Ivey Adara Knebel shares her experience about attending the Lone Star College Honors College and how it led to her academic success.

What made you decide to attend Lone Star College?
When I graduated high school, I was in a place in my life where I was unsure on what my career aspirations were. To give myself more time to learn about myself, I decided to go to community college instead of straight to a four-year university. When I got the Chancellor’s Fellows Award from the Honors College at Lone Star College-CyFair, I felt as if all my hard work up until that point had been recognized. I knew then that Lone Star College was the right choice from all their support both financially and in helping me discover my interests.

How did you learn about the Honors College at Lone Star College?
I learned about the Honors College when I received an invitation in the mail to apply to one of their scholarships back in high school. I decided to apply for it and waited to see what happened. Surprising to me, I got the Chancellor’s Fellows. Later, I would come to learn of all the opportunities the Honors College has in leadership, research, and also making long-lasting friends.

What kind of academic activities did you participate in while enrolled in the Honors College?
I dived into an abyss of research. I got to learn how the research process differentiates across various humanities. Moreover, I was given the opportunity to conduct my own independent STEM research project. I went on to presenting this same project at three different research conferences.  In addition, I was the events lead of the Honors College Leadership Program. In this position, I assisted in developing informative forums for students on topics such as interviewing, CV-building, and more.

How will your experience at the Honors College prepare you for transferring?
The Honors College is a hidden gem. I have had the opportunity to study abroad, present at research conferences at the local and regional level, and learn from the perspectives of my peers. All of these opportunities have worked to make me a more well-rounded person, motivated to take on the next task. As I transfer, I will carry these experiences and memories with me. I will continue to breathe the lessons, information, and perspectives I’ve learned from the past two years.

 What career do you hope to obtain after you finish your studies?
I am pursuing a career as a forensic geneticist in tandem with a career in researching women’s genetics and reproductive health. I want to intermingle my love for science with activism. What ever career I end up in, I will be sure to do just that.

 What would you say to someone considering enrolling at Lone Star College and joining the Honors College?
When I first joined the Honors College, I thought I would just keep to myself, get my work done, and go home. However, with the strong sense of community with the Honors College, that is not possible. The Honors College is a welcoming environment where we all push each other to grow. There is no sense of competition here like at some major, renowned universities. Everyone genuinely wants the best for each other. That sense of companionship, coupled with the amazing opportunities for anyone looking to go into any field of study, makes the Honors College worth it.

 Is there anything else you would like to add?
Whether you are dead set in your career plans or unsure, the Honors College is the perfect place to go to. It is a community of support, fostering growth, and giving back.  

Lone Star College Honors College students took part in the Research Experiences for Undergrads program at Rice University. Pictured (left) is LSC Honors College graduate Ivey Adara Knebel speaking with a symposium attendee.