Marcus Peanort

Hometown: Hampton, Virginia

Education:
M.Ed., College Student Personnel
University of Maryland
B.S., Human Services Counseling
Old Dominion University

One critical piece of information I'd give a first year student:

There are so many things, but one good tidbit I would share is to get to know your professors not only inside the classroom, but outside as well. I give this piece of advice because it worked for me as a student. Be sure to introduce yourself to your professor before or after class during the first week. Also drop by during their office hours if you have questions about the class or just to say hello. Some times this can make a big difference in your learning and your relationship with your professors.

My favorite place at Montgomery College: 

Okay, I can't believe I'm admitting this, but I think my favorite place at Montgomery College, right now at least, is my office. Yeah I said it!  I like my office because it's the first time I've never really had one and I never knew how important it was to have door. I've only been in a cubical before. Plus I've really made the space mine so to me it's warm and welcoming. Stop by and check me out to see all the college pennants on my wall.   

The MC student service I think every student should know about: 

Counseling and Advising is a campus resource that I think every new student should know about. There are some great people there to assist you with your academic, career and personal questions and concerns. Trust me, I'm not just saying that because I'm a Counselor! (smile)  I would also suggest that students get involved outside of the classroom, so visit and become familiar with the Office of Student Life to me some new and different people who share similar interests.

There are endless possibilities for me when I'm not a work. I like to drive, depending on the price of gas, so normally I'm taking a road trip somewhere because I love to travel. However, I also like to just chill on my couch and watch TV, especially during basketball season. In addition, I love to hang out with family and/or friends, and depending on the time of year I like to catch some Washington Wizards or Mystics basketball games.

Laurie White

Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland

Education:
M.S.Ed., Counseling; University of Dayton
B.A., Hearing and Speech Science
University of Maryland, College Park

One critical piece of information I'd give a first year student:

Go to school like it’s your job – because it is. Show up! To every class! Yes, really! Even if you don’t feel like it! Turn in all of your assignments, and ask for help if you need it. Finally, take responsibility for your actions and your academic path. Your transcript will be around forever so it’s nice if it’s good. 

My favorite place at Montgomery College: 

I like my office because it’s my “home away from home” and my colleagues and students make sure it’s never boring. I also like hanging out in the photo labs in the Technical Center at Rockville, where I take photography classes. The Commons Building at Takoma Park/ Silver Spring brings back memories of hanging out there when I was a kid (my mom and grandmother both worked on campus then.) And finally…the beautiful grounds at Germantown, where I had my first counseling job at the College.

The MC student service I think every student should know about: 

You should already know and love the Counseling and Advising Center…but all students should know about all of the opportunities for learning and employment “outside” of the classroom that you can find at Montgomery College. Student Employment Services can help you with your resume and job preparation skills, and even help you locate a job. The Coop and Internship Office is important too – their services are collegewide, although they’re located at Takoma Park/Silver Spring. Hands-on experience is so important in helping you to figure out what you like – and DON’T like – to do, as well as what your skills and talents are. Plus, it looks great on a resume.

I like to have fun, see the world, and learn new things. I love words and language, so I read and write a lot. I listen to all kinds of music constantly and love to go to concerts. I like to cook and eat out at great restaurants. I’m a photography student so I take pictures all the time, and I’m also learning web design and digital photo editing. I love to travel. My favorite recent destinations were New Orleans, Northern California, Arizona (the Grand Canyon was truly awesome) and Massachusetts. I’m a beach bum at heart, though.