Remember, "college" during MI College Month means any education after high school graduation.

I chose WMU because of the communities they had in the residence halls, Miller Auditorium, sororities/fraternities (Phi Sigma Pi Alum 2009), and most importantly my program of study.

I majored in Social Psychology for my Bachelor's degree. I loved WMU so much that I stayed for my Master's in School Counseling, K-12.

Go Cats!

I started off as a payroll accountant at a small printshop near my hometown. My grandfather was an accountant and a tax preparer, so I had learned a lot from him already and also took accounting in high school, so I had a basic working level to get into an accounting position. After that, I took a position as an assistant teacher with Head Start. When that position went through layoffs, I started working at a Montessori school and from there decided I really wanted to stay in the field of education.

I started taking college classes and a local community college, Delta, and commuted throughout the week, while continuing to work. When I finished that degree, I transferred to Saginaw Valley State University and continue to commute between my parent's house and SVSU while also working. I chose Delta and SVSU because they were close to where my parents lived, as well as my grandparents, and I was able to stay with family and help care for my grandparents before they passed away while attending college. I also knew SVSU had a great education program, which was important to me, and they also allowed most of my credits from Delta to transfer over so I wouldn't have to take as many classes.

After I graduated from SVSU, I moved to north-west Michigan from central Michigan, and began working as an assistant teacher, then took a lead teacher position in preschool. I taught preschool for quite a few years before teaching elementary, middle school and eventually high school. I also chose to go back and get two Masters degrees, one in Reading and one in Special Education from Spring Arbor University. I chose Spring Arbor because they offered one of the only online options in my area, and living in a rural area, I needed something virtual.

Along with teaching, I've also done a lot of writing on the side, which is a passion of mine. I've been published in newspapers and blogs, and in someone else's book, and hope to publish my own books one day soon. Looking back, I wish I had followed my passions sooner (teaching and writing) but at the same time, my choices have taken me on an incredible journey where I've been able to meet some really cool people and learned so much along the way!

Mrs. Atkin 9th-12th ELA

I chose University of San Diego for my Masters degree because I wanted to continue my education and after interviewing for a number of different programs the interview with USD made me feel right at home and the best fit for me to continue to meet my goals. Also, the campus is absolutely gorgeous!! Go Toreros!

My next degree was a Master's Degree in Education from Spring Arbor University, and I picked that school because back then it was one of the only online options. Now I'm working on a second master's degree and I attend ASU!

Choosing a school can be overwhelming but talk to a lot of people and try to visit campuses! We have a lot of great schools in Michigan. Walking around on campus can really give you a good feel of what it would be like to spend your days there.

Trade schools are a great option too! Furthering your education is fun, no matter what route you choose. We are all here to help!

Ms. Piotrowski