Alumna Spotlight | Breann Harwood, Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Behavior, M.A.'19

I began my educational journey at Frederick Community College, where I graduated from their Honors Program with my Associate of Arts degree. While my degree is in general studies, much of my coursework focused on psychology & counseling courses.

I then transferred to Hood College and earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Arts. I most recently earned my Master of Arts degree from Hood College in Interdisciplinary Study in Human Behavior, with a certificate in Thanatology.

I have been working in the Hood College Career Center since I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts degree in 2016. In my role as Career Development Program Manager, I focus on developing the potential for personal & professional growth in each student.

This is done through a wide variety of service trips I lead out into the community, conducting one-on-one student appointments focused on career success– resumes, cover letters, major exploration, mock interviews, career assessments, career counseling – as well as giving presentations to many classes on career-related topics.

I also serve as an academic advisor; I have enjoyed learning about scheduling classes and exploring major requirements that fit best each student’s interests. Additionally, I am the club advisor to an Honors Society on campus called Alpha Lambda Delta.

Much of my work is geared towards working with First Year students and helping to empower them to claim their education & career trajectories in new and exciting ways. I love being able to see tremendous growth throughout students' career at Hood College.

Hood College embodies what it means to be a community. Everyone is so supportive, encouraging, and kind towards one another. There are also endless amounts of opportunities to get involved both on and off campus as a student and staff member.

I’m very thankful to have met so many incredible individuals in the Hood College community and beyond!

Once a month, we visit the Frederick Rescue Mission where we help individuals in need by serving a hot meal at lunch. We have also assisted in the Food Distribution Center and helped in the cafeteria.

We volunteer at Daybreak Adult Day Services where we visit with older adults, and serve at the Frederick Community Action Agency. This allows us the opportunity to be in fellowship with folks in need of groceries throughout the week.

Another volunteer activity we take part in is with Blessings in a Backpack at Whittier Elementary School where we fill bags of food for children in need. Finally, on select Saturday evenings, we serve dinner at Centennial Community Church in downtown Frederick to those in need of a warm meal. I also help Rev. Beth O'Malley with some of the local alternative Fall & Spring break trips.

Volunteering and being a part of the community has always been something very close to my heart. One of my favorite parts about leading these trips is interacting with individuals who really have no idea what they’re getting into. They just have an open heart & mind to serve, or they might be in a major that is completely different from the field their volunteering in.

The conversations & reflections we share after each volunteer trip are quite remarkable and truly portray a high-impact experience. Often times, student who volunteer come away from their experience with a greater understanding of themselves, the population their serving, and their community.

Students are welcome to reach out to me directly to learn more about going on one of my scheduled trips, or finding volunteer opportunities of their own.

I also manage two large-scale service fairs on campus – one in the fall, one in the spring – where students can speak to roughly 50 organizations from the Frederick & surrounding community to learn about volunteer and internship opportunities.

There are so many benefits to volunteering. I have watched friendships blossom from meeting other students who have a similar inclination to serve. Students who volunteer gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Frederick community and ways to incorporate their service experience into their academic journey and career pursuits.

Enjoy every moment! It goes by so quickly. Take a class that you’ve never heard about before or something outside of your comfort zone.

I never really knew what Thanatology was before taking a Thanatology course early on in my graduate degree program. Quite honestly, I was a little nervous to even take the class, but I was so glad I did.

I loved the coursework so much that I decided to pursue the Thanatology certificate. This inspired me to become more involved in Hospice of Frederick County, where I’ve been a volunteer for their Camp Jamie - a camp for children who have lost a loved one, the past few years.

Inspired by Breann's journey to #GOFURTHER in your education and career? Click here to learn more about Hood graduate programs, including the Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Behavior Master's program.