Achieving ‘Student Success’ at WCC

By Preetam Shokar
Editor

Washtenaw Community College is the helping hand that students need to be successful in their endeavors. Washtenaw’s motto of “Student Success” is deeply ingrained in all of the faculty, staff, and students that work at and attend WCC. A student body of just 12,000, we are a close-knit community that offers a plethora of Associate’s degrees and certificates for all students, regardless of age or educational background. Our campus in Ann Arbor, MI, is complete with state-of-the-art equipment and technology that is used during all classes, events, and activities.

After my gap year on the Big Island of Hawai‘i, it was clear to me that Washtenaw Community College was a unique institution in terms of class size, faculty education, and student involvement. I wanted to spend my time and effort among peers who strived for success. My goal at WCC was to build my educational foundation after my high school years were interrupted by my illness.

Taking the time necessary to settle into my classes and develop strong study habits, I found that having two dozen students per class created a smoother adjustment for me to transition back to school after a year away. The faculty were kind, highly educated, and created a humbling atmosphere for all students, making the classroom a comfortable environment in which to learn and ask questions. The faculty are graciously willing to mentor students, something I had not imagined from professors at the college level. I had imagined large, dark lecture halls with professors profusely yelling at their classes, while the confuddled students smashed at their keyboards, sweating and swearing as they took notes. Being in a setting vastly different from what I had feared college to be made me all the more confident in my abilities to meet and exceed expectations at WCC.

Washtenaw Community College created an atmosphere of helpful learning, contributing, and leading. This led to my ability to survive and thrive by helping me build my confidence and giving me the tools to be successful. The motto of “Student Success” was so deeply ingrained in our minds that nothing seemed impossible or out-of-reach. Over the past year and a half, we have all seen each other grow throughout each semester and achieve levels of academic standards that we did not know could be attained.  This process was supported by the caring faculty, staff, and peers that create a warm and exciting environment. To most of us, Washtenaw Community College feels like home, and in this home, we feel that we can achieve anything when we put our mind to it. It is in this home, that we can focus on our academics and our goals for the future.

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