A scholarship to cover the extra cost of a single room, priority registration, an extremely supportive staff—what college student wouldn’t want to join a program that offers these perks?
Ferris students in the Honors Program experience such advantages, but at a cost. With requirements such as participating in an RSO, reporting on cultural events, completing volunteer hours, and taking honors courses, many students join for the benefits and groan their way through the requirements.
Those who make the most out of the program attest to its worth, even with all the requirements or perhaps even because of them.
Pre-pharmacy sophomore Logan Bixman fully devotes herself to getting the most out of her Honors Program experience, knowing what it’s like to really live life as an Honors student.
“When I tell people how involved I am, I usually get looks of disbelief,” Bixman said. “It’s definitely a crazy list, but I get the opportunity to meet so many awesome people and learn so many things, all while networking through programs I have a passion for.”
Bixman’s connection with Honors has led to numerous opportunities she would not have otherwise had. She holds seats on the Honors Programming Board, Honors Student Council, Honors Student Association, Honors Council, as well as many non-Honors organizations.
Her accomplishments and leadership roles associated with Honors have opened the door to her receiving the Honors Program Outstanding Leadership Award, her completion of the Initiative 125, and the honor of being awarded a Spring 2014 Torchbearer Award.
Bixman also holds two jobs, one of them being the editor of the Honors newsletter, the Endeavor.
“Under Logan’s leadership, the Endeavor has transformed from a frequently forgotten, end-of-semester summary to a lively, contemporary blog that publishes news about the program, profiles of current students, and coverage of our events and service projects,” said Dr. Peter Bradley, director of the Honors Program.
All of Bixman’s activities through Honors have also improved her readiness for her future career.
“The Honors Program has turned my one-page resume into multiple pages, and I am forever grateful,” she said. “Some may not think about it now, but once you complete the Honors journey, your resume will be the one standing out among the others.”
Being an invested Honors student also means having a genuine, caring support system composed of both staff members and other Honors students. Last year, Bixman was in a bad accident, which led to her having to finish her spring semester from her home.
“Honors catered to my every need and was the support system that I needed at that time,” Bixman said.
Like many Honors students, Bixman joined Honors for its assets and its push of involvement. However, she learned there are many more ways to be a true Honors student and has committed her time at Ferris to taking advantage of the program.
“Students always think Honors is so much more work than what their daily lives would consist of without Honors—and yeah it is,” Bixman said. “You need to put in this effort anyway in college; otherwise you may not achieve what you wish to. You get out what you put in, and it has already paid off on numerous occasions in my first two years.”