A crowd of 110 Grand Rapids Community College students gathered Thursday, Sept. 4 at Rise Up and Achieve: The Kickoff event to celebrate the start of a new semester and learn about programs and opportunities offered by the Woodrick Center for Inclusion and Multicultural Affairs.
The welcoming sound of music, tables full of activities, and promise of free merch attracted the guests. Many found themselves there on a whim, perhaps compelled by the impressive buffet of ice cream, mac and cheese, and boneless chicken wings (or cauliflower wings for the plant-based students). On the flip side, other attendees were actively involved in the initiative’s Community Circles prior to The Kickoff.
Alyssa Gamez, Associate Director of the Woodrick Center for Inclusion and Multicultural Affairs, took a moment during the festivities to share information about the types of support offered to students. In addition to the mentorship programs, Rise Up and Achieve connects students with academic support, professional development opportunities, transportation assistance, and more.
“These resources are here now,” Gamez reiterated, “We want students to use them.”
GRCC student Binti Abdi, 25, previously attended Davenport University. She recalled struggling with the transition from high school despite feeling academically supported by her advisers. Since coming back to GRCC, she has been drawn to the various social events and organizations the campus has to offer. Abdi says the program has helped her so much that she is now in the process of becoming a mentor herself.
“I want to be the mentor I didn’t have back then,” Abdi said.
Jamillya Hardley, Director of the Woodrick Center of Inclusion and Multicultural Affairs, wants students to know in 2025: “Care is the thing this year.”
Whether it’s attending one of the dozens of planned events, joining a Community Circle, or just stopping by to ask for some help, she urges students to have fun and show up for each other. “None of us can do this alone,” Hardley said.
GRCC students do not have to be members to attend Rise Up and Achieve’s events. In fact, Gamez encourages everyone to attend. While the aim of the program is to encourage cultural competency and celebrate diversity, as Gamez looked around at the busy room, packed with students from all walks of life, she optimistically noted, “There are more similarities than there are differences.”
Though Thursday’s kickoff event ended around 2 p.m., students who might have missed out still have time to make their voices heard. Anyone with a valid GRCC Student email is welcome to fill out Rise Up and Achieve’s Student needs survey at this link to be entered into their free giveaway.
