For Tashera Dean, 22, a good summary of her time at Hood College is: Que tus sueños sean más grandes que tus miedos.
Dean, a Spanish major, who minored in African American studies and psychology, translated that to: “May your dreams be bigger than your fears.”
The saying was printed, along with sunflowers — her favorite flower — on her graduation cap.
Dean was one of 491 Hood College graduates celebrated in a ceremony on the residential quadrangle on Saturday, completing a journey that, for many, was marked by massive disruption in the college experience in the spring semester of 2020.
“Coming here, I was really scared of everything,” Dean said. “And I’ve had a few experiences (illustrating that) we can be bigger and better — like your dreams have to be bigger than the things that you’re afraid of.”
For others, pandemic-inspired virtual learning was a help in completing advanced degrees.
That was the case for Rachel Shoemaker, who balanced her full-time job as a first-grade teacher at Thurmont Primary School, classes and having two kids in 2020 and 2018, according to her husband, Korbin Shoemaker.
Rachel Shoemaker, 33, said she studied in the Curriculum and Instruction program and obtained a master’s degree in education. Before the ceremony, her two children played in the grass.
“It’s impressive. I’m extremely proud of her,” said Korbin Shoemaker, also an FCPS employee.
He said it was easier when she did not have to go to campus in person.
Bachelors degree recipient Mark Jordon gives a wave and a shout out as he walks across the stage to get his degree during graduation ceremonies Saturday morning at Hood College. Young served 16 years as mayor of Frederick City.
Hood College held its graduation on Saturday. Katelynn Morgan, 21, an integrated marketing communications major, hugs her grandfather, Shawn Stephens, who she said had a stroke three weeks before. "He wasn’t supposed to be here today. ... Seeing him here today is just so much emotion,” she said.
Hood College held its graduation on Saturday. Caroline Narvaez, 22, who majored in law and criminal justice, said the wording on her cap represents the work she hopes to do in advocacy for victims of domestic violence.
In Photos: Hood College Commencement
Bachelors degree recipient Mark Jordon gives a wave and a shout out as he walks across the stage to get his degree during graduation ceremonies Saturday morning at Hood College. Young served 16 years as mayor of Frederick City.
Ron Young, a former Maryland state senator and former Frederick mayor, receives an honorary degree on Saturday during Hood College’s graduation. Young gave the commencement address.
Mariah Corley, left, receives her Bachelor of Arts diploma from Hood College President Andrea Chapdelaine during graduation ceremonies Saturday morning at Hood College.
Kori Payne, who graduated with a master’s degree, waves to the crowd after receiving a diploma during commencement Saturday morning at Hood College.
Hood College held its graduation on Saturday. Katelynn Morgan, 21, an integrated marketing communications major, hugs her grandfather, Shawn Stephens, who she said had a stroke three weeks before. "He wasn’t supposed to be here today. ... Seeing him here today is just so much emotion,” she said.
Hood College held its graduation on Saturday. Rachel Shoemaker, who received a master's degree in education, poses with her husband, Korbin Shoemaker, and children.
Hood College held its graduation on Saturday. Caroline Narvaez, 22, who majored in law and criminal justice, said the wording on her cap represents the work she hopes to do in advocacy for victims of domestic violence.
Tashera Dean, 22, a Spanish major, shows the wording on her cap, which translates to: “May your dreams be bigger than your fears.”