BY: Allison Stewart
Excellence is the standard for academics and community service in the AUM University Honors Program. Inspired by global citizenship and a “blowing up the box” mentality, UHP strives to create quality students.
Hadassah Gaddis and Brennan DePace are no exception to UHP’s mission. As Warhawks in UHP, Hadassah and Brennan are required to complete honors seminars and colloquiums. These courses force students to think critically and welcome a diverse way of thinking. Taught by professors from various academic backgrounds, students are exposed to a variety of teaching styles, too.
Hadassah is a sophomore. She started the UHP program during her first semester at AUM. She is majoring in childhood/elementary education with a minor in mathematics. Her biggest goal for the semester is to get a 4.0 GPA and become more involved. She is currently a part of UHP, Delta Zeta, and The National Society of Leaders and Success. In high school, Hadassah was greatly involved. She hopes to carry this on.
Hadassah thoroughly enjoys being a part of the Education Department. She wants to be a second grade teacher and maybe also teach sixth grade math. When asked about why she chose this career field, Hadassah replied, “I like working with kids and education. My mom and godmother were both educators. My godmother was my third grade teacher. This inspired me to change the lives of children and make education fun.”
Hadassah recommends that any students interested in education begin studying for the Praxis Exam early on.
Her favorite part about UHP is volunteering. Hadassah understands the importance of giving back because it ultimately prepares you for the professional world. UHP requires all students to complete a minimum of 12 volunteer hours a semester. Not only does it look good on a resume, but it also develops vital communication and leadership skills. Hadassah also appreciates the strict GPA requirement because it helps keep her focused.
During her free time, Hadassah enjoys shopping, reading romance books, watching movies and spending time with friends and family. One of her favorite movies is The Fault in Our Stars. Also, she enjoys freehanding poetry. Hadassah shared that she can close her eyes and write about anything that comes to her imagination.
Brennan began his Warhawk career this semester. Since he is a freshman, Brennan is still adjusting to college life. However, he is motivated by his career goals. As a history major, he hopes to go to law school and specialize in adoption and family law. This semester, Brennan is striving to make all A’s.
Brennan enjoys learning about history because of the required critical thinking. He also values studying the events that created our present time. As for UHP, he is pleased with the smaller, more specialized classes. They often are more interactive than typical courses, allowing them to be interesting and rewarding.
He also loves the sense of community and volunteer work in UHP. Just this semester, Brennan has completed service hours with his church, campus clean-up, and the Masquerade Ball. When asked about his experience with volunteering, Brennan shared, “It is important to help other people. I think I am here to get an education so I can better myself and get a career that allows me to serve others.”
Being a part of the Church of Chantilly has sparked some curiosity for Brennan and fellow students. They are interested in possibly creating something on campus, relating to their church involvement.
All of Brennan’s older siblings have been a part of UHP— it seems as if the DePace family is leaving a legacy.
Music is the main focus of Brennan’s hobbies. He enjoys writing music and can play the guitar, piano, bass, violin and drums. Progressive metal and jazz fusion are some of his favorite genres.
With their desired passions and goals, both are headed down the path for success. As the semester comes to an end, make sure you do not miss out on saying, “Hello!” to Hadassah and Brennan.