July 29, 2024
Jackie Araiza knows exactly what it feels like to be overwhelmed by education. She plans to leverage that empathy in her role as the new operations manager for the Grand Rapids Community College Lakeshore Campus in Holland.
Araiza struggled in high school. She skipped classes and had a low GPA. Her personal turnaround story started with GRCC. As someone who has worked her way up to a new role and is currently working on a master’s degree, she never forgets that the people of GRCC were the secret to her success.
“I received so much support at GRCC,” Araiza said. “In fact, I still keep in touch with the people who helped me succeed. I know how important that kind of encouragement is for students, because I’ve lived it. I also know that if I could do it, so can they.”
Cameron Buck, executive director of the Lakeshore Campus, explained why this new position is so important.
“We are very intentional about building community on the Lakeshore,” Buck said. “Much of my role involves being in the community creating relationships. I’m excited we will have someone dedicated to working on the community inside the building, ensuring that both faculty and students feel connected and welcomed. Jackie is the perfect person to forge that culture.”
Buck gave this example.
“A student in crisis emailed Jackie late one night. By 8:05 a.m. the next day, she had a solution worked out and had communicated with the student. I found out about it after the problem was already solved! That’s the kind of exemplary service she brings to her role.”
Araiza is able to create solutions in part because she has deep knowledge of GRCC systems.
“Jackie understands how we provide services at our Main Campus in Grand Rapids,” Buck said. “She also understands the nuances and differences at the Lakeshore Campus. That dual knowledge will empower her to identify barriers and increase our efficiency in serving students.”
In addition to her professional skills and high degree of empathy, Araiza is also fluent in Spanish. That’s a wonderful asset for the Lakeshore Campus.
“Spanish is actually my first language,” Araiza said. “I grew up in a Spanish-speaking home. That allows me to connect very well with the Latin community here. I am always happy to help a student, talk with a family or translate information for GRCC.”
The availability of Spanish-speaking staff helps draw students to GRCC’s Lakeshore Campus.
“Our Lakeshore Campus enrollment is almost 30% Hispanic/Latino,” said Buck. “We have a handful of bilingual staff members. My goal is that the Hispanic community sees itself represented and welcomed here. People actually come from Grand Rapids to this campus because of our language accommodations.”
In her new role, Araiza will be able to focus particularly on services for students who may face challenges.
“We are a wrap-around organization,” Araiza said. “We are here to help students. That student focus is why I love working at GRCC. Whether you’re having trouble with food, transportation, mental health or classroom expectations, just reach out for help. It will always be there.”
Araiza and the rest of the Lakeshore Campus team will have plenty of opportunities to serve, as enrollment continues to climb.
“We have a lot of students coming through our doors,” Araiza said. “It’s a lot more convenient for local residents to come to our campus than to go to Grand Rapids. It’s also a smaller, less intimidating place to navigate. This is a wonderful place for someone to take their general education courses and figure out a direction. Then they can decide what the next right step looks like. It might be staying at the Lakeshore Campus, blending in some online learning, or possibly transferring to the Main Campus. We have a lot of options and we will help students decide what to do.”
Regardless of her new title, Araiza says one thing won’t change.
“I’m still here to help students,” she said. “I will never turn anyone away.”
Learn more about GRCC’s Lakeshore Campus in Holland.
This story was reported by Julie Hordyk.