A 14-hour drive, partially through a blizzard, massive crowds and frigid temperatures didn't stop four political science students from attending President Barack Obama's inauguration.

The students, MaryBeth Dieters, Felix Sharpe, Alexis Stanczuk and Selma Tucker, applied and were accepted to attend a week-long seminar at the Washington Center, a nonprofit organization that coordinates seminars and internships for hundreds of universitie that coincided with the inauguration.

"I really felt like we were attending a ceremony for royalty," said Sharpe. "Everyone on the train and in the crowd had an Obama piece of clothing, and he's held in such high regard. But, historically, I believe he is really the right person for the job."

The group secured inaugural ceremony tickets through U.S. Rep. Vern Elhers’ office and stood in the blue section near the Capitol.

Prior to Inauguration Day, they spent a week with 750 other college students at the Washington Center. Sharpe said he enjoyed networking and debating with other people. "After this experience, it's my obligation to seek out someone who has a different stance on an issue than I do and have a conversation," he said.

Kevin den Dulk, associate professor of political science, has had a student pipeline to the Washington Center for several years. "GVSU is always looking for ways to get students out of their typical orbit, and there is probably no better short-term opportunity than an experience in Washington, D.C., for an inauguration with so much historical significance," he said.

Numerous campus departments helped sponsor the trip, including the Provost's Office, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Political Science, University Relations, and the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies.

by Michele Coffill

http://www.gvsu.edu/successstory/story.htm?storyId=E02956B6F86E47718AE89E25A94B180F

Grand Valley Political Science major Sam Moore got his political start in his home town of Grayling when he was just 14. He successfully ran his mother's campaign for county clerk/register of deeds. At 22, he was the youngest Michigan delegate to attend the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York. Moore, a senior and political science major at Grand Valley, was elected at the state convention in May to represent the First District, which covers Grayling.

"There were nine people running for three spots; I got in by one vote," Moore said. His time in New York was jammed with briefings and receptions because Moore is also the chairman of the Michigan Federation of College Republicans. "It was a working trip, a time to rally the party base before the November election."

Moore says Grand Valley did a wonderful job of preparing him for a career in business and politics. He credits the administration for looking out for students' needs and faculty members for pushing students to get involved. "The political science professors encourage students to get real-world experience and to get involved in one of the great internships offered through Grand Valley."

http://www.gvsu.edu/successstory/story.htm?storyId=EF6409FEE1A841E7A993639A0104E0EC

When Jeanine Anderson came to Grand Valley from the south side of Chicago, she discovered that Student Senate gave her an outlet to influence the injustice that existed in the world.

“If I wouldn’t have become involved in Student Senate, I don’t know where I would have ended up,” said Anderson. “I grew a lot as a person through my experience at Grand Valley and I learned that if I want to make a change I need to take affirmative steps to do something about it.”

She now works as assistant district attorney for Bronx County, New York.

“Working in the Bronx community is very culturally, ethnically and fiscally similar to the south side of Chicago and it takes me back to where I started,” said Anderson. “The difference is now I can actually do something to help reduce the struggles of the people living here, which ties into what I’ve wanted to do my whole life.”

Anderson graduated from Grand Valley in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in political science, and earned a law degree from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 2012. During her time at Grand Valley, Anderson was the 2009 recipient of the Venderbush Student Leader Award and a member of Omicron Delta Kappa National Honorary Leadership Fraternity.

At the end of her first year at Grand Valley, Anderson ran for Student Senate and was elected as a general assembly member. She later served as the vice president of Political Affairs and also co-chaired a sustainability subcommittee.

During her time with Student Senate, Anderson was involved with the “Get out the Vote” campaign, Grand Valley’s September 11 memorial ceremony, and fundraising for the Mary Idema Pew Library Learning and Information Commons.

“Jeanine was the type of student who made those around her better,” said Mark Richards, associate professor of political science. “As she has climbed the ladder of success, she has helped others up along the way.”

Anderson said being a part of an organization like Student Senate was a stepping stone in her career and helped to her develop leadership skills and learn how to effectively communicate her ideas in a way that would have an impact on others.

“Student Senate gave me the opportunity to meet so many amazing people who are willing to rally around and support you no matter what,” she said.

In the future Anderson said she hopes to continue to be a positive influence wherever her career takes her.

“It doesn’t matter where you come from, it matters where you’re going and where you end up,” said Anderson.

by Jessica Hines

http://www.gvsu.edu/successstory/story.htm?storyId=D7E61F83EFD3A2EDE0403D94210A1378#

Dan Matthews originally came to Grand Valley to play baseball, but the Comstock Park, Michigan, native also liked that the school was a "young, fresh college and I wanted to be a part of that." More than 30 years later, the 1976 political science major (and elementary ed minor), is still breaking new ground. Most recently the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) named him National Assistant Principal of the Year. In doing so he became the first Michigan principal to earn the prestigious award.

Credited with redefining the role of the assistant principal from disciplinarian to bridge builder, Matthews, assistant principal at Northview High School in Grand Rapids, is proud of his accomplishments more for what they have meant to his students than for the accolades they have earned him. "There are better ways of doing things than punishing kids," he said. "The assistant principal should be a mentor, someone who works with kids to build relationships." And he has results to back up his theory: Eight years ago when he took over his role, there were 800 punishments doled out at Northview High School. In 2004 there were 38. It's no wonder that educators from across the country regularly inquire about his model and how to implement it at their schools.

Matthews was chosen for the award from a field of 52 nominees from across the country, defeating two other national semi-finalists during a rigorous live interview session before a NASSP panel. He was presented the award in front of 2,500 other educators and dignitaries including keynote speaker and former New York governor Mario Cuomo at the 2005 NASSP National Convention in San Francisco

In addition to the event in San Francisco, Matthews also received a trip to a black-tie banquet in Washington, D.C., and a check for $5,000, which he planned to contribute to establishing a fitness center at Northview. "I'm a firm believer in body, mind, and soul," he said in reference to both the reason he came to Allendale in the first place and the road his life has taken since.

Matthews also earned master's degrees in language arts and special education from Grand Valley, for which he holds a special place in his heart. "I loved my time there," he said. "I liked the atmosphere and had such a good experience. It prepared me for my career very well."

http://www.gvsu.edu/successstory/story.htm?storyId=823F7E76B7FF449BB488E6412B355CCD

She's a mother to a blended family of 15, grandmother to two and "mama" to the growing number of African refugees who live in the Grand Rapids area.

Dorothy Sewe, 38, and her family have lived in Grand Rapids for three years. Through Catholic Human Development Outreach, most of her family left a refugee camp in Tanzania and relocated to West Michigan. Several were forced to remain behind in Tanzania.

"We were lucky to come here knowing English," Sewe said. "It is a wonderful country. You come here without a single cent and people take care of you as if you were a special guest."

Sewe, who has an international diploma in tourism from Geneva, Switzerland, had worked as a bank teller in Grand Rapids; her husband, who has a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering, works in an area factory. Because she preached the value of an education to her children, Sewe also enrolled in Grand Rapids Community College and -- after earning an associate's degree -- entered Grand Valley in 2004, majoring in International Relations and minoring in Political Science. She has since immersed herself in the campus and community.

Through a GVSU international relations course internship with the American Red Cross, Sewe initiated an international tracing service in which area residents can use the agency to find missing family members. Prior to Sewe's work, the Grand Rapids Red Cross agency sent such cases to Ann Arbor.

"People are so happy after I tell them we've made contact," she said. "It is such a wonderful feeling that brings joy to my heart."

She is also working with Grand Valley political science professor Jacques Mangala to develop a humanitarian law workshop on campus next year with support from the Red Cross.

Many newly relocated refugees know to seek Sewe's help when they come to Grand Rapids. "So many refugees know me as a mama," she said. "Most are at GRCC, and I help them fill out financial aid forms and whatever else they need. I believe education is the only key to a better life."

Sewe was among a group of students and faculty honored as outstanding women during a ceremony in March 2005. She received a scholarship from Positive Black Women, a campus group that created an endowed scholarship fund that gives support to non-traditional women students.

http://www.gvsu.edu/successstory/story.htm?storyId=A6097933F87D403BBC7FC3A97C15C08C

They say the “third time is a charm” and that proved true for Steve Smith. The St. Clair native was selected as one of only nine out of hundreds of applicants across the country to be commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard.

Smith, who graduated from Grand Valley in 2007 with a degree in political science, said he has always been interested in serving his country. “This is such a unique opportunity,” said Smith. “It was a very competitive process, and many people have to apply more than once before being accepted.”

Smith said Grand Valley President Thomas J. Haas inspired him to persevere and keep applying. Haas is an honors graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and retired as a captain in 1996. “President Haas was such an inspiration to me,” said Smith. “He told me that while it will be a lot of hard work, the benefits last a lifetime.”

The 17-weeks of training will take place in New London, Connecticut, and includes classroom instruction and physical training. Smith said he looks forward to staying connected to Grand Valley. He currently sits on the Alumni Association Board of Directors.

by Dottie Barnes

http://www.gvsu.edu/successstory/story.htm?storyId=281DD3E47616492F9873AF73B892E145

Reginald Oates said he was shocked to learn he was accepted to participate in the 2007-08 Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals (CBYX). From 500 exceptional candidates, only 75 were chosen for the work-study program in Germany, sponsored by the U.S. State Department and the German government.

“I didn’t think it would happen for me,” said Oates. “After studying hard and waiting tables, I’m honored to be chosen for this unique opportunity.”

Oates earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Grand Valley in 2005 and is working on a master’s degree in public administration with an emphasis in criminal justice. He also works as a graduate research assistant in the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership.

The CBYX scholarship exchange program, which started in 1983, is designed for those interested in business, engineering, technical and agricultural fields who demonstrate good communication skills, diplomacy, and a strong sense of American identity. Oates said he hopes to study government and work at the state or federal level in Germany. The program is a reciprocal exchange; 75 Germans will be living and studying throughout the United States as part of the 2007-08 program.

Oates said Grand Valley’s approach to a liberal education helped him find his passion for politics and government relations. “I originally came to Grand Valley to study biology,” he said. “After a few classes in politics and international relations, I changed the focus of my studies. The one-on-one attention I received from faculty and staff helped me personally and professionally.”

The 24-year-old Flint native leaves for Germany in July. The 12-month program consists of two months of intensive German language training in Germany, four months of classroom instruction at a German university or college of applied sciences, and a five-month internship in the participant’s career field.

“My dream is to work in governmental policy development,” he said. “This experience is an important step in helping me achieve that goal.”

By Mary Isca Pirkola

http://www.gvsu.edu/successstory/story.htm?storyId=ECD808CBA6B44321BB8E82B7F7955751

GVSU senior Andrea VanderKolk is spending two semesters in Amman, Jordan studying Arabic at the University of Jordan.

VanderKolk said the greatest challenge will be the immersion aspect of the trip.

“I’m going to try my best not to speak English,” she said. “I’m not very fluent in Arabic, so it’ll be interesting.”

VanderKolk has studied abroad before in Jordan as a part of a summer study abroad. She said her mother was nervous at first when she began to travel, but she came around.

“She knows I’m having fun and that I’ll be careful,” she said. “My friends have all been really supportive, too. Most are planning on coming to visit me.”

VanderKolk said while she has been to Jordan before, she is still nervous because this time she is going by herself.

“I did everything by myself,” she said. “I had to get a flight alone, find my own place to live, and even that may not work out. I may wind up alone in Jordan with nowhere to live. But I’m very excited, too. I’ve lived in West Michigan my whole life. Amman is a beautiful city, and it will broaden my horizons.”

VanderKolk took a class in international relations for her political science major and decided to deepen her focus on Arabic to complement her major.

“I was thinking of after graduation,” she said. “I wanted to work on Arabic. I went Grand Valley’s full two years, and wanted to go somewhere else to do more. It was between Jordan and Egypt, and I chose Jordan.”

VanderKolk hopes to one day work for the State Department, and is applying for an internship there when she returns from Jordan. She also plans to get her masters’ degree in Middle Eastern Studies.

“America right now really needs people who speak Arabic,” she said. “The more we understand it, the better we’ll be.”

For the trip to Jordan, VanderKolk was awarded the Padnos International Scholarship, an award from Grand Valley for up to $10,000.

“I was really surprised and happy,” she said. “The hardest part was getting the money to go, and once I heard this I knew I could go. I was really surprised.

Professor Majd Al-Mallah has had Andrea in his class many times, from elementary Arabic to an introductory class on the Middle East to Model Arab League. Al-Mallah said VanderKolk also went with him on a summer study abroad trip to Jordan.

“I could tell she was excited every day she was there,” he said. “She attended every class, every field trip; she was an active participant and a positive influence on the rest of the group. She made a lot of connections in Jordan with people, such as staff at the university. She’s done just what she needs to do for her role.”

VanderKolk said studying abroad is an amazing experience.

“I can’t understand why more people don’t do it,” she said. “My top five moments in my life came from when I studied abroad. Especially now that it’s such an international world, it’s important to get out of the American bubble.”

by Matt Marn

http://www.gvsu.edu/successstory/story.htm?storyId=230B44E1FB7C49CA91F92E29F3826873

Selma Tucker packed a lot into his four years at Grand Valley — including studying abroad in the United Kingdom and attending the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Now he works for the City of Grand Rapids in the information technology department as well as doing work with the city’s office of energy and sustainability.

“As an organizational efficiency analyst, it’s my goal to help the city maximize the technology it currently has,” said the Buchanan, Michigan, native, who has been working in the city manager’s office as a Logie Fellow. The John H. Logie Fellows Program is named for the long-standing former mayor of Grand Rapids and gives students the opportunity to experience and contribute to the operation of city government.

Tucker majored in political science and public administration, and was one of four students selected to travel to Washington D.C. to attend an academic seminar through the Washington Center. The trip coincided with Obama’s inauguration. “It was an amazing experience,” Tucker said. “It’s a moment I’ll be able to share with my children and my grandchildren.”

Tucker is a Cook Leadership Fellow at the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies and a member of two honor societies; Omicron Delta Kappa, a leadership society, and Pi Alpha Alpha, the honor society for public administrators.

by Dottie Barnes

http://www.gvsu.edu/successstory/story.htm?storyId=7C09FB631CB84950A58279F93DDD3E42

For political science major Derrick Mathis, giving back to the community has always been a priority. During his time at Grand Valley Mathis, a Grand Rapids native, spent time volunteering in the Grand Rapids Public School system and that’s where the idea for the iGREW project was born.

“I’m a product of Grand Rapids Public Schools and witnessed the overwhelming need some families have for basic necessities like food and clothing. That really had an effect on me,” said Mathis. “I knew I had to make a contribution.”

Mathis and the iGREW team

iGREW stands for In Grand Rapids Everyone’s Warm; Mathis said it was designed to serve children and adults who live in the community.

He sought help from friends Noe Islas, Chris Ake and Jay Starkey, executive director of In The Image, a program that supplies West Michigan residents with everything from clothing to appliances.

The iGREW members teamed up with more than 25 businesses, schools and organizations around the West Michigan area to set up collection centers and develop a way to collect and store coats.

Together they successfully reached their goal of collecting more than 1,000 new and gently used winter coats for men, women and children.

Mathis said he realizes the importance of a project like iGREW because when winter hits in Michigan, dressing properly is essential to remaining healthy.

“School is tough enough for kids when they have all they need, so to see children who worry about staying warm while getting to and from school is unacceptable,” said Mathis.

According to Michelle Miller-Adams, political science professor, Grand Rapids is a community with tremendous poverty but it also a community with a strong tradition of philanthropy and volunteerism. “In my opinion, you can never have too many groups trying to do good,” she said.

The first distribution of winter coats took place on November 5, and Mathis said the event was a huge success. The team is currently in the process of expanding the iGREW project in an effort to reach more people in Grand Rapids community next winter.

Miller-Adams said Mathis is a great example of a student who took his passion for social justice beyond the classroom.

“Derrick drew on his knowledge of community, his understanding of poverty in Grand Rapids, and his networks to do the homework necessary for a project like this,” said Miller-Adams.

After graduation Mathis plans to intern for U.S. Sen. Carl Levin and Michigan Rep. Harvey Santana. He also said he plans to continue to be a part of the volunteer efforts within Grand Rapids.

For more information on the iGREW project, visit facebook.com/igrew

by Jessica Hynes

http://www.gvsu.edu/successstory/story.htm?storyId=BD07B512A862C498E0403D94210A5E95

Most people think about Medicare only when they near retirement and become eligible for the government-administered health insurance plan for those over 65.

Andrew Wilson is not yet 30 years old, but he is helping to shape the future of Medicare as a doctoral student at Brandeis University in Boston. Wilson, who earned a bachelor's degree in political science in 2006 from Grand Valley, earned a master's degree in public health from Tufts University. His work at Tufts earned him fellowship from the Agency for Health Research and Quality to study at Brandeis.

Wilson said Brandeis' Heller School of Social Policy researches and evaluates Medicare policies.

"Medicare is facing a significant solvency crisis, yet we also continue to demand the latest and most expensive health care technologies," he said. "I'm interested in studying ways in which Medicare and private insurers can continue to provide beneficiaries with access to new treatments while also making the best use of limited financial resources."

While a student at Grand Valley, Wilson worked with Steve Borders, associate professor of public, nonprofit and health administration. Wilson completed a Student Summer Scholar project with Borders that focused on Michigan Medicaid and prenatal care.

Wilson and Borders surveyed Kent County obstetricians to find how many accepted Medicaid patients and identify factors for participation in the program.

"We found that two-thirds of physicians who responded significantly limited the number of Medicaid patients they saw," Wilson said. He added that contributing factors included the low rate of Medicaid reimbursement, missed patient appointments and language barriers.

Wilson, a native of Greenville, met Borders when he took his health politics and policy course. "Since I've graduated, Steve has continued to serve as a friend and mentor through my career. In fact, I'd credit him with steering me down the path I've taken," he said.

by Michele Coffill

http://www.gvsu.edu/successstory/story.htm?storyId=B0C37C400C54B14FE0403D94210A0330

While many graduating seniors at Grand Valley are frantically hunting for jobs, Tyler Nickerson is not breaking a sweat. Just one semester shy of graduation, Nickerson, a double major in political science and public and nonprofit administration, accepted a position as the affordable housing advocate for the Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness.

Nickerson expected to continue to graduate school, but said he couldn’t pass up this offer. After completing an internship in community organizing with the Eastown Community Association, the Zeeland native heard about an opening with the coalition.

"I've always had an interest in government and community development based on my education and past experiences," said Nickerson. "I wasn’t sure where this opportunity would lead me."

The coalition was created in 2004 as a project of the City of Grand Rapids, Kent County, and many community partners to move from managing to ending homelessness by creating access to affordable, permanent housing. 

Nickerson’s role is to ensure that there is an adequate stock of affordable, accessible, and quality homes for low-income families. Nickerson also represents the coalition in legislative and community development discussions.

"There is both an economic and justice argument to how a permanent place to live provides a person with a sense of stability," said Nickerson. "Stable housing is the first step to addressing other problems."

As one of the youngest professionals in an interesting dynamic of community representatives, Nickerson has had the opportunity to propose new ideas with prominent community leaders and decision makers.  

"I feel like my professors at Grand Valley prepared me well for this transition by providing a mix of applicable and theoretical knowledge in the classroom," said Nickerson.

Nickerson, who will graduate in May 2010, plans to stay with the coalition after graduation. In the future, he plans to pursue community development opportunities while remaining in the Grand Rapids area. 

by Heather DeWitt

http://www.gvsu.edu/successstory/story.htm?storyId=367C73F0F1DD4568BEB32CE569238859

Kirsten Zeiter's passion for social and gender justice was taken to the international level when she was chosen as a delegate for the Commission on the Status of Women meetings held at the United Nations.

"I enjoyed learning about women and gender equality from an international perspective," said Zeiter, a senior women and gender studies and political science major. "I take a holistically focused perspective to women's issues, and I like to understand how different forms of power and oppression intersect, and incorporate my feminist viewpoint into politics as much as possible."

The CSW is committed to gender equality and improving global conditions for women; meetings are held annually to discuss how these goals can be forwarded internationally. Zeiter attended the first week of meetings in late February in New York City.  Thousands of women affiliated with non-governmental organizations attended, allowing Zeiter the opportunity to network with women from around the world. She was even able to discuss technology at is relates to sex trafficking with Melanne Verveer, the ambassador-at-large for Global Women's Issues.

Zeiter served as a delegate for the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, contributing to official documentation of both official and informal meetings. "I helped draft proposed changes to the Agreed Conclusions, which constitute the culminating legislation that comes out of the CSW," said Zeiter. "Our proposed changes were given to several members of the U.S. delegation, and many of the changes we advocated for can be seen in the finalized document that was passed by the United Nations CSW as a whole."

She said these documents are pertinent to the politics within many countries. "It remains critical to address larger issues, but also what can be done right now," said Zeiter. "What is accomplished at the meeting gives some countries their only political leg to stand on, where they can take what we documented and enact it into their country."

Zeiter is very active within the campus community. She has served on the Student Senate Diversity Affairs Committee for three years, was the special projects chair for the Vagina Monologues, is president of the Women and Gender Studies Honor Society, Iota Iota Iota, and also plays trumpet in the GVSU marching band. Upon graduation in April, Zeiter will join the Peace Corps in sub-Saharan Africa.

by Sarah Schultz

http://www.gvsu.edu/successstory/story.htm?storyId=BF038A44272A467798985299BF60A37E

While earning his bachelor's degree in group social studies and political science, Thomas Bell was active at Grand Valley. He contributed to as many organizations as he had time for, and in his senior year, was elected Student Senate president. Now, five years after earning his bachelor's degree, Bell uses his higher education experiences to work as a higher education consultant for the state of Michigan's Department of Education. 

In addition to his involvement in student senate at Grand Valley, Bell worked as a multicultural assistant and was the first manager of the 20/20 Information Desk. He also worked in the S.M.A.R.T. center as a work study and worked as a freshman orientation leader for two summers.

“I really wanted to get involved in college,” said Bell.  “I applied for Student Senate my freshmen year because I knew I wanted to advocate and bring a voice to Grand Valley on issues that I was passionate about.  Everything I was involved in at Grand Valley propelled me to work in student affairs.” 

After graduating with his bachelor's degree in 2004, Bell earned his master's degree in student affairs and higher education from Colorado State University.  He was then led to the University of Vermont where he worked as a residence director and taught courses covering topics of social justice and leadership.  Though Bell enjoys the university atmosphere, he recently started a new position as a higher education consultant for the Michigan Department of Education. 

Though according to Bell, everyday at his job is different, he primarily works with the 32 teacher preparation institutions in the state and assists in approving their programs. Additionally he provides technical assistance to faculty at universities by helping them interpret government policies. Bell has spent the last year working in collaboration with faculty from higher education institutions and teachers from around the state in effort to draft new teacher preparation endorsement standards for Social Studies. Bell said  he “is excited to be a part of a process that will impact future social studies teachers.”

“It is my office's job to assist teacher preparation institutions, teachers, administrators, and others involved in education with understanding education policy,” said Bell. “I provide technical support to anyone asking questions about legal policies, which means I have to know and understand a lot of policy.” 

Bell said his time as Student Senate president allowed him to gain knowledge and skills that he applies to his current position. 

“We have legislative work that impacts what we do,” said Bell.“You really have to find a way to maneuver through the different opinions as well as policy, and make an impact for the teacher candidates and institutions.  Being on student senate helped me navigate various political issues and facilitate various opinions.”

Bell plans to continue growing in his position as a higher education consultant.  He would eventually like to earn his doctoral degree in education theory or education policy and continue to focus on social justice education. 

by Leah Burns

http://www.gvsu.edu/successstory/story.htm?storyId=244E93E1AFEC4F38801FC72795441784

Natalie Cleary wore many hats during her time at Grand Valley. From being president of Student Senate to working in the Office of Student Life to service work in the community, her well-rounded experiences prepared her for a new one upon graduation.

The political science major was accepted into a competitive AmeriCorps Teach for America program after trekking through an extensive application and interview process in 2012. The program selects recent college graduates, graduate students and professionals to teach for two years in low-income communities.

Natalie Cleary in her classroom at Murphy Elementary-Middle School.

Cleary, a recipient of the Venderbush Student Leader Award and fellow at the Peter Cook Leadership Academy at the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies, moved to Detroit upon graduation to start a comprehensive training program, and was assigned to Murphy Elementary-Middle School where she teaches seventh grade English.

“The training process was extremely intense,” Cleary said. “We called it ‘teacher boot camp’ because in six weeks we learned everything about being a teacher, from classroom management, to lesson planning, to literacy strategies.”

More than 48,000 students applied for the Teach for America program last year, said Stacey DeVrou, regional director of Michigan Recruitment for Teach for America, and about 14 percent were accepted. “When I met with Natalie, I immediately noticed her knack for listening, which is important when teaching,” DeVrou said. “Her strong leadership experience and academic achievements made her a great candidate for the program and will help her to become a great teacher.”

Cleary, a member of Omicron Delta Kappa National Honorary Leadership Fraternity and Phi Mu Fraternity, became interested in the program after taking a class about education and equality, where she learned how education can transform a community.

Cleary said the most challenging part of her job is working with students who already feel defeated in an academic setting. “I try to teach them that they are smart and hard work leads to success,” she said.

However, seeing her students work hard and grow is the most rewarding aspect of her job. She said in six months, she’s seen her students grow what is equivalent to three years in reading. “Allowing them to taste what success is like in an academic setting is extremely rewarding,” she said.

Cleary attributes her success to her mentors, leadership experience on the Student Senate and her multiple internships. “I’ve learned how to work with a diverse group of people and how to bring people together, which is a skill that transcends into every career field,” she said.

Cleary said she plans to pursue a master’s degree in education.

by Leah Zuber 

http://www.gvsu.edu/successstory/story.htm?storyId=D46108EC1341F207E0403D94210A0653