By Alexa Cheaney and Vanessa Hewitt
The energy was high at the Grand Rapids Community College block party as new and returning students came to campus ahead of the fall semester. Many students expressed hopes and anxieties about what the next three months could be and The Collegiate asked what would make this a successful year for them.
“Student success means to me making an impact, and people not just knowing your name, but knowing your face,” said Student Government President Alex Miranda. “…Student success is people knowing who you are genuinely and giving opportunities to other people.”
Genuine connection was a common goal for many. Freshman Hope Stubbs, 19, of Rockford, said she’s looking for connections with new people as well as a good learning environment from her professors. For third-year student Connor Carrillo, 21, of Holland, connection and community were just as important.
Work life balance is another priority for students, such as 21-year-old English literature major Ethan Taren who’s hoping for academic success this year in addition to balance.
Succeeding and leading both on and off the court is a goal for GRCC women’s basketball player Tia Richard.
“Being able to succeed as well in the classroom, you know, being a leader, being able to contribute on and off the court, set an example for sure. I think that’s all that it takes to be successful,” said Richard.
Her teammate Trinity Starling added that in addition to achievements on the court and in the classroom, her mental health is a priority.
“Number one for me is just having a good headspace overall, being in a good mental state of mind,” said Starling. “I think being a student-athlete, it’s a lot of different mental barriers that you can come across, but I think as long as you keep yourself in a good headspace, keep it positive, don’t let people’s expectations make you, you know, lose your focus in what you want to accomplish.”
Standout Vice President Remington Ludtke echoed that having a good attitude is an important part of making it through any school year. Ludtke also pointed to work-life balance as a necessity, saying that getting your work done is important, as well as making sure you have some time to relax.
Other students, such as 25-year-old Karliee Dufundach are looking forward to getting the most out of classes.
GRCC’s College Success Center is open all semester to help aid students with balancing their classes and keeping their grades up. To meet with your Success coach, you can make an appointment by calling (616) 727-7090 or email collegesuccess@grcc.edu.
