Chitpreet Kaur

Chitpreet Kaur immigrated to the United States from India when she was 15 years old during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through her perseverance and dedication, she was able to learn English and graduate high school as a student leader.

After graduating from CCBC two years later with an associate degree in computer science (information systems), her time at the college was equally impressive. A recipient of the Presidential Scholarship, she has kept a 4.0 GPA and has been on the dean’s list every semester. She is proficient in four languages: Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu and English.

Kaur transferred to University of Maryland, Baltimore County, to pursue her degree in information systems management. Her transfer to UMBC will be a seamless process thanks to the Degrees to Succeed program.

I wanted to take advantage of the benefits of Degrees to Succeed, such as guaranteed admission, early access to campus resources and personalized advising. Having a clear roadmap to my transfer school gave me confidence and peace of mind in my educational journey.”

Kaur said that early access to facilities made her feel connected to the UMBC community, and her dedicated advisor ensured that her credits aligned with her degree goals.

“I’ve had the pleasure of visiting the campus multiple times and meeting the advisors one-on-one at events like ConnectFest,” she said. “Moreover, they have also reached out to me via email to ensure a smooth credit transfer process, making me feel supported every step of the way.”

After obtaining her bachelor’s degree, Kaur aspires to earn her master’s degree. Her ultimate goal is to bridge the gap between people and technology by becoming an information system analyst.

“By combining my academic studies with practical experience and research opportunities, I aim to develop a deep understanding of information systems and contribute meaningfully to this ever-evolving field,” she said. “I believe that by staying dedicated to my education and actively engaging in research activities, I can make a positive impact on organizations’ technological capabilities while ensuring that technology is being served to people effectively.”

“Despite facing challenges and obstacles along the way, I have remained resilient and determined to overcome them,” said Kaur. “Whether it’s balancing a demanding academic schedule, taking on leadership responsibilities or managing personal commitments, I have consistently reflected perseverance in the face of adversity.”

At CCBC, Kaur worked as a tutor and helped other students succeed academically. She served as the Student Honors Council vice president for Student Engagement and was a First Year Experience mentor, providing guidance and support to incoming students.

She was also a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Tech Club, Multicultural Students’ Association and Muslim Student Association. These roles taught her significant leadership skills like communication and planning, and also taught her the importance of teamwork and promoting inclusivity.

Kaur is a team mentor at her job at Chick-fil-A, and she has already completed an internship with Google. Her professors call her a leader inside the classroom and out.

“Through my involvement in Student Life and service events, I have professionally and holistically grown as an individual,” said Kaur. “My ability to face challenges and academic achievements have not only shaped my educational journey but also prepared me well for future endeavors. I am grateful for the opportunities CCBC has provided me and look forward to continuing to excel in these areas.”