Lillian Towery-Collins, 19, of Homer, graduated in 2025 from both Homer High School and KCC, exiting the latter with an Associate in General Studies degree as a dual-enrolled Early College student.
Towery-Collins, who last year became the first female from her district to earn the rank of Eagle Scout, plans to continue her studies at Michigan State University to pursue a degree in history education.
Why did you choose your major/area of study?
I chose a general education degree mainly because I started college in my junior year of high school. I thought knocking out all the core classes that were required for most degrees was a good start.
Why did you choose to study your major specifically at KCC?
KCC is close to where I live, and both my grandparents and parents went there.
What are you doing now, and how did KCC help you on your path?
KCC helped me knock out half of my college schooling before I went off to a four-year university. I am now attempting to adjust to the changes that are coming this fall.
Was your favorite part of your time at KCC, and why?
I loved my philosophy classes. I took all three offered at KCC. I enjoyed how extensive the teaching was and how interactive the professor was.
What’s the most interesting thing you learned at KCC?
Strangely enough, I learned how to use a college library. I come from a tiny town and our library is the size of a small house. Having access to a library with three floors and automatic shelves was a new experience for me.
What advice do you have for current or future KCC students?
Have good experiences while in college. Join clubs. If there are not any you like, create some. If you were shy in high school, like I was, college is the chance to meet lifelong friends. Go for it.
Photo courtesy of Thomas Grant.
This Q&A first appeared in the September 2025 edition of BruIN magazine. To read the issue online, please visit kellogg.edu/bruinmagazine.
