Elijah Bishop

For Elijah, attending CCBC was transformative. It’s where he learned what it takes to thrive in college and first imagined a future that includes earning a Ph.D. “I never would have imagined that being at CCBC, meeting all those people, would impact me as much as it did,” he said. “CCBC gave me insight into who I am under pressure.”

While at CCBC, Elijah became the first international officer to serve as Division I vice president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. The year-long executive internship allowed him to represent a national organization with more than 600,000 members. It challenged him to grow as a leader and act as an ambassador for something much bigger than himself.

In addition to Phi Theta Kappa, Elijah was involved in many student organizations. He served as president of the Student Honors Council at CCBC Dundalk, secretary of the Multicultural Student Association and advisor to both the Nepalese Student Association and the Christian Club. He is also a member of the Male Student Success Initiative (MSSI), International Club, Yoga Club and Photography Club.

I want to see the full extent of my capabilities. How far I can go and then make that point a benchmark for everyone who comes after me.

He credits the MSSI team with having the greatest impact on his journey, especially as he adjusted to life in America. “Mr. Derick, Sunni and Jeffery made themselves available for questions and support, both academic and moral,” he said. “I’ve had so many opportunities directly because of these men.”

His advice to fellow students is to make the most of what CCBC offers. “Everything at this institution exists for your benefit” Elijah advises. “The more you put into CCBC, the more you get out."