Student Tribune
MCC Alumna Reflects on Her Journey from MCC to Cornell
'More than one path can be taken to achieve a college degree," says
Elizabeth De Meyer '17.
After completing my bachelor's degree this past December, I've reflected on
my time as an undergraduate and fully realized how certain aspects have
contributed to my successes. Although my financial circumstances were different
five years ago, I heavily weighed tuition costs when considering my college
choices.
With my goal of earning a bachelor's degree in plant sciences, Cornell
University was my top pick due to its excellent reputation for this field.
However, due to its higher cost of tuition, directly entering as a freshman
wasn't a viable option. Given these factors, I pursued a less conventional
route of attending a community college for two years then transferring to a
four-year school, demonstrating that more than one path can be taken to achieve
a college degree.
Right from my start at Monroe Community College, I prepared for transfer by
taking relevant courses and utilizing the tools offered. Through participating
in the smaller, more rigorous settings of honors courses and conducting and
presenting research at MCC's Scholars' Day, I gained credit hours and skills
that transferred to my four-year school. I also became a Phi Theta Kappa honor
society chapter officer, working with a close-knit group of students and
advisors and gaining leadership skills. I earned my associate degree in liberal
arts and sciences and a certificate in advanced studies with thesis in 2017.
After transferring to Cornell, I had ample time to fit in my coursework
while also participating in extracurricular activities and undergraduate
research. The money I had saved during the previous two years relieved
financial stress and provided me with time I might have otherwise spent
working. At Cornell, I joined the rowing club and traveled to Nicaragua and
Cuba for class trips over spring breaks. I completed an undergraduate research
honors thesis and two summer internships. My writing and presentation skills,
honed in my first two years of college, held up to the rigor needed in my
advanced coursework and research. I graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's
degree in plant sciences.
My time as an undergraduate prepared me well for my next step. With my goal
of becoming a lead researcher in my field, a Ph.D. would have to be in my
future. Because I had gained enough undergraduate research experience, I was
able to apply directly to Ph.D. programs without earning a master's degree. By
taking an alternate route to my four-year degree, I saved money while gaining
the skills to succeed in my undergraduate career and beyond.
Elizabeth De Meyer of Hilton will pursue her Ph.D. in August
2020.
Attached Files:
Elizabeth De Meyer - Portrait (1).jpg
Yuen-Eng, Hency
Government and Community Relations
07/30/2020