Meghan Pennington

B.A. Psychology, 2007

Pursuing Growth and Success

The lessons learned through life experiences can bring about the greatest of personal growth and success. For Meghan Pennington, the experience of attending college has proven pivotal in her pursuit of personal growth. Lessons learned both in and out of the classroom have taught her that personal gain is not out of reach.

Pennington once believed that completing college wasn’t in her future. In 2000, as a freshman at Stonehill College , Massachusetts , she was diagnosed with epilepsy. Coping with her illness and new medications that often made her tired, she wanted to be closer to home and to her doctors. So, after her fifth semester, she decided to return home. She put college on hold and began work as a manager for Starbucks. Before long, her epilepsy was controlled and she was seizure-free for one full year. In control and with great drive, she was ready to move on.

An advertisement promoting an open house at UMBC at The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) caught her eye, and she decided to attend. “Everyone at the open house was beyond welcoming,” she said. “And later, when I received word that they accepted me into their Psychology program, I felt extremely welcomed and lucky!” It seemed that college was well within her reach after all.

Starting at a new college was stressful enough for her, but the fact that she was five years older than the “typical freshman” intimidated her even more. “I was so nervous about going back to school; I didn’t want to be the old lady on campus.” However, she explained that from the very first day she found herself right at home. USG is such a diverse campus made up of all kinds of students ranging in age, ethnicity and educational background. “Right away, I felt comfortable.”

As part of her curriculum, she learned to listen to other’s opinions, debate issues, work as part of a team, and develop into a true professional. “USG allowed me to gain important skills that I knew could be easily applied to the real world.” With the campus’ high-tech classrooms, well-equipped computer labs, small class-sizes, and abundant supply of student clubs, Pennington found it easy to get involved and enjoy the full benefits of her experience.

One of her favorite classes was one that focused on cultural differences. “I researched the No Child Left Behind Act and assessed its impact, both negative and positive, on education. What I learned through this class has changed me forever and has strengthened my efforts on serving children with special needs.” Pennington graduated with her B.A. this year, and she plans to continue her studies as a graduate student in Special Education. She hopes to become a teacher and advocate for children with autism, cerebral palsey, emotional disorders and a variety of other learning disabilities.

Attending college surely has defined Pennington’s future and has opened doors to achieving goals once thought unreachable. What Pennington learned while attending USG is that going to college is a time for personal growth. “College is about more than just book learning. It’s about everything else that goes along with the experience – the people you meet along the way, the ideas that blossom from opening your mind, and perhaps most importantly, the confidence you gain when you learn that you are very much in control of your education and your life.”

Confident and prepared to enter the real world, Pennington proves to all who know her that when you put your mind to something, anything is within reach.