Oct. 25, 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. “GRCC is amazing!” That’s Carrie Sheets’ summary of her college experience. October is National Dental Hygiene Month, and we’re celebrating the work hygienists do in keeping our teeth and gums healthy! Sheets was a student in GRCC’s Dental Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs and now serves in those roles at Brennan Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Grand Rapids. Both GRCC dental programs prepare students to take Michigan’s licensing exams. The 10-month Dental Assisting program includes experience in a dental office. Dental Hygiene is a three-year program in classroom and clinical settings. Sheets really appreciated the programs’ hands-on opportunities, especially with the GRCC Dental Clinic, which provides preventative services to the public. “They were amazing at helping me with my success in the dental field,” she said of her instructors. “I learned a lot working with the community in the Dental Clinic. “In fact, my favorite memories at GRCC are working in the Dental Clinic and making an impact on the community.” Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply .

Oct. 22, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Grand Rapids Community College volleyball players are raising awareness of breast cancer and supporting those fighting the disease and working for a cure with a special Pink Night on Thursday. GRCC student-athletes will be wearing special pink jerseys when they take the court at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 28 at the Gerald R. Ford Fieldhouse against Lansing Community College. Admission is $3, with GRCC students and employees admitted free with their RaiderCard. Proceeds and donations will go to Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids. The organization supports people battling cancer and those grieving the loss of friends and loved ones. “Our student-athletes work to be leaders on and off the court,” Athletic Director Lauren Ferullo said. “Many of us have friends and relatives who have courageously fought the battle against cancer. The Pink Night is an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges being faced, and the resources available in our community to help people.” Pink Night has been an annual event for the volleyball team during coach Chip Will’s 15 years at the helm. October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. It is the second-most common cancer in American women, after skin cancer. The event is the final regular season home game for the conference-champion Raiders. GRCC is 18-5 on the season, and 12-0 against conference opponents.

Oct. 22, 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 Sheena Weaver. Sheena is here to help in the Student Life and Conduct Office. As the office manager, Sheena handles the daily administration and support of student clubs and organizations. This includes budgeting, room and event registrations, and guiding students through starting up a student organization. Sheena also works with Phi Theta Kappa, GRCC's international honor society, by processing and accepting applications for eligible students. Another big part of her work, and one of her favorites, is ordering supplies for the GRCC Student Food Pantry and making sure the shelves are stocked and ready for students. "The look on a student's face when you are able to help them reduce their stress and worry, about feeding their family, is so rewarding and makes me love what I do," she said.    Every day, Sheena looks forward to working with new students, staff and faculty. She is inspired by meeting students from all walks of life, and enjoys learning about them.  "We have a diverse population of students that I can relate to," she said. "And learning about them motivates me to help them in any way I can." Sheena shared that attending GRCC was the best decision she ever made, and she wants current students to have the same experience. When Sheena became a mom in high school, so many people told her that meant she would have to give up on going to college. She was determined to prove everyone wrong -- and she did. "Anyone is able to overcome all odds regardless of what others say or believe," she said. "You are in control of your future and leave your everlasting mark."   Sheena applied and was accepted to GRCC in 2010 and that was the start of the educational journey she is still on. She graduated GRCC in 2014 with an associate degree, and transferred to Ferris State University to begin working on a bachelor's in integrative studies. Initially Sheena worked part-time at GRCC while working at other organizations. Then, in 2019, she was hired as a fulltime member of the Student Life team. "I have always found myself returning back to GRCC, and that was when I knew it must be meant to be," she said. "I must be here to help students and it has been so rewarding." You can connect with Sheena and the Student Life team on the first floor of GRCC’s Student Center, or by emailing studentlife@grcc.edu or calling (616) 234-4160.