Q: During your time at OCC have any of your goals or plans changed?
A: I wanted to be a physical therapist, then a nutritionist. Now I want to work in public
health. My end goal is to work in higher education with young adults who are on a
dangerous path of not completing school because of my involvement as student recruiter
and the love and care shown by OCC’s Admissions Team.
Q: What are you most proud of?
A: I’m proud to be an OCC alumni. There’s a huge stigma with community colleges that
students are slackers who can’t get into a university. That’s not the case. OCC is
an incredible place to be. There are so many things offered from different languages
to clubs to scholarships.
Q: What does this milestone (graduation day) mean to you?
A: It means everything to me. I worked two jobs when our first daughter was born and
quit to stay home after my other two daughters were born because we couldn’t afford
childcare. I suffered from depression because I wanted something more than being a
mom. After my son was born, I took a summer class at OCC and got an A. I never thought
I would get to this point and be asked to serve as a Student Marshal at graduation.
Q: What kind of support have you received from faculty?
A: Professor Sarah Lemelin suggested student recruiting for me and wrote a letter of
recommendation. I wouldn’t be a student recruiter if she didn’t see in me what I didn’t
see at the time. My Counselor Ed Stotts has also been very helpful.
Q:What are the next steps for you after leaving OCC?
A: Working full time and studying public health part time at the University of Michigan-Flint
or Oakland University. I’m also hoping to still be involved with the Admissions Department
recruitment program.
Q: What would you like to say to your fellow graduates?
A: Be proud of what you’ve done. This was no small feat during a pandemic. This is an
accomplishment you will take with you everywhere you go for the rest of your life.
