she worked as the assistant in Mike's math classes, and she also worked in the Tutoring Center. I used the center a lot for math help, and they were awesome there, too. It was great since Candace was the assistant in my math class, so she knew exactly what we were learning and helped me work on things specific to what I needed. She was so fun, and always so happy. I look up to her so much and I am so glad I was able to have her also for 2 quarters.

What advice do you have for new EvCC veteran students?
The best advice I could give is to use all of the resources available to you to your advantage! And your benefits. If you have ANY questions at all, even if you think they may be "dumb," don't worry about that, and go to the Veterans' Resource Center, they will be more than willing to help you. If you're unsure of all of your benefits available to you, don't be afraid to ask. There are so many benefits that some veterans are unaware of and they miss out on them. Also, I would not suggest working full-time while you are going to school full-time! 

What do you plan to do next? (Job, transfer, etc.)
You know what, that I am still stuck on. I plan to just work for the time being, and take a little break from school. I work at a veterinary clinic and I absolutely love it. I plan to look more into the Human Services program available through Western at EvCC and hopefully start next fall. I know I want a rewarding job where I am able to help people and make society a little better of a place. 

Describe the best experience you had at EvCC
Nothing big really sticks out to me, but I think overall the best experience I had was just attending such a great school: the people, the atmosphere, and the classes I took. I've never been the person who enjoys school, you could ask any of my family members and they would tell you the same thing, I absolutely DREADED it. But, after attending EvCC, my entire outlook on school has changed. I think ultimately what changed it for me was the ability to choose what I want to do, like what classes I could take that truly interest me. I also enjoyed the freedom of choosing what time to go to class! I just felt more free and open to exploring new things that I wasn't able to in grade school.

Anything else you want to add?
I just want to thank everyone who helped me get to where I am at today. I never imagined I would go to college, receive honors and graduate on time. I just can't believe it and I am so overwhelmed by it all. It was an incredible experience that went by very quickly, but I enjoyed it all, even those long nights (sometimes mornings) staying up to study. It was well worth it.