Showing posts with label Howard Community College. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Howard Community College. Show all posts

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Linda Morris - Happy Child

Linda Sachiko Morris isn't a resident of Columbia but she goes to school here, at Howard Community College. During our interview, she pointed out that her middle name pronounced with emphasis on the second syllable, means happy child. As a child she's grown up in Wheaton and Laurel.

I first met Morris when I covered the SGA leadership series last Friday at Howard Community College. She comes off as articulate, energetic and intelligent. Its no wonder she has an interest in political science, a field she is well suited for. After meeting Mary Kay Sigaty through the Rouse scholar program, she asked Sigaty to speak to the SGA.

Morris went to high school at Reservoir where she developed a passion for journalism. She says she managed a 3.2 average even though she had a problem with attendance. While earning her associates degree in philosophy and religious studies at HCC, she ran for and won the position of SGA president.

Among her accomplishments as SGA president, Morris organized a Rock The Vote event, encouraging students to register to vote and worked with students to cook shepard's pie for the Grassroots shelter.

Finally I asked Morris "what is there to do in Columbia?" I could tell by her response that it was a hard question to answer.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Sigaty Speaks At SGA Leadership Series

Friday afternoon after their weekly meeting, the students of Howard Community College's Student Government Association received a visit from Howard County council members Dr. Calvin Ball & Mary Kay Sigaty.

"I was definitely excited to hear them speak, all of their insight was incredibly inspiring and interesting," says SGA president Linda Morris. "We're really grateful that they took the time to come speak at our meeting too . . . and their words were so motivating. Its great for students to connect with their community leaders and to see that they really are working to serve us."

The county council members answered questions about experiences and expectations, role models and recommended reading. Dr. Ball even brought his books with him, at the top of his list is Dale Carnegie's How To Win Friends & Influence People.

The SGA discussed ideas for fund raising and community activism in the surrounding neighborhoods of Harper's Choice, Hickory Ridge and Town Center.