Yusra Ali

This session helped give me a clear breakdown of the differences between AA, AS, and AAS degrees. It really helped clarify which degree path aligns best with entering the workforce directly vs. when transferring to a four-year to earn a bachelor's degree.

I attended the "What Employers Actually Want: Introduction to NACE Competencies" workshop virtually. I learned how to separate specific skills from core competencies using what Ms. Curry called a Competency Tree. During the session, we practiced identifying and connecting essential professional competencies such as communication, critical thinking, and teamwork to practical workplace situations. I believe this will help me express my experiences in my future career.

I attended the CD&I Soft Skills to Help You Get a Job Workshop virtually. During this workshop I learned various soft skills and how to apply them professionally.

I attended the SGA Town Hall/ Q&A meeting with PGCC's President virtually. I learned many thing including some of the student resources available to us, how the complaint system works, upcoming events, etc.

I attended the Build Your Résumé with Little or No Work Experience event. During this session, I learned how to tailor my skills to job postings, use strong action verbs, and properly highlight achievements. I also learned the importance of keeping my resume clear, concise, and error-free.

I attended the Let’s Talk! Freedom of Expression at PGCC and the Constitution virtually. I learned about how the First Amendment applies on campus. We discussed the Supreme Court's position on the matter, the college's stance, and the specific rights students have. I was somewhat surprised to find that the boundaries are not completely black and white and college students have broader free expression rights than I expected.

I attended the Laurel College Center Virtual Fall Transfer Fair, where I spoke one-on-one with admissions representatives from Bowie State, UMGC, UMBC, UMES, and Towson. I learned a lot about transfer pathways available after PGCC, including some options I hadn't previously considered. Staying for the entire event allowed me to talk thoroughly with several schools. I ended up getting contact info from a few reps to follow up with later, along with helpful links to do more research. Overall, I found the experience quite helpful.

I learned how to use GivePlus. It answered the questions I had about the platform, and I feel much more at ease now.

I learned about how to find a career path that suits you, such as using the Ikigai chart. I also received beneficial links to do self-assessments.

I learned much about how the special scholarships work, their requirements, essential information for its members, etc. I also learned about what it means to be a wise scholar.