Annette Ritter

Name: Annette Ritter
Major: Human Service Associate

• What high school did you attend?
  Yuma High, Yuma, Arizona. I stopped left after my freshman year. I received my GED in my 40s at Haywood Community College in Clyde, North Carolina.   
• Why did you choose your major?

  I have an Associate Degree in Office Systems Technology, but in order to work in addictions or other counseling positions, the organizations required a degree in Human Services or Social Work. Data entry did not fill my need to help others, so I went back to school.

• What made you choose Allegany College of Maryland? 

  I live in Little Orleans, Maryland, and used to work at HRDC in Cumberland. I recalled my previous community college experience and decided to check out ACM. After talking with Annette Clark about my options, I was convinced to pursue a degree in Human Services and take the needed Addictions courses for certification. The Maryland Golden Age option paid my tuition, and Financial Aid covered the rest. 

• How has your experience been at ACM? 
  I love it here! The instructors, advisors, staff, and students are amazing. I am happy with my choice of colleges and know I am being educated in the most effective manner possible for my field of interest.

• Why would you recommend Allegany College of Maryland to future students?
  There is no better college to attend for the support necessary to successfully complete your area of study. No matter what obstacles you face, there is always someone to discuss your options with, find financial, educational, or emotional support, and know you are not alone in your journey here.
• What motivates you? Why? 
  I have an undeniable need to help others and “pay back” some of the help that has been given to me over the years. There are not enough people in this world willing to listen to the voices of those afraid or unable to speak up for themselves and to help them find their own voice.
• What advice would you give future college students?
  Learn as much as you can. Absorb the college life and immerse yourself in what you are passionate about. Be brave and step out of your comfort zone. You can accomplish so much more than you realize. Join the club, do the presentation, apply for the scholarship!
• When will you graduate and what are your plans after college?
  

  I am set to graduate in May 2022. My intention is to find employment in the area of Addictions Counseling, attain certification, and possibly go on to get a Master's of Sociology through the Maryland Global Campus. I feel that ACM’s Human Service program, with its built-in internship experience, will enable me to confidently migrate from graduation to the workforce.