Ever since she was a young girl, Brooke recalls being inspired by the professionals who dedicate their lives to helping others. Today she's enrolled full-time as an Emergency Management & Homeland Security student. When she's not giving it her all in the classroom, she's working as an emergency medical technician in Ephrata, PA.
Interested in Emergency Management & Homeland Security? Choose from a traditional hands-on program or learn remotely through the online option. Both bachelor-degree programs will arm you with the real-world skills to thrive. Or, pair your bachelor's with an associate's in Paramedic Science for even more career opportunities.
Ever since I was little, I was always fascinated with the people who helped others during emergencies. At first, I chose to ignore this passion as I thought it was more of a masculine field. When I got to my junior year, I decided I couldn’t ignore it anymore and I started my journey to become a first responder. Then, I found out that through emergency management and homeland security there was a broader way to make decisions that can save lives and help communities in the face of major disasters. I knew that was something I had to get involved in!
The hands-on learning really attracted me to Penn College. I found that the best way for me to learn something is to get the experience of actually doing it. Through my semesters of study, I have been given the opportunity to participate in mock scenarios, training exercises, and engaging professional discussions. That experience, paired with my instructor’s knowledge, couldn’t be beat anywhere else.
Immediately off the top of my head, I flash back to one of the major’s basic classes which was the Incident Command Systems Operations class. In this class we went through multiple scenarios of disasters that occurred in Williamsport. We each got to play through the roles of each ICS position as we had to manage disasters that theoretically would save people or kill them. The high stress gave each student in the class a bond we didn’t have before and it was really cool.
My favorite aspect about learning at Penn College is definitely the small class sizes. I find it extremely helpful to get one-on-one instruction, which I wouldn't experience at a larger university. It also gives me the ability to really meet and work with my fellow students, which has led to life-long friendships!
If you are considering Penn College just go for it and apply! When you become a student at Penn College it becomes a big part of your life. This college is willing to give you an opportunity to advance your knowledge and experience if you allow it to. You will get out of this college what you put into it, and you can make some really great life-long friends along the way.
Finding a college that will challenge you is so extremely important. Challenges get you out of your comfort zone, and that is the area in which you will find yourself, your passions, your strengths, and yes even your weaknesses. This is the area in which you will thrive and improve. Everything you learn advances your knowledge and leads to personal and professional growth. This is exactly what you should want a college to help drive you to do.
“The hands-on learning really attracted me to Penn College. I found that the best way for me to learn something is to get experience actually doing it.”
Brooke Strubel
Student, Emergency Management & Homeland Security
During times like these, we are reminded of the importance of essential careers like those in emergency management and homeland security. The historic pandemic has provided a unique real-world opportunity for students, like Brooke, to study professionals in action.
Learn how to prevent, prepare for, and respond to all types of emergencies and disasters.
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