CSM Student Voices Heard During Student Advocacy Day

College of Southern Maryland (CSM) students traveled to Annapolis on February 5 to share their stories of the college’s impact during Student Advocacy Day.

Student Advocacy Day is hosted annually by the Maryland Association of Community Colleges (MACC). The event brings together hundreds of community college students to advocate for state support of high-quality, affordable community college education.

“Our students’ commitment to advocacy speaks to their leadership, but also to the deep connection CSM shares with the Southern Maryland community,” said CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson. “Their voices and stories show the true impact community colleges have on students’ lives and the bright futures they are working toward."

Mia Iampieri, a CSM civil engineering student, said it was an eye-opening experience to see the value of her voice in action.

“We can speak up,” Iampieri said. “We have an effect and we can help build support for community colleges. I think it’s amazing to see how people care, they want us to have a voice, and they want to prioritize our success.”

Before meeting with legislators, students kicked off the day with a MACC-hosted rally where they heard remarks encouraging them to share why they chose community colleges and why these institutions matter. Senator Paul Corderman and Delegates Jessica Feldmark and Sarah Wolek led a panel discussion on the value of community colleges and the power of student voices.

“The single most important thing you can do is share your story,” said Feldmark. “There are a lot of unique needs and important programs that need funding, but what you have that no one else has is your story.”

The students detailed how their academic journeys are shaped by the access and support at CSM during meetings with legislators. Students met with the offices of Delegates Darrell Odom, Mark Fisher, Brian Crosby, Matt Morgan, C.T. Wilson, Edith Patterson, Debra Davis, Jeffrie Long, Todd Morgan, and Senators Arthur Ellis, Jack Bailey, and Kevin Harris.  

Twin CSM students Sanaa and Semaj Thomas are in their second year of the Early College Program. They will graduate from high school in 2026 with an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration and plan to pursue bachelor’s degrees in engineering.

Sanaa spoke to the delegates about her experience as a high school student attending CSM full time. She is the founder of the Early College Club, an effort to create greater community among early college students to stay engaged and share support.

“I enjoyed the opportunity to meet my delegates and the people who can actually make changes in my community and the programs that affect me and my peers,” Sanaa said. “It was a cool experience to be in that space where decisions are being made.”

"It was a great experience to better understand the legislative process and help make our senators and delegates aware of the Early College Programs,” Semaj said.

Semaj will be traveling back to Annapolis this spring as one of four students selected to serve as a page in the Maryland General Assembly Page Program representing Charles County. Students spend two weeks working with the General Assembly to experience the legislative session.

Logan Pring is a communications student at CSM with hopes of continuing his education to pursue a bachelor's degree in sports journalism. He said he’s proud to have the special opportunity to participate in Student Advocacy Day,

"It’s a blessing to go to the government and try to make change and have my voice heard,” said Pring.

Returning to school after starting a family, CSM student Ashley Wilson is pursuing a degree in Pre-Professional Health Science with goals of working in pharmacy. As a recipient of the Kevin Harris Delegate Scholarship, Wilson encourages other students to seek out scholarship opportunities.

“It was a great experience getting to meet Delegate Harris having received his scholarship,” Wilson said. “It was enlightening to be able to meet the people who make the decisions that surround our school and its affordability.”

Student Advocacy Day is hosted by MACC, which serves as an advocate for Maryland’s 16 community colleges and the needs of the students they serve.