Recognition Gives Kepling Motivation and Confidence Heading Into Next Phase


Sophie Kepling

Sophie Kepling

Sophie Kepling wasn’t the typical college student, taking most of her classes as an Education Transfer Pathway concentration student online rather than in person.

So, when she was named the Outstanding Graduate for her program, she was surprised.

“I’m honored but also shocked because I wasn’t here in person a lot,” Kepling said. “It’s really exciting.”

Kepling will graduate with her Associate of Education Transfer Pathway at the Owens Community College Fall 2024 commencement.

Kepling knew she wanted to attend Bowling Green State University for her bachelor’s degree, but she wanted to start smaller. Attending Owens gave her the opportunity to complete her classes all online while she continued to work.

Receiving the Outstanding Graduate honor gives her motivation and confidence heading into BGSU.

“I have a good baseline throughout my education at BGSU,” Kepling said.

While Kepling was an online student, she said being involved in various organizations helped her make connections and become part of a community at Owens.

“I was also part of the service scholars and I was president of the Honors Club, so I got to interact with other students while I was online at the same time,” Kepling said. “I got to relate to others. I still felt like I was in the same realm as them somehow.”

Kepling’s goal is to become a high school family consumer sciences teacher. She said the desire started in seventh grade and the impact the teachers and classes made on her.

“I had the biggest influences in those classes, especially the career technical student organization that went along with it,” Kepling said. “I was so shy when I started and now, I’m out there, I easily communicate with random people. I was so inspired by that, and I want to inspire others.”

 
Learn more about the Education Transfer Concentration, AA >>
Learn more about the Department of Teacher Education and Human Services >>
Learn more about the School of Liberal Arts >>

 
Published December 2024