As a Reaud Honors College student, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to the Appalachian Trail in Georgia and spend a week with honors students from around the country as part of the Partners in the Parks program. I presented my H.E.I.P. at Honors Scholars Day and spoke with guests who wanted to listen to my experience. For an introverted individual who did not plan on doing any of this, I know firsthand being part of RHC is the best thing you can do in your life as a college student.  

As an Accounting student, I do not often find opportunities to use my skills uniquely. However, through the honors college’s McMasters Honors Grant, I pursued my dream of hiking a mountain while also being able to relate it to my future career. In Georgia, I asked our park ranger if the national park had accounting jobs. The answer was very surprising because it was yes. The park ranger said that national parks are always in need of accountants, then joked that we never like to leave the office, so he was surprised to see one out hiking. I laughed at his funny comment, but then realized how true it was—I felt grateful for the opportunity to be a part of it because I would not have been hiking the Appalachian Trail if not for RHC. 

I had such a wonderful experience with Partners in the Parks, that I applied for another McMaster Honors Grant and ended up taking a winter Study Abroad trip to Liverpool, England. In Liverpool, I was exposed to the many different career paths that related to business as well. 

RHC has kept me focused on my goals and passionate about my career. It has allowed me to explore different paths related to my major, should I choose not to work in accounting. I have met so many amazing students and faculty who have helped me on my path to success. Being a senior and being able to look back on the many experiences I had in a short time will always make me cherish my time at Lamar University, but more specifically, at the Reaud Honor College. 

Thank you, 

Sidney