HawkStrong: Honors Program helped Ellie MacDonald see the world through a different lens
By her own admission, Ellie MacDonald was unsure about attending HFC.
That changed quickly.
“It was the best choice I ever made. From providing a close-knit community to having a lower cost, HFC has given me a new perspective on community colleges and will always be the place I will look back at in order to see where I started and what I have achieved,” said MacDonald.
A native of Saginaw, MacDonald splits her time between Freeland and Dearborn. During her time at HFC, she was a member of the HFC volleyball team and the Henry Ford II Honors Program.
“I decided to attend HFC because I was offered a volleyball scholarship and the Honors Program scholarship, so my education was paid for,” she said. “My Honors Program experience here was amazing. I had the opportunity to connect with a lot of people and create friendships that will last long after our HFC experience.”
Working with autistic children is her calling
An alumna of Swan Valley High School in Saginaw, MacDonald took general studies classes at HFC. This fall, she will transfer to the University of Michigan-Dearborn, where she will complete her bachelor’s degree, majoring in behavioral science and minoring in criminal justice.
“I chose behavioral science because this degree will help me to become a board-certified behavior analyst, which is a position that works with autistic children,” she said. “I have worked with autistic children since my junior year of high school and I love it. That’s why I chose to obtain a behavioral science degree: To learn more about my field as well as becoming more prepared to influence these children as a career.”
For two years, MacDonald has worked at Centria Autism in Dearborn as a behavior technician. During the Winter 2023 semester, MacDonald acquired two certificates that qualify her as an expert in autism.
Introducing awareness and strategies to people unfamiliar with autism
Her presentation at the April 28 Winter 2023 Honors Symposium was called “ABA Therapy in Autism,” which focused on the triggers of rage in autistic people.
“The main reason I chose this topic is because I think it would be beneficial for people to know how the rage cycle works in case they come in contact with a child with autism and the steps to take to make sure everyone involved is always safe,” said MacDonald. “When researching my project, I learned more about the signs and symptoms used in diagnosis. I also learned that there are certain tasks that a non-autistic child can do by different ages versus an autistic child. I was shocked when I learned that autism was more common than I previously thought. My project introduced awareness and strategies to people who are not familiar with autism. I think it was a success because awareness should always be spread, especially with a topic like mine. The best part about doing this project was learning more about autism because it will help me to become a better behavior technician.”
Honors Program Director Dr. Adam Hazlett mentored her on this project.
“Ellie is an incredible student-athlete who has brought a shining smile and breakneck tenacity to the Honors Program,” said Hazlett. “I had the honor of being her mentor for her honors project. She approached her research like she does her life – with grace and perseverance. I know Ellie will have a bright future wherever she lands.”
Honors Program was like family
For someone who had doubts about attending a community college, MacDonald’s doubts have long since been erased.
“HFC has prepared me for the next step of my academic life by providing an understanding of what college is about. From time management to connecting with professors, HFC has prepared me in multiple ways and I will always be grateful for the time I’ve had here,” she explained. “The Honors Program has prepared me by making sure my grades are always good as well as pushing me to volunteer in the community more often. It has also given me a family here at HFC.”
MacDonald continued: “Because I went to college far from home, the Honors Program and its members always made sure that we were taken care of. Dr. Hazlett and the fellows were always on top of things, which helped the rest of us have peace of mind. The Honors Program helped me find resources to reach out to, prepared me for interviews, and reminded me that I’m not alone. The Honors Program is a reminder of what ordinary individuals can build in a short time and become a success.”
HFC English instructor Dr. Peter Kim echoed Hazlett’s sentiments about MacDonald’s success.
“I had the pleasure of having Ellie as a student in the Honors Colloquium on the history and culture of Detroit,” said Kim. “She demonstrated true dedication. I still recall her being on crutches due to a volleyball injury and not wanting to miss our field trip to various cultural landmarks around the city. Having to use the lift on the bus at multiple stops while we all watched made her kind of a celebrity in the class. I know Ellie will excel in whatever she pursues.”
