Nov. 1, 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.
Troy Anderson had talent to spare after graduating high school.
What he didn’t have was confidence, but Grand Rapids Community College helped change that.
“I was a really quiet and shy person when I started at CC,” Anderson said. “I was given opportunities there that I don’t believe I would have gotten anywhere else to step up and be a leader and perform in ways I was too afraid to do in high school.”
Leadership is now second nature to Anderson, the director of bands for Kelloggsville Public Schools. He is also a freelance musician with multiple groups, a horn arranger and minister of music for the Shepherd’s Arm Ministries.
“GRCC’s Music Department started me on the path to where I am today by giving me the basics I needed in music theory, music education and lessons on performance,” he said. “It was the perfect environment for me because it gave me a chance to learn and not be intimidated.”
But Anderson learned more than music skills.
“The faculty there really pushed me to get out of my comfort zone in a caring way that showed me I could trust them,” he said. “The successes that I experienced there helped build my confidence.”
Anderson, who went on to earn a bachelor’s in education from Western Illinois University, calls GRCC his “true beginning.” One of his favorite memories is of delivering a speech at the 50th anniversary of GRCC’s Musical Moods concert.
“It is the story that I tell quite often because it was the biggest turning point in giving me confidence to do any type of public speaking,” he said.
Let GRCC help you start your story. The first chapter starts at grcc.edu/apply.