by Diana Scott

Jennifer Eikenberg

"If it had not been for Susan Ondercin, my speech professor, I would not have given the Student Response at Carroll's 2004 Commencement," said Jennifer Eikenberg. "Ms. Ondercin created such a safe environment in her interpersonal communication course that I was enticed to take her public speaking course and first thing I knew I was being asked to speak at the graduation ceremony."

Jennifer stayed at home for 12 years after graduating from high school and entered college when her son was more independent. Two years later she finds herself with a 3.97 GPA and a $14,000 scholarship offer from Hood College. She still has not decided between transferring to Hood or the University of Baltimore.

Jennifer concentrated her studies in Criminal Justice and zeroed in on Forensic Science. She praised Steve Geppi, who teaches in and heads the Criminal Justice program. "He has such experience. He was always giving us a real-life example of what we were learning in class. I found his classes extremely interesting."

To her surprise, Jennifer became more involved in campus activities than she thought she had time for. She worked as a student aide for two years in the Advising office, was an Orientation team leader for new students, went to Annapolis to speak on behalf of Carroll students on Community College Advocacy Day, and loves to give tours of the campus to prospective students. She was an All USA Today medal winner, a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and was listed on the National Dean's List.

"I would tell anyone just beginning at Carroll to ask for help because there is so much help to be had," Jennifer said. "You never have to drop a class because faculty members will help you during their office hours, or Academic Services provides you with a tutor. I also found it pays to get together with your classmates and form study groups."

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