Current GVSU Adult Learners
Justin Banks
What inspired you to begin or return to school, and how did
you decide to pursue your current major/program or degree?
What had inspired me to return to school? Such an easy question
to answer but can be said in so many different ways. The reason I
truly came back is because of my daughter. I was working small jobs
that would, yes keep food and clothes, but put me in the position to
give my daughter everything she could need. I have chosen to become an
educator because I believe and it has always been true that the next
generation will lead us into the future and I still see that as an
ever changing consent in human life. The young move off of the actions
taken place in front of them.
What challenges have you faced as an adult learner, and how
have you overcome (or working on overcoming) them?
Some challenges I've had to face are being homeless at one point
in my college reset. I was just unaware of the resources that are
available to me. I was lucky enough based on all online classes which
did help but not for me still having to commute to work everyday which
I work as a para-professional for Jenison High School. I also lost my
Grandma at the start of the second semester which was painful because
my grandma was the woman who made me into the man I am today, her and
my mom of course.
How has balancing outside commitments such as work and family
impacted your studies, and what strategies have helped you succeed?
It hasn't impacted too much. My daughter's mother is on this side
of the state so I don't miss to much time. As for my family on the
other side of the state, I don't get to see them that much
financially. I can't go back as much as I wanted to see everyone. I
FaceTime them as much as I can to keep up and see what everyone is doing.
What has been the most rewarding part of your educational
journey so far?
The most rewarding about this is in the summer I would work at
Jenison ECC and work with littles over the summer. We would have so
much fun always laughing and playing gym games with all of the students.
What advice would you give to other adults considering going
back to school but feeling uncertain or hesitant?
I say jump. As a parent we tell our kids to try, why can't we
still live by those words.
Interest Area(s)
Education
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