"I chose Grand Valley State University because, when I stepped on campus, it felt like somewhere I could [grow] into the person I wanted to be," explained Ashley Perryman '24 & Class of 2025. Perryman just finished her bachelor's in health sciences and is working toward a master's degree in public health. And, after four years at Grand Valley, her initial perception has turned into a reality. Both in and beyond the classroom, she is finding ways to explore her interests as she finds her voice and cultivates her passions. 

Hands-on Learning
As part of her combined degree program, hands-on experiences have been a big part of her education. Working in labs – especially microbiology and physiology – has been a highlight, and Perryman understands the importance of this practical application as it allows her to "put the things into practice that [I'm] learning on paper." This hands-on learning is crucial as she prepares for her future career as a physician assistant. "Health impacts us all," Perryman said, and she is excited to dive deeper into complex issues involving the health care system.

A Well-rounded Experience
Throughout her time at Grand Valley, Perryman has also found ways to explore her varied interests and passions. She feels confident she has been able to discover more about every aspect of her personality. "I have taken advantage of a lot of the different student organizations... that really spoke to the different parts of who I am," she said. 

She has developed her leadership skills as part of the Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy, travelled for a service trip to Guatemala with GVSU's Campus Ministry, competed at the national level with the track team, and built relationships with other members of You Beautiful Black Woman, an organization that provides a place for women of color to build community and support one another. 

“Being a part of the different organizations helps me to have quite the perspective,” she noted, adding that the wide range of people she has been able to learn from has deepened her own personal growth.

All of Perryman’s involvement made her a perfect candidate for Homecoming Court, and she was eventually crowned the 2023 Homecoming Royal. “I didn't expect to win,” she said, laughing, and called the experience “surreal.” She shared how special it was to walk out on the field and represent Grand Valley in that way.

Preparing for the Future
As a recipient of the Cook Leadership Fellows of Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies Scholarship, Perryman is mindful that her journey at Grand Valley wouldn’t have been possible without the time and resources of others. “Your support helps to grow students into the people they're going to be in this world,” she said.

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