Meet Our Students

Angelica Atkins
Junior, Childhood Education Major

I am a Childhood Education major with the goal of becoming a math teacher to grades 1 to 6. Thanks to the Honors Program, I have developed as a future educator through my coursework and classroom observation experience. Moreover, the Honors Program’s interdisciplinary emphasis has helped me to branch out of my field and explore other areas of interest. The small class sizes allow for in-depth class discussions, and the professors are very approachable, knowledgeable and caring. 

So far, my favorite experience with Honors was getting the opportunity to participate in the Partners in the Park program. In May 2007, I spent a week in Bryce Canyon, Utah where we explored caves and spent some time in a very rural setting.  It was an amazing experience that opened my eyes to the beauty of the United States. The trip taught me a lot about cooperation, which will help me in the classroom when I student teach.  

In addition, as a senior coordinator of the Honors Team, I have planned charitable and social events that bring all Honors students together for philanthropic and community causes. I’m looking forward to another two years of Honors Team events and making a positive impact locally and globally.

Brendan Perrotta
Junior, Forensic Science Major

When I was in high school, I was always striving to do well academically, taking Honors and AP courses whenever I could. The Honors Program at C.W. Post has allowed me to continue this pursuit through its challenging and stimulating classes. In these classes, I have been introduced to other students who share my passion for learning. I make new friends every semester.

As a Forensic Science major, I feel it is important to learn anything and everything about the world and the people living in it. This belief is one of the reasons why I decided to study abroad in Japan, to learn firsthand about a culture that is very different from the Western part of the world. After studying in another country, I have a strong desire not only to return to that part of the world, but to visit other countries and learn about different people and their cultures.

While the Honors Program may be challenging at times and sets a high standard for its students, the experience is well worth it. Meeting new people, making new friends and learning more about the world are the best things about being an Honors student.

Elizabeth O’Donnell
Sophomore, Political Science Major

After graduating from Our Lady of Mercy Academy, I had enrolled in C.W. Post ready to accomplish notable ambitions. Upon entering, I declared Political Science as my major. So far, my accomplishments consist of being on the Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society, the Dean’s List and in the Honors Program. The Honors Program has given me the opportunity to academically challenge myself and has provided valuable cultural experiences that have and will benefit me in the future. This prestigious program has given me the confidence to know that I am a worthy investment.

The Honors classes that I have taken have positively influenced my knowledge, impacted my writing skills and granted me the opportunity to take demanding classes with exceptional professors.

I’m grateful for the chance to be in such a prestigious program that thrives on experiencing life and nourishing the mind. As a result, I plan to further expand my education and broaden my horizons in another country. Next semester, I will be learning in Florence, Italy with the support and encouragement of the Honors Program. 

Theo Rusnack
Sophomore, Biology Major

I am an animal lover, which is why I chose biology as my major. It is my hope to someday pursue a career in veterinary medicine. The Honors Department Chair, Dr. Digby, encouraged me to complete community service by helping to care for the feral cats on campus, making sure they eat well and continue to be healthy.

During my time at C.W. Post I have taken both honors and non-honors courses.  The honor classes provide an excellent learning experience. Even though regular C.W. Post classes are small, the honors classes are even smaller, allowing for more personalized attention and closer interaction with the professors and my fellow honors students.This semester I am enrolled in an honors course called “Whale and Dolphin Communication.” I have had the opportunity to do an animal observation field study, and over the winter break hope to study wild dolphins in Costa Rica. I am also looking into one of the many study abroad opportunities that will help bring me closer to my goal of entering veterinary care. 

So far, all my experiences with the C.W. Post Honors Program have been extremely positive and have helped enhance my college experience.

Bailey Stark
Junior, Arts Management Major

“I am an Arts Management major with a focus in theatrical production and design. Trying to balance the demands of being a theatre major with the vigorous work of the Honors Program can prove to be challenging at times. It is well worth it, though, as I am able to accomplish a wide variety of things that I love within the two programs.

“In my first two years at C.W. Post, I have participated in two trips abroad through the Honors Program. I have spent a week in France as well as over two weeks in Senegal. Both of these trips have been amazing, eye-opening experiences. I have learned about other world cultures and have been able to experience them firsthand. These experiences have fueled my passion for seeing the world for myself and have been my two favorite experiences with the Honors Program so far.

“My college career has been very fulfilling, and I’m still only a sophomore. I can't wait to see what the next two years bring my way.”

Chun Ho (Jason) Lam
Sophomore, Chemistry Major

“I am in the pre-medicine program with a major in chemistry and I look forward to becoming a general practitioner. My goal is to join the Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors Without Borders, and offer my help to those who suffer from major disasters in developing countries. To become a doctor is a privilege, in my opinion.

It may give me the opportunity to save someone's life.

“The Honors Program classes are very challenging but definitely worthwhile. The professors explore their subjects in much greater detail, and the wide variety of subjects has expanded my horizons. The more classes I take, the more I realize and appreciate that the sciences are not the only subjects I need to study for my dream career.

“I am proud to be a member of the Honors Program as I see it as an emblem of academic accomplishment, which will improve my chances of getting into a medical school.”

Nicolas Cracco
Sophomore, Psychology Major

“I tried many different majors before I decided to pursue a B.S. Psychology. The personal attention that I received through the Honors Program at C.W. Post was instrumental in this process.

“The small discussion-style classes in the Honors Program allow a lot of interaction between students and professors, and at C.W. Post, professors are very accessible for informal discussions. Since many of the professors have had real-world experience in their areas of expertise, they are a terrific source of advice and insight.

“Through the C.W. Post Cooperative Education program I received personal guidance that has led me to two internship placements – one at The Boys and Girls Club when I was exploring the possibility of becoming a teacher, and one at Northwestern Mutual Financial Network where I am learning more about the corporate world. These two experiences helped me learn more about myself and the world.

“I find it important to do something that I love. My dream is to work at a large corporation leading a group of people. Knowing that this is my dream, I am able to work toward it. “At C.W. Post, thanks to the Honors Program and Co-Op Program, I have learned much more than what any text book could have taught me.”

Ambar Arancibia
Junior, Art Major, Philosophy Minor

“As Valedictorian of Westbury High School in 2004, I was awarded a full, four-year scholarship to C.W. Post. I am studying fine arts and design with a minor in philosophy. The Honors Program has provided me with the opportunity to blend my primary field of interest with other academic disciplines.”

“I have developed as an artist in courses, including sculpture, printmaking and painting. Plus, the exposure to other intellectual domains such as philosophy, sociology, and history has provided me with compelling information and a socially conscious perspective.

Through the amalgamation of artistic skill and knowledge, I am gradually acquiring the potential to produce works that are aesthetically striking and conceptually substantial.”

“While promoting the synthesis of artistic expression with intellectual development, the Honors Program offers a community whose members are able to meet and interact with peers who share similar interests and goals. Honors Program students experience personal and friendly relationships with their professors and each other.”