The Latest
GVSU charter alum joins CSO staff
June 05, 2023
The CSO is excited to welcome Shelby Powell to the team!
Shelby joined the CSO team as the Charter Through College Specialist, a role where she works directly with current and prospective GVSU students, providing programs to foster engagement and success. She is an alumnus of Michigan Math and Science Academy, a GVSU-authorized charter public school located in Warren, MI. She initially joined the CSO team as a student worker in her sophomore year at Grand Valley. She later transitioned into a new role as a Graduate Assistant for the Charter Through College Program. Shelby is passionate about advocating for students who struggle with mental health, trauma, and special needs.
Shelby took some time to share a little more about how her experiences at MMSA and GVSU have shaped where she is at today, as well as what is ahead for her in her new role.
What experiences at MMSA helped you get to GVSU (or where you
are at today)?
The experiences at MMSA that helped me get to GVSU and where I am today started with the teachers themselves. I have never experienced anyone being so deeply invested in their student’s success as well as in their extracurricular activities as the teachers I had at MMSA. Our teachers always went above and beyond to create interactive lesson plans that were fun and engaging. They would also go out of their way to attend our band concerts, sports games, and graduation parties. I truly felt loved and cared for at MMSA.
Another reason I believe MMSA has helped me get to where I am now are the connections I still have with the faculty, staff, and students. MMSA makes it a goal to remain connected to alumni and do what they can to engage with us in ways that gives back to the school and helps us in our own growth. I was invited back to connect with students in the classroom about college, to give the keynote address at an MMSA graduation, and am in constant communication with the school counselors to ensure that MMSA is participating in GVSU programming such as the campus visit and college prep week programs.
When did you first learn about GVSU? What was your first impression?
As a student at MMSA I had my first tour of GVSU in the 5th grade, however, I truly experienced the school when I attended the GVSU CSO's College Prep Week the summer after my junior year in high school. Through this program I fell in love with the campus itself. I loved that it felt smaller and less intimidating, especially coming from a smaller high school. I then made connections with GVSU staff through camp that continue to this day. It made me feel like I was more than just a number and that I belonged on campus.
What were some of the most important things you learned during your time as a student at GVSU?
One of the most important things I learned as a student at GVSU was simply who I am and what my passions are. The university offers many opportunities to get involved in different events, programs, and extracurriculars that help students discover what they are successful in and what makes them feel fulfilled. Personally, I appreciated opportunities like having access to the simulation lab, where I learned that I am capable of being a successful social worker and that I am good at working one on one with clients. I also loved being able to discover passions outside of academics like when I joined photography club and fell in love with photography.
What sparked your passion for social work? Is there something in the field that you specifically like to focus on?
At my core I love working with people and advocating for the rights of people. I have always cared deeply about others and am very empathetic. When I began my program, I was so excited and invested in the material we were learning and I just knew it was the path I was suppose to be on. I have really discovered that I love working with youth and spent a year in an internship at a K-8 school as a Special Education School Social Work Intern. The importance of ensuring every child has access to education, resources, and services no matter their diagnosis, disability, or challenges sits close to my heart.
What advice do you usually give to prospective students?
The best advice I can give to prospective students is to just dive in and accept the challenges that are thrown your way. Learn to love change and grow through your mistakes. But also, know your limits and take care of your mental and physical health. Graduating high school and taking those next steps is an incredible accomplishment but also an insane life transition. You won’t do everything perfectly, but you will grow and become a better version of yourself if you accept and learn from your mistakes.
What are some of the goals you have in your new role that you want to accomplish?
Some of the goals I have for my new role is to really work on connecting with the GVSU charter school alumni we have at Grand Valley! I want to continue to offer support and engage with these students on a more regular basis. Grand Valley felt like home to me when I was able to network and connect with truly amazing people who cared about my success, so I want to ensure that current and prospective students have that same experience.
What are you most excited about in this new role?
I am most excited about being able to continue improving the programs we already have available to students! I want to develop more relationships with university departments and show students everything that Grand Valley has to offer!
Anything else that you want our schools to know about you?
I want our schools to know how important it is to me that every student feels safe and loved! I want our students to come to Grand Valley and feel valued and seen and to find a community that offers them endless support and encouragement!