Silas Higgins

Student
Emergency Management & Homeland Security

Hailing from Northeast Maryland, Silas found a home at Penn College. After taking homeland security courses at his technical education center, he knew he wanted to pursue a career helping others. His research led him to the Emergency Management & Homeland Security program at Penn College. Today he’s busy getting involved in campus events, participating in academic clubs, and serving as a peer mentor.

TAKING THE LEAD: Q&A with Silas

HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT PENN COLLEGE?

I learned about Penn College in a meeting at my tech school where a representative was telling us all about the College and its majors.

WHAT WERE THE TOP 3 FACTORS IN YOUR DECISION TO COME TO PENN COLLEGE?

Because my major isn’t very popular, I wanted a place where I could pursue it at its best.
I wanted more of a hands-on learning experience.
I was impressed by the placement rate of having a job after college.

WERE YOU SPECIFICALLY LOOKING FOR A HANDS-ON EDUCATION? WHY OR WHY NOT?

I was looking for a more hands-on education. I am a person who, if I'm just being talked at all day, I'm never going to learn, so I need to actually be doing the thing to better understand it.

WHY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & HOMELAND SECURITY?

I picked this major because I was in the homeland security and emergency preparedness program at my tech school, and I really enjoyed it; along with that, just knowing that I can make a difference and help people along the way was my number-one reason for choosing this major.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF OUR CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY?

My first impression was that it’s a very nice campus, and I liked how many campus activities there were to bond with your peers. I've never been a person to be scared of not making friends, but if you would’ve told me four years ago that I would have the amount of them I have made here including my roommates, who I've been living with since freshman year, I wouldn’t believe you.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR AN OUT-OF-STATE STUDENT CONSIDERING COMING TO PCT IN PA?

To anyone who is considering coming to Penn College, I would suggest 3 things:

Bring a coat.
Make as many friends as possible, because when you're away from home, having a community here will help a lot along the way.
Go out and try doing new things and see what this college and area have to offer.

ARE YOU INVOLVED IN ANY CLUBS, ORGANIZATIONS, OR LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES?

Yes, I am a peer mentor here at the college as well as a member of the Emergency Management club.

IF A FRIEND WAS INTERESTED IN PURSUING A DEGREE FROM PENN COLLEGE, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM?

I would tell them that if you are interested in pursuing a degree from Penn College, pick one that you love to do and choose a major that you are passionate about. Don't pick a major just because your parents or someone else wants you to do it. You are the person who is going to spend the next few years learning and building a career in that field, so try to make sure it's something you actually enjoy. From my experience at Penn College, the hands-on learning and the relationships you build with your professors and others really do make a difference. If you are willing to put in the work, take advantage of the opportunities that will come, and you trust in what you are learning, Penn College will give you the experience and skills you need for your future.