Zach Grant – Transfer Success Story
Student Spotlight: Zach Grant
From Fort Scott to the World
For Zach Grant, a fascination with the natural world began long before college. As long as he can remember, he has loved biology. What started with an interest in dinosaurs and paleontology eventually evolved into a passion for wildlife biology after watching Steve Irwin and Wild Kratts. Today, that childhood curiosity has grown into a clear career path.
A recent graduate of Fort Scott Community College, Zach completed his studies in Wildlife Biology while also pursuing coursework in foreign languages. This fall, he will take the next step in his academic journey by transferring to Pittsburg State University, where he plans to continue working toward a bachelor’s degree and hopes to study abroad.
Originally from Mound City, Kansas, Zach chose FSCC because it was both affordable and close to home. While those factors initially drew him in, it was the TRIO program that convinced him to stay. That decision proved to be life-changing.
Like many students, Zach faced challenges early in his college career. During his first year, he struggled after transitioning to online classes and quickly realized that learning from home was not the right fit for him. Instead of giving up, he made the decision to return to campus, a choice that ultimately changed everything.
Back on campus, Zach fully immersed himself in college life. Through TRIO and Student Life, he attended nearly every event offered throughout the year, including bowling outings, zoo trips, Silver Dollar City adventures, and Dolly Parton’s Stampede. These experiences helped him grow beyond the classroom and pushed him outside of his comfort zone. Although he admits to having social anxiety, he found that participating in these activities was both exciting and transformative. Looking back, he considers it one of the best decisions he could have made.
These experiences helped Zach build confidence and become more involved on campus. He now spends time in the TRIO office before classes instead of isolating himself in his dorm, a change that reflects how much he has grown personally during his time at FSCC.
Academically, Zach also found plenty to enjoy. One of his favorite classes was Geography, where he excelled and even joked that he could name every country in the world. His enthusiasm for learning and his dedication to his studies helped him succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Now, with his sights set on Pittsburg State University, Zach is excited to continue studying Wildlife Biology and foreign languages. Beyond earning his bachelor’s degree, he dreams of traveling the world and studying abroad. Having already visited Spain, he is eager to explore at least two or three more countries over the next five years.
When asked what advice he would give future FSCC students, Zach’s answer is clear: get involved in everything the campus has to offer. He encourages students to join clubs, attend events, and take advantage of programs like TRIO if they are eligible, calling it one of the best decisions a student can make.
If he had to describe his Fort Scott Community College experience in just one word, Zach would choose “incredible.” For him, FSCC became much more than a place to earn college credits. It became a foundation that prepared him academically, helped him grow personally, and gave him the confidence to take the next step toward his future.
Whether your goal is to become a wildlife biologist, transfer to a four-year university, or simply begin your college journey close to home, Fort Scott Community College can serve as your stepping stone. The Biology program provides a strong academic foundation for students planning to transfer into bachelor’s degree programs, while affordable tuition, small class sizes, and supportive faculty help students succeed every step of the way.
Fall classes are enrolling now, and it is not too late to begin. Whether you are pursuing a degree in Biology, another transfer pathway, or completing general education courses before moving on to a university, Fort Scott Community College offers an affordable way to save thousands of dollars while staying close to home. Enroll today and let FSCC be the first step toward wherever your future takes you.