July 5, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Start at GRCC and go anywhere. Every former student has a story to tell about how GRCC gave them the education and opportunity to be successful.
Tyler Frank’s career -- which has taken him across the country and around the world -- has its roots at GRCC.
While he was a student at GRCC, Frank’s Spanish professor recommended he become a tutor at the Academic Support Center. That eventually led him to a tutoring position with the Adult Basic Education program.
“I loved working in that program with students studying to earn their GED,” he said. “The students were hard-working, down-to-earth people who I loved and respected.”
After graduating from GRCC with an Associate in Arts in 2007, Frank completed a bachelor’s degree in history at the University of Michigan and a master’s in language, reading and culture from the University of Arizona.
Franks worked as a professional tutor at GRCC and UM and also taught in the Adult Basic Education program at Pima Community College in Tucson, Ariz. He added to his teaching experience when he served with the Peace Corps in a youth development program in the Andes mountains of Peru.
“I have been privileged to have lots of amazing opportunities throughout my life,” he said. “These many opportunities, such as studying abroad and serving in the U.S. Peace Corps, have helped me to learn, grow and continue setting new goals for myself.”
For the past few years, he’s been a professor in career and academic preparation at Clark College in Vancouver, Wash., helping students earn adult high school diplomas and prepare for future coursework at the college.
“My inspiration for my career was born out of my experience at GRCC,” said Frank, who recently received tenure. “I still value my experience as a student at GRCC, especially since I now teach at a community college. Having had the student experience at a community college helps inform my own work.”
Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply.