Student Testimonials
Student Testimonials
These testimonials are to show you what it looks like to be an Honors student. Because some of the students may have graduated, their year and expected graduation semester are included so you can still see what opportunities were available to them at that point in their lives. Each student has wonderful stories to tell both about the University and the Honors organization!
Honors Students at a Glance
Full Name: Catherine Samer
Hometown: Allentown
Major(s): Psychology and Special Education
Expected Semester of Graduation: Spring 2027
Why did you join the Honors College? I joined honors college to get research experience and live in the honors LLC.
How has the Honors College shaped your experience at Millersville University? I have met many cool people while living on the honors floor of the dorms and in my honors classes.
What was/is your favorite honors course? Why? I enjoyed World Literature because it was different from any English class I took in high school. I enjoyed the creative group work aspect and the discussion-based assessments.
How many credits do you typically take? I take 18 credits per semester.
What other organizations have you been a part of? I have been on the fencing team, rock climbing club, Color of Teaching Organization, Newman club, Psi Chi honor society, ODK leadership society, the Center For Public Scholarship and Social Change.
What was your favorite Honors College event? Why? I enjoyed the New York City trip because there is so much to do and see in NYC. We explored Central Park, Times Square, the Vessel, then took a sightseeing cruise around the city.
What advice would you give to incoming Freshman? I would suggest trying new things because you will never know if you can't do it or don't like it until you try. You will learn so much in college that isn't taught in a classroom. I have tried many new things by going out of my comfort zone and joining organizations that I was not familiar with.
Full Name: Maddie Hart
Hometown: York, PA
Major(s): Psychology
Expected Semester of Graduation: Fall 2025
Why did you join the Honors College? I joined the Honors college so that I could identify with a group of students who are just as hardworking as I am. I also wanted to form a bond with other students in the Millersville community. As a freshman, it was nice to live in the LLC when everyone was so new to the college experience. I also loved that I had a person Honors College mentor who was there to answer any of my question as an incoming freshman.
How has the Honors College shaped your experience at Millersville University? The Honors College has shaped my experience at Millersville by getting me involved with fun activities as well as crucial experiences to put on my resume. I really enjoyed being a peer mentor for incoming freshman and being a guide for them as they navigate this new experience. Also, I will be defending my thesis in the fall, and being in the Honors College has been a great motivation to stick through the process of conducting my own research.
What was/is your favorite honors course? Why? My favorite honors course was Psychology of Racism. This course taught me a lot about how racism operates in society, even if it seems subtle and minimal. It was so interesting to learn about inspirational stories of minorities who have defied the odds and overcome great barriers to succeed. Also, I enjoyed the group presentation at the end of the semester which is a film analysis project. Additionally, the separate project for honors students gives a lot of freedom to explore your personal interests regarding the class and your future career.
How many credits do you typically take? Throughout my experience at Millersville, I have taken anywhere between 15-18 credits a semester. However, I typically take about 16-17 credits.
What other organizations have you been a part of? Aside from being in the Honors College, I am in Psychology Departmental Honors, Psi Chi (International Society in Psychology), the secretary of Student Sustainability Club, and the secretary of Food Recovery Network. I have also been a facilitator for The Body Project which is a research-based program that works to decrease body dissatisfaction in women.
What was your favorite Honors College event? Why? My favorite Honors College event is the annual "Walk your Schedule." This is when mentors meet up with their mentees to show them around campus, particularly showing students where all of their classes are held. It is a great way for incoming honors students to get to know their mentors as well as meet other students in the Honors College. Additionally, it alleviates that stress of not knowing where anything on campus is.
What advice would you give to incoming Freshman? If I could give any advice to incoming freshman, I would say to GET INVOLVED!! It is best to get active in the campus community early. Being apart of organizations and making friends with others is crucial to resilience in college. You need to feel like you are contributing, and that you belong here. That is how you will make your experience at Millersville (or any college) the best it can be. Do not be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and do things you wouldn't normally do. It will 100% benefit you in the long run!
Full Name: Paige Geesey
Hometown: Lake Ariel
Major(s): English and Writing Studies, and a minor in Marketing
Expected Semester of Graduation: Spring 2027
Why did you join the Honors College? I joined the Honors College so I could make connections with academically minded students like myself, and make the most of my time at Millersville!
How has the Honors College shaped your experience at Millersville University?
The Learning Living Community in the Honors College has introduced me to some of my best friends here on campus, and my job as Newsletter Editor for the Honors College has provided me with experience in the career field I want to pursue.
What was/is your favorite honors course? Why? My favorite Honors College course was History of Ideas with Dr. Maxwell. It introduced me to many interesting cultural interactions throughout history, and I loved debating with my classmates during the tutorials.
How many credits do you typically take? I typically take 15 credits in a semester.
What other organizations have you been a part of? I am a part of Entomology Club, the McNairy Library Cataloguing Department, Honors College Peer Mentors, and the Orientation Team.
What was your favorite Honors College event? Why? My favorite Honors College event was the D.C Trip my freshman year! I had so much fun running to the white house with my Honors College Bestie, Hailey Peirce.
What advice would you give to incoming Freshman? Put yourself out there and meet as many people as possible. College is a time of personal growth and discovery, so take every opportunity that presents itself and make the most of it!
Full Name: Kyla Patterson
Hometown: Elizabethtown (Etown)
Major: Mathematics with an actuarial science concentration
Expected Semester of Graduation: Spring 2026
Why did you join the Honors College? I joined the honors college because I make it a point to challenge myself and push myself to new limits!
What is/was your favorite honors course? My favorite course was by far history of ideas with Dr. Maxwell. He forced us to think about abstract thoughts and in doing so I learned many transferrable skills to be used in other classes. While I am a math major not a history major, this might have been my favorite class here at Millersville.
How has the Honors College shaped your experience at Millersville? I feel that being apart of this diverse group of students has shaped my experience at Millersville because I have gained the ability to work and connect with many different types of students.
How many credits do uoi typically take? 14-16
What other organizations am I apart of? NSLS (National Society of Leadership and Success) and Alpha Delta Phi
What was your favorite Honors College Event? Definitely "Day of Caring" because I met my best friend Sydni Chieffo that day, we are rooming together next year and I am thankful for the event because I met her!
What advice would you give to incoming Freshman? Study for every class, including on the weekends. Don't skip class! It hurts you more than helps!