Jodi aspired to attend college as a teen, but as the youngest of eight children, it was not in the cards for her. She went to work in the restaurant industry after high school, then became a realtor.
When a friend told her that the Michigan Reconnect Program would pay for her degree, Jodi seized the opportunity. Her love of food formed a natural bridge to GRCC’s culinary arts program.
She worked hard, making the Dean’s List the first semester and the President’s List every semester thereafter. Jodi graduated in December 2023 with a general associate’s degree and a Baking and Pastry Certificate.
Since graduating, she and her husband have started a home-based business baking and selling custom-printed cookies. She developed her signature Cinnamon Honey Butter cookie as part of her retail baking class. She also learned to package, market and sell in that class, which according to her was pure genius for people wanting to open a bakery.
Jodi says that attending college after 40 years was a challenge, but it’s the greatest thing that ever happened to her. “I always wanted to go to college but never had the opportunity. I am so fortunate to have found a way and I don’t take it for granted.”