Destinee Frankenberry

Name: Destinee Frankenberry
Position: Business Administration & Computer Technology
Class of: 2018 & 2019

• Why did you choose your major?

  I chose my major as business administration blended with computer technology because I am excited to help build a brighter small business community in Cumberland, MD. As a non-traditional college student, I had eight years of experience working at my family’s automotive dealership before deciding my college path. After years of working in the automotive industry, I knew a business major was the right choice because I enjoy developing local connections that grow into life-long friendships. As technology is constantly evolving, the additional computer technology degree has helped increase our business’s efficiency by preparing me to collaborate computer technology advances that align with our business’s needs.

• What advice would you give to students interested in your career path?

  The most important aspect of selecting a business-related career path is to make sure you are following your industry passion. A business career is an adventurous journey that becomes your lifestyle. It is also extremely important to gain business experience by seizing every opportunity to learn and grow from local entrepreneurs and college experiences. In business, the skill of networking must be continually fostered to successfully build a team of connections that will advance your career.

• What was your overall experience at ACM?
  ACM offered a well-rounded college experience that balanced textbook studies with hands-on learning opportunities. The faculty truly cares for their students by going above and beyond to make sure each student excels in their own learning patterns. ACM taught me the importance of seeking an education beyond the textbook by encouraging involvement in community activities and college club associations. Every staff member radiated the true community college experience because they focused on developing friendships as my college journey progressed.  

• Who was your favorite ACM faculty/staff member?  Why?
  This is the hardest question because every ACM faculty member positively impacted my college journey. Dr. Cynthia Bambara, Mr. David Jones, Mrs. Christina Kilduff, Mr. Ron Krug, Mr. Richard Soderman, Mrs. Shari Martin, and Mr. Jerry Hoover are just a few special connections that were highly influential in my ACM experience. As the president of the college, Dr. Cynthia Bambara is a treasured piece of the ACM experience because she makes sure every student can directly connect with her. As the Executive Director of the ACM Foundation, Mr. David Jones is one of the most caring professionals who truly radiates a passion for his role at ACM. From the business academic perspective, Mr. Ron Krug brought lively educational practices to accounting. In the computer studies at ACM, Mr. Richard Soderman carried years of hands-on computer technology experience while sharing his passion for innovative ideas and his love for the evolution of clocks. Mr. Jerry Hoover also brought a memorable light-hearted environment to the classroom. In the bookstore, Mrs. Shari Martin was extremely helpful in determining the resources required for each class which greatly impacts how well a student can succeed. Mrs. Christina Kilduff was always cheerful when she would see students on campus to make sure they were having a great day!
  
  
• What is your greatest achievement in your career?
  I am truly blessed to be a college student who can follow her career passion and turn her dreams into her reality. After graduating with my bachelor’s degree in management this spring, I have become the manager at my family’s pre-owned automotive dealership. From automotive marketing to retail sales, it has been exciting to experience all aspects of operating the family business. I have developed many life-long friendships with customers in the automotive industry. I strongly believe when you love what you do, you never work a day in your life. I look forward to pursuing an MBA degree from Frostburg State University in 2022. 
  
  
• Additional comments
  In reflection, I am extremely thankful I decided to attend ACM at the start of my college journey because the well-rounded experience helped me grow into the next step of my college and career adventures.