Current GVSU Adult Learners
Matt Smith
What inspired you to begin or return to school, and how did
you decide to pursue your current major/program or degree?
Having graduated from nursing school in 2020, working as an RN
during the pandemic inflicted a lot of stress and burnout, and exposed
many weaknesses and inequities in our healthcare system. Witnessing
these flaws firsthand and knowing that this may not be the profession
I would be able to do for the next > 40 years, I decided that I
could best address these issues while still fulfilling my passion for
health equity a different role. This lead me to GV's computer and data
science program, where I aim to gain the knowledge and connections
needed to make a positive impact in health care in Grand Rapids.
What challenges have you faced as an adult learner, and how
have you overcome (or working on overcoming) them?
As an adult learner, [excluding finances] the most difficult
challenge I face is often self-doubt; it can be hard to always believe
that transitioning careers was the best decision for myself. Leaving a
career such as nursing-with exceptional job security and respectable
pay-and returning to school is a considerable 'step into the unknown',
but ultimately believing that following my strengths and passion for
improving healthcare, combined with supportive faculty at GV has kept
my goal feeling achievable and rewarding.
How has balancing outside commitments such as work and family
impacted your studies, and what strategies have helped you succeed?
As an adult with a partner and mortgage, returning to school will
inevitably place strain on your relationships and finances: my partner
still works nights as an RN, so our schedules are unfortunately
opposites. This has taught us a great deal about being intentional
about prioritizing time together when, in the past, we wouldn't have
otherwise had to. I like to think that challenges like these will
ultimately help us grow and will be exceptionally rewarding once graduated.
What has been the most rewarding part of your educational
journey so far?
The most rewarding part of this journey so far has been working
with exceptional GV faculty and seeing my skills grow. Taking
ownership of your education and putting in the extra work with the
help of staff assures me that I will be prepared and competitive in
the work force after graduation.
What advice would you give to other adults considering going
back to school but feeling uncertain or hesitant?
Personally, I'd rather take the risk of trying to enter a new
profession and chase a career I'd enjoy than spend my days in a job
where I'd forever feel like I could have done more.
Interest Area(s)
Computer Science
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