April 24, 2026
After years working in the medical field, Quinn Thomas realized her career no longer inspired her. Long days left her feeling drained rather than fulfilled, and she struggled to find a sense of direction.
When she stepped away from her job to help care for her ill father, Thomas had time to reflect on what she truly wanted for her future. She realized she wasn’t pursuing work that brought her joy — and she was ready to change that.
A Life-Changing Decision
One afternoon, while going about her usual routine, Thomas couldn’t stop thinking about her love for culinary arts. During some of the hardest moments in her life, baking and cooking for friends had brought her a sense of peace.
She decided it was time to pursue that passion and turn what once felt like a distant dream into a reality.
While researching culinary programs, Thomas discovered the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC). She immediately knew she found the right place.
Living in Muskegon meant committing to a one-hour drive each way to campus. Still, Thomas knew the opportunity was worth the effort.
“GRCC offered so much in their program,” Thomas said. “The details of their accreditation offering both personal chef and pastry certificates really gave you so many choices. If you didn’t want to do the full associate degree, you still had options. It felt like you could really tailor the program to your needs.”
The long commute quickly became part of a routine she grew to love.
“I drove an hour each way and loved getting up every morning and coming to school,” she said. “I enjoyed every minute of it. It changed my life.”
Finding the Support to Succeed
During her first semester, Thomas learned about opportunities that made the transition to a full-time student feel more accessible. She applied for Michigan Reconnect and worked with the Occupational Support department at GRCC.
“When I began classes, I was low income,” Thomas said. “I made an appointment with the Occupational Support department and they immediately helped me find opportunities to alleviate the financial burden. I received a scholarship for my books one semester and qualified for Michigan Reconnect to cover tuition. They also gave me gas cards to help with my commute.”
With the support of her partner and the college, Thomas completed the program with both pastry and personal chef certifications along with her associate degree.
Beyond financial support, the encouragement she received made a lasting impact.
“If I had a question, GRCC was ready to help,” Thomas said. “You could feel the faculty and staff wanted you to succeed — they genuinely cared. I’ve never felt that at a school or job. I felt empowered by their willingness rather than any shame that I needed assistance.”
Along the way, she credits the Secchia faculty with preparing her for the realities of the culinary industry.
“I felt like I could run circles around anybody with how much knowledge the professors provided in every class. They don’t gatekeep information. They want to show you everything they can to help you become a better chef so you can get the most out of your career.”
“I’m constantly pulling from my education and training,” she added. “My baking and pastry and food science classes come into play every day.”
The Next Chapter
Thomas’ hard work paid off even before graduation.
During an internship at a ski resort in Idaho, her skills and dedication stood out, leading to a full-time job offer after completing the program.
Thomas plans to take online classes through Ferris State University to earn her bachelor’s degree while working at the resort. Inspired by her experience at GRCC, she hopes to one day return and give back to the program that helped reshape her future.
“I want to be a part of the program that genuinely made my life better,” Thomas said.
She hopes to finish the degree in less than two years and eventually return to GRCC as an instructor.
“I want to make the same difference in others’ lives that GRCC made in mine,” Thomas added.
Turning Hurdles Into Motivation
Returning to college later in life can feel intimidating for many students. For Thomas, however, the timing was exactly right.
“I can see now that I didn’t really have a clear direction the first time I tried college,” Thomas said. “If I had taken this path 10 years ago, I don’t know that I would have been as successful or focused.”
Instead, the challenges she faced along the way helped strengthen her determination.
“I really think it comes down to individual timing and your drive. I had to experience the hardships and hurdles to be ready to focus and work hard. I don’t take any of it for granted and feel grateful to be where I am now.”
Today, Thomas hopes her story encourages others who may be considering going back to school to confidently take a chance on themselves.
“Find your happiness and don’t let go,” Thomas said. “Find the people that support you and lift you up, and don’t feel shame. It’s easy to feel down on yourself, but you have to push through that and find what makes you happy. GRCC had many resources and people available to help me find what I needed — whether it was financial assistance or someone to talk to about mental health, they were available. Use what they provide. It truly changed my life.”
Visit the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education web page to learn more about culinary programs and areas of study.
This story was reported by Anjula Caldwell.