Permanent link for When Life Doesn't Stop, Invest In Yourself on January 28, 2021

Nicole Proctor is an awe-inspiring adult student at Grand Valley State University Traverse City Regional Center working towards a December graduation with her Bachelors of Integrative Studies with a concentration in social work.

In Nicole’s words she is a “non-traditional student”. After hearing her story, you cannot help but be in awe of her courage, drive, and ability to lead by example for her family and friends while lending a loving and grace giving hand to others.

It is not easy to explain the test of resilience to your child, but actions speak when you do not have the words. 

Nicole did just that, she took action to better herself and her family during the most difficult time she has ever faced in her life, the loss of her wonderfully talented and caring son due to illness.

Nicole recalled, “two years after obtaining my Associates Degree I was returning to undergraduate school. Attending courses in a classroom setting was unnerving.”

Nevertheless, Nicole made a commitment to herself and her daughter to go back to school in 2018 not only to invest in her future but also to inspire her daughter to keep pushing through and finish high school in the face of immense sorrow and devastation. It certainly wasn’t easy to keep moving forward with what felt like a hole in her heart but she chose to rise up in the face of adversity and take each day one at a time for two years!  

Nicole shared, “I got tired of being held under a thumb by not having a certain degree. I wanted to open up possibilities in jobs and I had to do something. I want to better things for myself and my family to have better opportunities.”

Like many, Nicole went to college right after high school but landed a great job causing her to leave college, focus on her career, and start a family with her husband. They became proud parents to their son and daughter in 2000 and 2002. 

During the last couple years of Nicole’s nine year career as an Administrative Assistant at the Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle Educational Service District, she found that she took interest in talking with the social workers within their working circle to better understand their roles. 

Nicole met two social workers who became friends of hers. During such a difficult time they offered great counsel, guidance, and advice while Nicole worked through her son’s illness, loss, and grieving process. 

During this time, she encouraged Nicole to go towards her goal to get into the Master of Social Work program at GVSU. She invigorated and reminded Nicole that she had all the qualities of a great social worker along with a deeply personal perspective on what it was like to have people help and guide during such arduous times.  

Nicole confirmed, “ Social work appeals to me because I like working with people in various capacities, providing resources to learn something new or make something easier for someone. Especially when it’s hard to understand what is going on through certain situations in life and the decisions you have to make… Our journey through MAYO clinic was gratefully influenced by the social worker assigned to us. She gave insight, and information that helped us through our stay, providing important resources about the area, that we wouldn't have known about if it wasn't for her knowledge. This appealed to me as it was such valuable and resourceful information that helped bring some calm, and control in one area of our turbulent situation. I hope to accomplish this one day for someone else, to be part of a valuable resource for someone to bring that calm and control to one part of their storm even if it's something small.” 

Nicole wasn’t able to go back to college as a traditional on campus student. GVSU’s Traverse City Regional Center  was exactly what Nicole was looking for to accomplish her dreams and show her daughter that no matter what life throws at you, invest in yourself, keep going, and you will accomplish your goals. 

GVSU LEADS program was the flexible path she needed to fit around her lifestyle as a wife, daughter, mother, and employee. Nicole commuted from Cheboygan to Traverse City. She shared, “ The two hour drive was something I looked forward to. It was beautiful, especially in the fall, and allowed me to relax and clear my head.”

Nicole’s local GVSU advisor helped map out the path to her new future as a social worker and she is so thankful to be completing her Integrative Studies Bachelor’s Degree in December 2020 through the LEAD accelerated program.

Nicole’s husband is extremely proud of her drive. Nicole’s daughter is happy to see her graduate as well. She looks forward to spending more time with her mom versus study time at the table. 

Nicole’s daughter graduated high school and is now going to college thanks to the inspiration of her mom and the encouragement from both her parents.

Nicole was accepted to the GVSU School of Social work Masters program and started her next educational chapter on January 19th! 

Nicole's final thoughts, “I guess if I've made it this far, I can keep going to the finish line!!!”  

If you are wondering what next steps you can take to move through life with purpose and compassion, reach out to the friendly and helpful staff at GVSU’s Traverse City Regional Center to learn more and start the conversation of your future possibilities.

Posted on Permanent link for When Life Doesn't Stop, Invest In Yourself on January 28, 2021.