Author: Zachary Crooms

What major are you studying at Blue Ridge CTC?

Open Transfer Liberal Arts

Why did you select your program?

I selected the Liberal Arts program because I knew it would give me not only the mobility to take classes that encompassed my academic interests but also give me the foothold to build my transcript and resume as I applied for a 4-year institution. It allowed me to handpick the classes I knew I’d need to transfer while still working towards an actual degree here at the same time!

Explain one thing you enjoyed about your time at Blue Ridge CTC.

The major thing I enjoyed in my time at Blue Ridge would have to be my professors and supporting faculty. They’ve provided me with some of the best support I could have asked for, pushing me to excel and fueling my interests within our subjects. I wouldn’t be where I am now without their support and excellent instruction, especially in subjects I lacked in from High School.

What are your current goals after you graduate, and how has Blue Ridge assisted you toward those goals?

I graduate with my Associate’s degree after this Summer semester, and after that, I’ll actually be transferring out overseas to finish my Bachelor’s degree in the Czech Republic! It’s always been a big dream of mine to travel, and a really beneficial thing I’ll be taking away from here is that my transferring school- even being abroad- will accept my Blue Ridge credits, so I speculate I’ll only need 2 more years to finish out my full Bachelors. I’ll be completing a degree in Curatorial studies with the hopes of continuing to grad school to do either museum-based conservation work or research historian/archival work! The ability to transfer was a huge perk to saving money, as well as staying close to home while I did a big chunk of my program. Working closely with supporting faculty really helped make this happen as well, from helping with my resume to providing academic references.

What advice would you offer to current and future students? 

Aim high! Academics and academia are difficult things right now, let’s not deny it, but perseverance and confident goals for yourself can get you a long way. I had extremely poor grades in High School and struggled a lot to really care about school whatsoever if I’m being honest. But decisively finding a passion and sticking to it has gotten me really far in my college years, and I’ve vastly improved the quality of my own work simply by setting really determined aims for myself. But still, be gentle with yourself! Stuff happens, life gets in the way, and burning out is something I do a bit too often to myself when I get caught up in it all. Be aware of the people around you who can offer support, both here at the school as well as in your own life.

What major did you complete at Blue Ridge CTC?

Liberal Arts

Tell us what you are doing now. Are you working? If so, what do you do? Are you continuing your studies? If so, where are you a student and what is your major?

I’m currently working a part-time job at Office Depot. I do plan on continuing my studies at Shepherd University to achieve a Bachelor’s Degree.

Have you done anything noteworthy with your degree that you wish to highlight? If so, explain it here.

I haven’t been able to use my degree yet.

Explain one thing you enjoyed about your time at Blue Ridge CTC.

The people. The people are so kind. The professors are very understanding, especially when it comes to online classes.

Is there anything else you want us to know?

I’ve been at Blue Ridge CTC since my senior year in Highschool. I was apart of the jumpstart program. It was the best decision I could have ever made. It has given me a massive head start when it comes to my career and education.

What major did you complete at Blue Ridge CTC?

Liberal Arts

Tell us what you are doing now. Are you working? If so, what do you do? Are you continuing your studies? If so, where are you a student and what is your major?

I will continue my education at Shepherd University, pursuing a B.A in History and minor in Spanish. I plan to further my education and become a librarian/archivist and translator/interpreter. I have been volunteering at the Shepherdstown Library for nearly a year and am learning a lot. I am also a writer, so I will continue freelance writing.

Have you done anything noteworthy with your degree that you wish to highlight? If so, explain it here.

So far, I have written stories for two video games published on Github and Itch.io, and am currently working on the third.

Explain one thing you enjoyed about your time at Blue Ridge CTC.

I enjoyed my professors a lot. Particularly Professor Bass and Professor Ralston.

Is there anything else you want us to know?

As a student in their 40’s, returning to college was a little intimidating. But the experience was very pleasant and I appreciated how much care and attention I received from my advisor. I learned a lot about myself and stretched myself to grow in unexpected ways.