Welcome to Beyond the Classroom, the Montgomery College podcast where students share what their college journey really looks like. This series goes beyond academics to explore the moments that build confidence, create connection, and shape what comes next.
Why Lirio Chose Montgomery College Over a Four-Year School
Montgomery College student Lirio Reyes Castro shares how starting at community college led to a summer accounting program at Howard University, a presentation to Deloitte, and a transfer to the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business.
It started with one piece of advice from a professor: “You never know if you don’t try.” Those words pushed Lirio to apply for opportunities she thought were out of reach, including the Southern Management Leadership Program, which helped her make the move to UMD.
In this episode of MC Beyond the Classroom, Lirio talks with host Angela Rhoe about choosing community college when her family expected a four-year school, and about growing from a shy student into a future accountant.
In this episode:
• Why Lirio chose Montgomery College
• How she found accounting internships and built professional connections
• Her summer at Howard University and presentation to Deloitte
• How the Southern Management Leadership Program supported her transfer to UMD
• Her advice for students who are afraid to take a chance At Montgomery College
Lirio served as vice president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapter at the Rockville Campus and was named a 2026 Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholar. She graduated debt-free.
Explore the programs and opportunities mentioned:
Future Link: https://futurelinkmd.org/ (https://futurelinkmd.org/)
Southern Management Leadership Program at Montgomery College: https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/academics/southern-management-leadership-program.html (https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/academics/southern-management-leadership-program.html)
Accounting Scholars Development Program at Howard University: https://business.howard.edu/centers/center-accounting-education/programs (https://business.howard.edu/centers/center-accounting-education/programs)
🎧 More episodes: https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/mctv/podcasts/beyond-the-classroom (https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/mctv/podcasts/beyond-the-classroom)
Subscribe for more Montgomery College student stories about internships, careers, and opportunities beyond the classroom.
24 Sept 2026
Zia Khan is shaping the future of tech with AI
Zia Khan is turning curiosity into innovation at Montgomery College.
From developing AI-powered tools to working on startups and a self-driving software system, Zia is already putting his computer science skills into action. He also serves as president of the AI Club and helps organize RaptorHacks, Montgomery College's coding competition.
In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Zia shares what sparked his interest in computer science, what he's building now, and how he sees AI shaping the future of technology.
Check out Zia's Study Sync: study-sync.app (http://study-sync.app)
Prepare for or advance your computer science career with a degree or certificate from Montgomery College. https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/academics/programs/computer-science-and-technologies/index.html (https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/academics/programs/computer-science-and-technologies/index.html)
11 Aug 2026
Finding her voice at MC
Nora Canellakis came to Montgomery College to build a foundation in video production. Now, she has a clear goal: use storytelling to help protect the ocean. In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Nora shares how experiences with Montgomery College’s Marketing and Communications Video & Multimedia team and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival are preparing her for a career in ocean conservation storytelling and underwater videography.
13 Jul 2026
From Venezuela to D1: My Montgomery College Story
Nico Granadino is turning opportunity into impact. From Venezuela to team captain at Montgomery College, he’s leading on the field while staying focused in the classroom and preparing for what’s next.
In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Nico shares the discipline, pressure, and mindset behind his journey, and what it really takes to succeed as a student-athlete.
22 Jun 2026
I Never Expected Community College to Be Like This
Tolu Adegbamigbe found her village at MC. In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, she shares how she built community, stepped into leadership, and what it really means to belong at MC.
28 Apr 2026
Honors at MC: Inside the MBI Experience
Nicole Anyanah isn’t just studying business; she’s running one. As part of Montgomery College’s Macklin Business Institute, she manages over $5,000 in weekly revenue while gaining real-world accounting experience.
In this episode of Beyond the Classroom, Nicole shares how hands-on learning, community support, and perseverance are shaping her path toward a career in accounting. From navigating pricing challenges to leading operations in a student-run café, she’s building skills that go far beyond the classroom.
About the Guest
Nicole Anyanah is a sophomore at Montgomery College and a member of the Macklin Business Institute. She is pursuing a degree in business with plans to transfer and become a CPA, using her skills to support and uplift communities.
Learn More
Explore programs like the Macklin Business Institute (https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/academics/honors/macklin-business-institute/index.html) at Montgomery College (https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/index.html) and see how students gain hands-on experience that leads to real outcomes.
Subscribe to Beyond the Classroom for more real student stories. Leave a review and share this episode with someone exploring their college path.
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