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Conner’s grandpa, who went to ���ϴ��¼� Prep, introduced her to CSC and took her on a campus tour while in the area for a reunion.

“I liked that it was small,” Conner said. “It’s definitely less expensive than a lot of places in Ohio, and every penny is worth the education I am receiving.”

Conner, a junior art education major, said she also enjoys the one-on-one instruction.

“I feel if I need something, my professors are always there to help. They’re never too busy or have too many other things to worry about. We are always their first priority, which is really important in a field such as art where you learn hands-on and by doing,” Conner said.

Art has always been an interest for Conner.

“I’ve always really liked art in school and different outside activities. Education came into play when thinking about a job after school,” Conner said. “I think it’s really important for students to exercise creativity in school and for there to be an outlet for that. There needs to be some form of person or program who allows that to happen in the school setting where they feel comfortable enough to explore different media and styles.”

She said her favorite class has been ceramics. Recently, the Art department hosted Wes Galusha, a ceramics artist from Omaha, Nebraska. Conner said the opportunity was interesting and allowed her to see another perspective of how to make a living in art, specifically ceramics.

When she’s not in a studio working on an assignment, Conner spends time being a member of Art Guild and Project Strive/TRiO. She also works at the .

Conner said Project Strive/TRiO’s staff and resources provide learning opportunities.

“The program provides resources that help us to be the best that we can be. It’s helping us to be well-rounded students and people,” Conner said.

She said she benefits the most from the social aspect of the program.

Project Strive/TRiO Director Jen Schaer said she has enjoyed getting to know Conner.

“Hannah has gone out of her way to help new students feel comfortable in the program by talking to them at events and activities. It has been great to watch her grow and develop and I can’t wait to see what she does in the future,” Schaer said.

Conner hopes to find a teaching job at a high school closer to her hometown after graduation. She said she looks forward to helping students explore.

���ϴ��¼� State College’s Project Strive/TRiO program, located in the lower level of the King Library, is an academic enrichment program committed to help students succeed. Project Strive also focuses on career exploration, cultural and social enrichment and self-awareness. To be eligible for the program, a student must be one of the following: A first generation student where neither parent has a four-year degree, meet low income status based on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services criteria, or have a documented disability. For more information, visit /projectstrive/.

—Kelsey R. Brummels, College Relations