Jan. 13, 2025 Nathaniel Lloyd’s journey to a successful career wasn’t a straight path. What started as a clear plan to pursue a career as an engineer by enrolling in the engineering program at Boston University, led to a major in art history followed by a master’s degree in accounting. It took him some time to find the right fit. “I had a career in mind, but I burned out quickly. Engineering is probably the toughest major in my opinion,” Lloyd said. “I never regretted changing out of engineering, but then it became a question of "now what?" I no longer had a specific drive.” After realizing engineering wasn’t right for him, Lloyd didn’t know what he wanted to do professionally. However, he did know one thing, he had an interest in history and great experiences in film studies classes.  “I had to find something that worked for me and that I could get done in a year and a half,” he said. Lloyd decided to pursue a liberal arts degree, and, more specifically, a major in art history.  “I love the idea of getting a liberal arts degree especially if you don’t know what you want to do,” he said. “It’s a little bit more interesting than a generic business degree.” Lloyd knew he would need a bachelor's degree to further his future career, so he wanted to choose one that would make him a more interesting person and that would keep him engaged.  “I never had the intention of being some sort of art historian or working at a museum,” he said. “I took it because I enjoyed aspects of it and it was important to me to get a degree on some level.”  After graduating from BU, Lloyd still didn’t know what he wanted to do for a career. However, while working in computer services, he got some additional certifications in information technology.  “I always knew I was someone who would go on to learn more and become something so I had to ask myself, do I want to become an IT professional with all these certifications or not,” he said. IT didn’t stick for him, but he found out that he was good at accounting through filing taxes and organizing other forms and decided to further his education in that field.  “I enjoyed the organizational aspects and learning how numbers work,” Lloyd said. “I finally knew what I wanted for a career.” At age 29, Lloyd enrolled in the Master of Science in accounting at Grand Valley State University. “It’s hard to get into something like accounting when you start at 29. This field is all about experience and credentials,” he said. “Even though I started a bit late, I think I’ve done really well.” Today, Lloyd is the director of Budget and Business Services at Grand Rapids Community College, a role he’s held since 2017.  "My liberal arts classes helped me learn how to approach problems in a different way from many in the finance world,” he said. Lloyd’s story shows that a liberal arts degree isn’t just about studying subjects you enjoy. It’s about gaining the skills to think broadly, adapt to unexpected opportunities and, ultimately, build a rewarding career in fields you may never have originally considered. Explore programs in the  School of Liberal Arts at GRCC. This story was reported by Jada Reahm.

Jan. 9, 2025 Tyler Conger has a lot more on his plate than most 18-year-olds.  He’s finishing up his final year in the Middle College program at Grand Rapids Community College while juggling two jobs and being a father to a 7-month-old son he adores. When asked how he balances it all, he laughed and said, “I don’t get a lot of sleep!” And if the lack of rest is affecting him, it certainly doesn’t show, said Lynnae Selberg, professor, counselor, and academic advisor at GRCC. “He’s just the best dad and such a joy to have in the program. He even brought his baby to the year 13 orientation,” she said. “It’s really refreshing to see someone so young with that level of motivation.” In the Middle College program, students like Conger can complete high school and college at the same time. They apply during their freshman year and start taking GRCC courses alongside their regular classes at their high school during sophomore year.  After a 13th year spent completely at GRCC, they graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate degree or technical certificate, a year earlier than a more traditional educational route. Conger, who grew up in the Kentwood area and attended East Kentwood High School, was already in the program when he and his girlfriend Alli welcomed their son Jaxon in May, just before the end of senior year. Now, the pair both work full-time – with an additional part-time job for Conger – and take full loads of college courses, all while caring for their son. The extra responsibility can be taxing, Conger admits, but he and Alli are determined to provide the best possible life for their family which, for them, includes earning their college degrees. “I want to do it while I’m young and I have the energy. Fortunately, we have opposite schedules, so I’m able to take care of him at night, and she takes care of him during the day,” he said. Conger added that the ability to finish at GRCC a year early, as well as work his online classes into an already busy schedule, have been crucial to completing his education. “Being Middle College has already helped so much,” he said. “Being able to graduate that year early especially makes a huge difference; I probably would’ve taken a gap year this year if I wasn’t already in the program.” Since the program covers tuition and regular college course fees through per pupil state funding from six partner school districts – Wyoming, Cedar Springs, East Kentwood, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Kent Intermediate School District, and Kenowa Hills – Conger doesn’t have to worry about whether he can afford his education either. “That was one of the bigger things for me too, being able to get through college without having to stress about money while taking care of my son. I’m just lucky for that,” he said.  Conger’s future is looking bright, thanks in large part to the Middle College program. “I’m thinking about using my accounting degree either as an accountant or somewhere else in the business world. I really just want to see what’s out there,” he said. And, no matter where he goes, Conger has no shortage of motivation to get there. “He keeps saying, ‘I’ve got to set a good example for my little man,’” Selberg said.  Learn more about the  Middle College program at GRCC. This story was reported by Alissa Griffin.