"On registration day, I immediately felt at home and knew I'd made the right decision."
Tierra Jones's Bio
Major
Liberal ArtsOccupation
StudentWhy GC for Jones?
- Looking for a fresh start in college, found GC to offer a more focused and high quality education paired with receiving individual attention
- Enriched her campus experience by actively engaging and participating in student organizations and activities
- Member and Vice President of GC's Omicron Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
- President of Student Government Association (SGA)
- Accepted into the Bucknell University Community College Scholars Program
- Awarded the twoyear competitive transfer scholarship to attend Bucknell University
Tierra Jones, a resident of Waldorf, Md., is soon to be a May 2020 graduate of Garrett College, earning her associate of arts degree with a concentration in liberal arts. Before enrolling at Garrett, she attended another college. She soon found herself in the process of wanting to get back into school again. She became a student at Garrett College in the fall of 2018.
"I knew I would have to start small, but I didn't want to start in the same place I was in," remarked Jones. "My sister told me about Garrett College, so I applied not thinking much of it until registration day. On registration day, I immediately felt at home and knew I'd made the right decision."
Jones was looking for a fresh start in college and found Garrett to best serve her desire to receive more focused, individual attention paired with a high-quality education.
"I have most loved the feeling of communal support that I've received since being a student here," noted Jones.
As a student, she actively participated in many activities and organizations on campus, all of which added to her campus experience.
She maintained the following roles at Garrett: student assistant with the Residence Life department, president of Student Government Association (SGA), vice president of GC's Alpha Omicron Phi Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK), and a student ambassador with the Admissions department.
"I don't feel that any one role is more important than the other because they are each impactful in their own ways," Jones stated. "In residence life, students are free to enter the office and chat if they need to. As SGA president, again students trust me with their important issues and concerns. As a student ambassador, I have the chance to show people new opportunities they may not have otherwise considered. In PTK, I am often introduced to the intricate beauties surrounding Garrett County and I am always amazed at its heart."
To say Tierra has thrived at GC is an understatement.
"I met Tierra in my Argumentation & Persuasive Research Writing class during her first year at Garrett College. From the first day of class, she was engaged in her learning and focused on her long-term academic and professional goals within the liberal arts," stated Lucy Manley, GC's associate dean of academics.
What's even more impressive is that she was recently awarded with the extremely competitive two-year transfer scholarship valued at more than $100,000 to attend Bucknell University, a private liberal arts institution in Lewisburg, Pa., this coming fall.
"Not only gaining admission to this prestigious university but also earning this scholarship are a true testament of Tierra's focused dedication to her academics and her community," noted Manley.
As part of the transfer scholarship requirements, Jones participated in the rigorous Bucknell Community College Scholars Program in the summer of 2019. The program is designed for high-achieving, low- to moderate income community college students who aim to earn their associate's degree and wish to take their education further. Garrett College is proud to be one of six community college partners of this program.
During the six-week academic program at Bucknell University, she left an outstanding impression on the faculty and staff at the university and was responsive to feedback from professors, all while maintaining an admirable pursuit of academic success. She excelled in two writing-intensive college courses, 'Education and the Human Spirit' and 'The Psychology of Attraction and Close Relationships', all while maintaining above average grades.
"My summer at Bucknell inspired me to not only dream more, but to dream bigger and know that each of my hopes and dreams are attainable," reflected Jones. "It restored my faith in myself."
Thanks to the generous transfer scholarship, she plans to continue her studies in English at Bucknell University this fall in pursuit of a bachelor's degree. In the future, she hopes to gain a career in public relations, publishing, or writing.
"My next step is Bucknell!" exclaims Jones. "The summer experience and transfer scholarship offered a perfect home to finish my bachelor's degree! I am grateful for the opportunity and excited to get to work when the time comes. My advice to others is to believe in yourself and trust your dreams!"
Ashley Ruby, director of GC's advising and academic success center, explained that the program is designed for a dedicated student such as Jones.
"When I first met Tierra, I immediately knew this opportunity belonged to her. Her drive and passion have led her to this incredible achievement. I am extremely delighted that she has accepted the opportunity to continue at Bucknell University this this fall," Ruby stated. "She is a role model to her peers and an effervescent leader among the student body."
For more information about the Bucknell Community College Scholars Program, in addition to other transfer opportunities available at Garrett College, persons may contact Ruby at Garrett College at 301-387-3733 or ashley.ruby@garrettcollege.edu.
