Dec. 17, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Always remember, at GRCC, you are surrounded by people who want you to be successful and are ready to walk with you on your educational pathway. We are here to help! Meet Wayne Hsieh. You will find Wayne in the Math Department or in the Math Prep & Learning Lab at GRCC. Wayne teaches courses from algebra to precalculus, but primarily teaches MA 97 and MA 98 classes, which the Math Prep and Learning Lab supports. When asked his favorite class he shared, "I think I'd pick MA 97 because it has a lot of daily applications like percentages, rates and geometry." Helping students connect math to their daily lives is just one of the ways Wayne connects students to the material when he is teaching and tutoring. "I get to help students from a variety of math backgrounds and it can be very challenging at times," he says." "Tutoring helps me realize that it’s not only about knowledge in math, but also about presenting information in multiple views that the student can understand -- since no one learns the same way." Wayne is also the Coordinator of the Math Prep & Learning Lab, where he helps students in developmental math classes with homework questions. He also helps students in other programs that are trying to brush-up on their math skills. The Math Prep and Learning Lab offers both in-person and online tutoring support for students to: Get help navigating the study tool in ALEKS PPL in order to improve their math placement score. Brush up on their skills before enrolling in MA 97. Access services specifically designed to help students prepare for and succeed in MA 97 and MA 98. Wayne, and tutors across campus, are focused on meeting the needs of individual students. "I really enjoy it when students come back and tell us they passed the test or class, and show us how important the lab is to them," he said. "In the lab, all we want to do is to help students learn and be more successful. We are a fun bunch to work with!" Wayne has been tutoring throughout his educational and professional career, with a brief stop when he took a position in global supply chain procurement -- specializing in China and Taiwan. "I've always enjoyed tutoring," he said. "I was a student tutor at GRCC and at GVSU. When I had to do my internship, I became a professional tutor at GRCC. I left GRCC for a full-time position with benefits, was laid off, and came back to GRCC and have been here since." Wayne attended GRCC after high school. This was the right choice for him because the cost was low and he was able to live at home. He earned his associate degree from GRCC before attending Western Michigan University, and then earned a bachelor’s degree in Math and Psychology from Grand Valley State University. He returned to GVSU to earn a Master's of Education, Adult and Higher Education with an emphasis in mathematics. You can contact the Math Prep and Learning Lab through email at MathPrepLab@grcc.edu and by phone at (616) 234-4729. Additional information is here .

Dec. 15, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- GRCC Workforce Training programs provide in-demand skills leading to rewarding careers. Each Wednesday we’ll meet students who are heading down an educational pathway and changing their lives by earning occupational certificates. Life’s path isn’t always a straight line and James Hernandez’s path has taken a sharp turn. Hernandez was prospering as a chef. But when he was furloughed for three months and watched as more than 400 of his co-workers were let go, he was pretty nervous. “I just had a feeling like this was not going to end well for me,” he said. “During this time, a friend of mine who works at Medbio told me he had been working the whole time. He suggested I apply. With a family and a mortgage, I just needed do some kind of work that was more secure. “I started as a temp and was then hired in directly. After being an operator for a while, I let management know that I was interested in doing more. I then enrolled in the Plastics Polymer Engineering Certificate Program at GRCC and just finished my first class. “Once I started class, I received a text from Cody Giba, representing the One Workforce program. The text said that I may qualify for some financial help through a new grant program. I got back to him right away.” One Workforce for West Michigan Manufacturing is a grant program assisting those interested in pursuing careers in advanced manufacturing, or for those who want to improve their current manufacturing skills. Even GRCC students who are currently enrolled in a manufacturing class or training program may qualify for financial assistance. There are nearly 20 GRCC programs qualifying for financial support.  “My major needs were tools for this class and for this type of work. Dennis Triggs, the One Workforce program manager, was super helpful. We discussed options and if that was something he could do. He was very open to what I needed. The One Workforce grant helped with the purchase of some of those tools to get me started and they are not cheap. I was able to get good quality tools that will last me a long time. “Dennis and Cody were both so easy to work with. They were helpful and very responsive.” The One Workforce program was developed to provide students with advanced manufacturing skills training – and training dollars — to gain the education needed to step into a rewarding career. “It’s exciting to see where this will go," Hernandez said." I’m generally a person who loves school now, not so much when I was younger. I really love school and learning. This new career path is very interesting to me. Working in the medical device industry really means something to me. It gives me pride in my work to know that we provide products that are truly helping people. “My goal right now is to get the certificate but I may keep going and get the associate degree in the future.” Anyone interested in gaining career skills through GRCC Workforce Training can connect via email at workforcetraining@grcc.edu, and by phone at (616) 234-3800.  

Dec. 13, 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. Courtney Gabridge has had many roles in her life: mom, phlebotomist, emergency medical technician, investigator, Realtor. She has never feared change; she embraces it. After graduating from Catholic Central High School in 1996, she enrolled at the University of Dayton. “I quickly realized in a few months’ time that that specific college was not for me and transferred that December of my freshman year to GRCC,” she said. Making that change was life-changing. “What I noticed right off the bat was that the teachers at this college truly care about their students and their future,” Gabridge said. “I noticed how they have a passion for education and believe in what they do. I ended up transferring again to Aquinas College but never forgot my GRCC experience.” She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology at Aquinas and later her EMT certification. “College, in general, taught me to want more for myself out of life, to become educated in all different areas, to succeed, to fail, to be uncomfortable, to have hopes and dreams, to push myself, to never settle, to work hard,” Gabridge said. She credits her GRCC experiences with encouraging her love of learning. “Every experience in life has led me to the current path I am on,” said Gabridge, who works at Greenridge Realty in East Grand Rapids. “I love real estate; I love working for others and helping them.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

Dec. 11, 2021, ALPENA, Mich. -- Sally Merrill's 27 points and Andrew Moore's 19 points led the Grand Rapids Community College basketball teams to victory Saturday at Alpena Community College. Merrill, a freshman from Allegan, surpassed her previous career-high by eight points in the Raiders’ 67-53 victory. Eleven of the points came in the Raiders’ big 25-point second quarter. "Overall the team played really well as a unit," Merrill said after her team's third-straight victory. "We had some lulls that we've got to correct as a group but overall everyone contributed to a solid team victory." That team effort showed as nine Raiders ended up in the scoring column. Grace Lodes, of Comstock Park, scored 12 points and point guard Marlene Bussler, of Battle Creek, added 12 points. Head coach David Glazier was just as proud as the total team effort. "Happy with a solid team victory today," Glazier said. "We saw a number of good things from a number of different players. We also made note of areas where we can continue to improve.  Sally was really good today. She was active, finished scoring opportunities and made plays when we needed them." The women's team is now 4-5 on the season. Moore, a Forest Hills Northern High School grad, was one of eight Raider men who scored in the team's 87-84 victory. GRCC connected on a season-high 13 three-point attempts, including three each from Rico Wade, Jovante Jones and Justus Clark.  Jones, of Saginaw, dropped in 14 while Wade, of Atlanta, Ga. scored all nine from long range.  Clark, from Farmington Hills, scored 18 points. “After a disappointing first half, the team really brought the energy, effort, and enthusiasm in the second,” coach Joe Fox said. “I was very pleased with the team’s response. It feels great to be heading into a long break with a win. We have some things to work on over break, and a long time in which to do it. Even though it was a total team win today, I want to highlight Nyuon Nhial, who really set the tone for us in the second half with his energetic play. He helped us turn the game around.” GRCC's men's team snapped a three-game losing streak and is now 5-6 on the season. The women will then square off against the defending national champions, Lake Land College on Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. The men won't resume play until January when the conference season begins. 

A School News Network feature — Sydney Murphy encouraged people at Matthew’s House Ministry to stand up and complete exercises that help the lymphatic system eliminate toxins. Following Murphy’s directions, several people who had come to the northwest Grand Rapids non-profit for a free meal and session led by students in Grand Rapids Community College’s Occupational Therapy Assistant program rose from their seats, rubbed and tapped their own neck, chest, hips, the backs of their knees, and wiggled their arms and trunks. “You could be tired, nauseous, have migraines, stiff joints,” Murphy explained. “This is a technique to wake up your lymphatic system by tapping on the main lymph nodes in your body.  This can overall keep your whole body clear of toxins that make you feel sick or foggy.” Since September, as part of fieldwork to become occupational therapy assistants, GRCC students have connected with people who are experiencing homelessness and who utilize programs and services at Matthew’s House. The students serve meals – a recent Tuesday’s menu including chicken, ham, mashed potatoes and all the fixings – before beginning lessons attendees might find of value. Murphy and fellow GRCC students Tanya Dyer, Taylor Barr and Rachel Hill led “Self-care Bingo,” with spaces on the card stating healthy-living practices like “stretch,” “give a compliment” and “exercise.” They also practiced mindfulness through breathing techniques and got to know one another by sharing fun, personal facts: “Strawberry Fields by The Beatles” answered one man about his favorite song. “I’m a mechanic,” another man shared. “I work at the VanAndel Arena,” shared another. “I love walking because I can’t drive a car without crashing,” said Mike Baxter, with a chuckle. After finishing his meal, Baxter said he enjoys participating in sessions with students while having a free dinner. They’ve focused on nutrition, computer and employment skills and where to find resources. Baxter contributed to a resource guide they created. “They talk about personal health, where to shop, how to save money on your shopping. They do price comparisons and everything…. They seem to get more detailed every week,” he said. Murphy sees the value of working with the group as part of her training. “You meet a lot of different people from a lot of different areas of life, and that broadens your horizons,” she said. “It’s a lot of getting to know people and what walk of life they come from. Everyone’s different and needs different things so it’s about really getting to know them on a personal level.”  ‘A Diversity of Experiences’ The partnership allows students to fulfill program requirements, but also provides rich experiences with people they might not otherwise have the opportunity to get to know, said Robin Pegg, assistant professor and academic fieldwork coordinator for the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program. “Occupational therapy works across the lifespan. That’s why we try to provide a diversity of experiences to the students,” Pegg said. “This is really exciting that GRCC supports these kinds of community partnerships and promotes us doing this as faculty.” Occupational therapy assistants work with all ages and demographics, and work under supervision of registered occupational therapists. They provide service and intervention with people who have physical, developmental, social or emotional deficits and need specialized assistance. The two-year program, offered through the School of Workforce Development, includes two semesters of field work. At the end of the program the students have an associate degree in applied sciences and are ready to sit for the National Board Exam to become certified and ready to practice. During their visits, GRCC students help Matthew’s House participants learn basic computer and pre-employment skills like writing resumes. They’ve offered a class on resources on where to find free clothes and meals, information they gather through a series of interviews with people in the homeless population. Nutrition has been another focus. Students have shared information on how much sugar is in certain foods, how to make good choices and choose healthy items at food pantries. They’ve taught a lesson, “Cooking without a Kitchen,” for participants who live on the streets. “Students learn and the community benefits,” is the mission, Pegg said. Reggie Lott, assistant director of Matthew’s House, said the GRCC students are helping the participants become computer literate and with other skills, such as budgeting. The ministry serves as a communications hub as well as providing transitional housing and other resources. “I believe it also helps the students become better public speakers and helps them hone their skills when it comes to dealing with the public,” Lott said. Some students were at first nervous about working with the Matthew’s House population, but that quickly changed, she said. “These same students that were scared to death to walk through that door, now just three weeks into it you go in and watch them sitting down, (saying) ‘Hey Lou, how are you today? How has your week been?’” As a student, Hill said she’s enjoying the sessions. “I went into OT because I have a passion for just helping people. I like to see people thriving in their lives and enjoying their lifestyle. I love working with all ages of the population, from kids to geriatrics,” she said. Hill’s learning about what topics and information work with different groups of people, such as those at Matthew’s House. “I think it gives us experience in interacting with people and being able to keep it focused on them and what they want and need.” Students also partner with Ready for Life Academy, which offers post-secondary educational experiences for college-age individuals diagnosed with intellectual disabilities. GRCC students pair with those from Ready for Life to help them access the college curriculum and with living skills, like cooking, shopping, work skills and other home management tasks. This story was reported and photographed by Erin Albanese of the School News Network.

Dec. 9, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Always remember, at GRCC, you are surrounded by people who want you to be successful and are ready to walk with you on your educational pathway. We are here to help! Meet Dan Nyhof. Dan is a counselor in GRCC's Disability Support Services where he meets with GRCC students who have a diagnosed disability. If you get a chance to work with Dan, the two of you will develop a reasonable accommodation plan to support your academic success. After that, you will meet regularly to review your accommodation plan and academic progress, and then adjust your plan, as needed. You will also connect with Dan for academic advising. This can include career exploration, course and degree selection, being connected with resources related to your areas of interest on- or off-campus, career or transfer planning, and more. Dan's work is most rewarding when he sees students execute the educational plans they developed. "A person's journey may not be straightforward, but each experience a student has will help them learn and grow while moving toward their goal," he said. "While I was in school I worked as a dishwasher, barista, baker, cashier, landscaper, substitute teacher, warehouse worker, school counselor, and therapist. Each one of these experiences taught me about myself and helped develop my plans that culminated with me working at GRCC." Dan attended a community college in Illinois, working full time during the day and taking classes in the evenings. "I chose to attend community college because the tuition was cheaper than the university that I was already attending," he said. "The classes also were offered in more convenient times than other options. I was really impressed with that school, so that might have played a part in becoming interested in working for GRCC later." After community college, Dan went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Psychology, a master's degree in Counseling Psychology, and a doctorate in Counseling. He is now a licensed counselor with a limited license as a psychologist. Dan worked at a refugee resettlement agency, in psychiatric hospitals, in outpatient mental health clinics, and in middle and high schools before coming to GRCC. As a high school counselor part of his role was helping students make plans for skilled training or higher education after their graduation. "GRCC was the most helpful in working with me and our high school students," he said. "Many different people (from many different areas) were gladly willing to use their time to meet with our students to help them navigate how to start at GRCC and get a plan together. During this time, I was able to meet many GRCC staff and faculty members and was very impressed with their commitment to the college and the students." During his last job at a high school Dan also began teaching at GRCC as an adjunct faculty member, which grew his interest in working with college students. "I loved teaching these classes and it was such a wonderful experience," he said. "Then I was fortunate to be able to help out in the Academic Advising and Transfer Center with preparing new students for college. This part-time experience helped me realize that GRCC was where I wanted to devote all my time. I have been full time at GRCC since 2014!" You can connect with Dan and his team through email at disability@grcc.edu and by phone at (616) 234-4140.

Dec. 9, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- It all started with a turquoise Easy-Bake Oven. “My parents bought it for me when I was 7 and I baked everything with it. It was the coolest gift I ever had,” said Jodi Holland, now 58. Never in a million years did that little girl dream she’d one day be baking at the Secchia Institute for Culinary Education at Grand Rapids Community College. “It never occurred to me to go to college,” she said. “I’m the youngest of eight children and while our parents never discouraged college, they never really encouraged it either. “Then earlier this year a friend posted something on Facebook about the Michigan Reconnect program and I knew this was a golden opportunity for me to do something I should have done a long time ago: get a college degree.” Michigan Reconnect is a state scholarship program providing free in-district tuition for those ages 25 and older who don’t already have a college degree. This fall, 998 students at GRCC are enrolled through Reconnect. Holland enrolled at GRCC this summer and is working toward an associate degree in culinary arts with a baking and pastry arts certificate. “I’m so lucky not to be racking up a bunch of student loans at my age. I’ve paid for a few books, but that’s it. Reconnect has taken care of everything else,” said Holland, who’s worked her entire life, often just earning enough money to get by and raise her three children. But she’s not pursuing a college degree just for herself. She also hopes to inspire her 15-year-old grandson, Gavin Lietz. “I think it’s one thing to talk to somebody and say, ‘You should do this.’ But if I can say, ‘I’ve done it. Let me walk along beside you and help you,’ that’s a lot different,” she said. Holland says she’s grateful for the support in navigating the world of college, which can be very intimidating. Her husband, Fred, cheers her on, her oldest daughter taught her how to use Microsoft Word and her grandson taught her PowerPoint. Because she’d never been on GRCC’s campus, a young friend who’s a student showed her around, where to park, and how to find the culinary building. “I feel like a pro now,” she said. “lt has definitely been a group effort all along.” Last spring, Holland started getting her feet wet in the culinary arts by working full-time with her husband at an adult living facility in Spring Lake. She does all the baking and her husband, a retired chef, does all the cooking. “We do everything from scratch, and I just love it. It’s the most wonderful job I’ve ever had,” said Holland, who also sells real estate.  Once she graduates, the Hollands dream of opening their own restaurant. And that Easy-Bake Oven from the 1960s? Her husband surprised her three years ago with one just like it from an antique shop. It sits in a place of honor in their dining room. “Believe it or not, Gavin and I still bake with it.” Learn more about how the Michigan Reconnect program can help you start or restart your college education and change your life at grcc.edu/reconnect . This story was reported by Beth McKenna and photographed by Andrew Schmidt.

Dec. 8, 2021, FLINT, Mich. -- Marlene Bussler carried the Grand Rapids Community College women’s basketball team to a 57-48 over Mott Community College, while the No. 1 ranked Mott men's team defeated GRCC 86-64 on Wednesday. The women's team has won two games in a row and is now 3-5 on the season. The team got off to a slow start against MCC, trailing 18-4 after the first quarter and 24-16 at the half. But the team exploded in the second half, scoring 41 points and out-scoring the opposition by 17. Defense clearly won the ball game for the Raiders. The team held the Bears to just 27.3% from the field, forcing 14 turnovers while blocking a staggering 13 shots, including six from Sally Merrill and four from Grace Lodes. Coach David Glazier was proud of his team’s fight. "Credit tonight goes to each kid in our locker room for never letting up, calmly going about our business, and executing the game plan," he said. "I think this group grew as a team tonight, gained a broader idea of what they can be by the end of the year." Bussler, a freshman from Battle Creek, played in all 40 minutes and scored 13 points, grabbed nine rebounds, dished out a team-high five assists and had a team-high five steals.  Merrill, of Allegan, totaled eight points and 11 rebounds while Lodes, a freshman from Comstock Park, added 14 points and nine rebounds. GRCC's men's team, now 4-6 on the season, kept pace in the first half against the No. 1 team in the country. But the second half belonged to the home team. The Raiders trailed by just one with 2:42 left in the first half, but the Bears closed the half on a six-point run to lead 40-33.  Mott would outscore the visitors from Grand Rapids by 15 in the second half to stay perfect at 8-0 on the season. The Raiders shot solidly from the field at 41.3%, and 7 of 21 from behind the arc, but they were out rebounded 55-29 and lost the turnover battle 16-12. Matthew Richards, of Byron Center, was one of three Raiders to reach double figures.  The power forward led the team with 14 points and six rebounds in 20 minutes of action.  Jovante Jones, of Saginaw, had 13 points and three assists while Andrew Moore, of Grand Rapids, dropped in 11 points and grabbed five boards. "It was great for us to get a chance to test ourselves against the No. 1 team in the country twice in the same week," coach Joe Fox said. "We have flashes of the effort and execution that we need, but against a quality team like Mott, you need it for 40 minutes. I thought the team improved from the game Saturday, but at the end of the day you need to turn the corner and finish these games. I’m looking forward to getting back in the gym with the guys to prepare for Alpena on Saturday." Both teams have one more game before the holiday break. They will travel to Alpena Community College on Dec. 11 for games starting at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.