Quinsigamond Community College Honors Program

Konstantin Bolgov

wUniversity Community College Scholar at Commonwealth College

wQCC Honors Program Graduate 2008

What has your experience been like being involved in QCC’s Honors Program?

I tell everyone that attending QCC was one of the smartest decisions I’ve made. Joining the Honors Program was even smarter. The professors who taught the honors courses and the students in those courses inspired me. I enjoyed having the comfort and functionality of the honors lounge to do my home work. Most importantly, the Honors Program opened numerous opportunities for me.

What course most influenced you?

All my courses have impacted me, but I have to pick the Marketing Honors course as a major influence, because upon completing it I knew I wanted to major in marketing.

What led you to choose the college you are transferring to?

I chose UMass Amherst because of the value it gives you for the price you pay. I believe the prestige I am to get from attending Commonwealth College, their honors program, well justifies the cost of tuition and fees. Also, UMass has a very diverse student body compared to the private schools. And, receiving The University Scholars Program scholarship to attend UMass obviously didn’t hurt.

What are you planning on studying at the 4-year college/university, and what do you hope to do with your degree?

I am planning to study Marketing. During the two years at UMass I want to see which field of marketing I like the most and get a job in that field upon graduation.

What advice would you give incoming honors students?

Take advantage of what QCC’s Honors Program has to offer. Give it your best and you will be surprised how many windows of opportunity will open up to you.

Gerry Boucher

wJack Kent Cooke Scholarship winner

wQCC Honors Program Graduate 2008

What has your experience been like being involved in QCC’s Honors Program?

My experience has been wonderful from start to finish. The caliber of students that are sharing your classes sets the bar high, but they are also invaluable to you in the learning process. It is a collaborative effort, and I have made some of the best friends of my life in the Honors Program.

What course most influenced you?

The Honors Colloquium was the most enjoyable and the most influential course that was offered. This year’s theme, “Eat The View”, focused on the chemistry, history and politics of food. Reading Michael Pollan’s book, “The Omnivore’s Dilemma,” has forever changed the way I think about food, and the way I eat. You can’t get more influential than that!

What led you to choose the college you are transferring to?

I chose Assumption College because of its excellent reputation of being a high quality, challenging college that prepares its students well for professional careers in many fields.

What are you planning on studying at the 4-year college/university, and what do you hope to do with your degree?

Assumption College has an especially good reputation in my field of study, Human Services and Rehabilitation Services. I plan to earn my baccalaureate degree first, and then continue on to a master’s degree and then a doctorate. Another Human Services student and I are setting our sights on someday opening a practice together.

What advice would you give incoming honors students?

My advice to incoming honors students is to aim higher than their highest goals. I attained far greater levels of competency than I had ever dreamed, and even earned a full scholarship through the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation to complete my baccalaureate degree. As Jack Kent Cooke often said, "Destiny demands you do better than your supposed best."