Jan. 15, 2021, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Melissa Hartley is pursuing her dream career -- two Grand Rapids Community College classes at a time.
Hartley is in her third year at GRCC, working on an associate degree in early childhood education. She’s getting experience in her field with a fulltime job for Head Start for Kent County while also working part time at Meijer -- while caring for her four children.
“GRCC is affordable and will help me obtain a higher education to make life better for me and my children,” Hartley said. “All my instructors have been very helpful and pushed me to be great while helping with questions I have asked.”
Hartley, who has already overcome a period of homelessness to become a proud home owner, has no doubts that she will reach her education goal as well.
She advises other students to give their best efforts, take advantage of GRCC resources and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
“I want to represent single mothers,” she said. “We can achieve our dreams by taking two classes at a time. I’ve learned that it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish!”
Many GRCC students attend part time, scheduling classes around home and work responsibilities. The college offers classes in four formats, and a variety of schedules, focusing on making education accessible.
The college also offers support, from tutoring to technology, with a goal of helping all students be successful.