Grand Rapids students learn about global economy

About 100 students from Harrison Park Middle School in Grand Rapids learned about what drives the local economy and how it affects their lives, during Student Global Awareness Day May 5. The event, sponsored by Grand Valley's Van Andel Global Trade Center, was held at the L. William Seidman Center and is part of World Trade Week West Michigan 2016.

Student Global Awareness Day introduces students to professionals in the international business community and provides insight on career preparation and career options related to international business. Students attended sessions to learn about global manufacturing and supply chain management.

Jesse Bernal, vice president for Inclusion and Equity at Grand Valley, was the keynote speaker. He shared about his educational journey being the first in his family to attend college. He told the students to follow their dreams and to expect challenges along the way.

"It's not easy to follow your dreams and don't be surprised if it is hard to follow your passion," said Bernal. "Understand that your dreams can change, but to succeed, it will take being in school, completing your assignments and being dedicated to your studies. You can start down the path to your dreams now by continuing to look for opportunities like the event you're attending today." 

Student Global Awareness Day is a partnership between Junior Achievement, Grand Rapids Public Schools, Grand Valley State University’s Van Andel Global Trade Center and World Trade Week West Michigan. Sponsors include Amway, Comerica Bank, Butterball Farms, Dean Transportation, RoMan Manufacturing and Supply Chain Solutions.

For more information about Student Global Awareness Day and West Michigan World Trade Week, visit www.gvsu.edu/wtw.