Corie Carpenter, a 2018 Seminole State College graduate, recently returned to the STEM Student Support Services Program on campus to visit with her former advisors and encourage current students in the program. Carpenter earned an Associate in Science in Health Science and an Associate in Applied Science in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) from SSC.   

Carpenter discussed her college experience, looking to inspire other students in similar situations. “I was on my own from the age of seventeen.  I never thought I would earn a college degree. I wanted to quit so many times, but I kept going. Now, I am a Medical Laboratory Technician.  I already have a full-time job with benefits at the Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma. I even have a life insurance policy.  I have never had health or life insurance before and I have never made this much money.” 

She also wanted to encourage students to explore the many options available to them on the SSC campus, explaining that there were several things that helped her during her college experience.  “While at SSC, I got involved with STEM SSS.  In the program, I was able to use the lab to do my studies before I went home, which helped me have more time to spend with my daughter.  I needed chemistry tutoring and I found very helpful chemistry tutors in STEM SSS.”

Carpenter also stayed active on campus and made friends that had a positive impact on her academics and her life. She added that she also applied for and received a faculty senate scholarship two years in a row.  “I had to interview for that scholarship and I feel like that interview process helped me prepare for my job interviews for my career,” she said.

While discussing her experience at SSC, Carpenter stressed how important the MLT program was to her. “The SSC MLT program is amazing.  Malinda Browning (MLT director) and Kelly Hankal (MLT professor) are the greatest. I received so much support and encouragement from Malinda, Kelly, and my classmates.”    

Janna Manlapig, Director of SSS/STEM SSS said, “We are so proud of Corie and her achievements.  We love to hear from our graduates and especially love to see the smile on their faces as they describe their own achievements. Seminole State College has a great team of educators, both inside and outside the classroom, who have worked together to help Corie obtain her dreams.  Her story, and many other stories, are the reason we work in higher education and why we pursue our C.O.R.E. Values each day – Compassion, Opportunity, Respect, and Excellence.”

For more information about the Medical Laboratory Technology program offered by Seminole State College and Gordon Cooper Technology Center, contact Malinda Browning at 405- 273-7493, ext. 2278.  For more information about Student Support Services or STEM Student Support Services at SSC, contact Janna Manlapig at 405-382-9642 or visit the program website at www.sscok.edu/sss