Real Students of Macomb

Jessica Daffin-Thompson hopes to transform her love of telling stories and taking stands through the songs she writes into a career that “marries” journalism with political science, and she is in awe of how quickly that dream is taking shape at Macomb.

Since her first class in January, Daffin-Thompson has been mentored by Brooke Allen, political science professor, and Casandra Ulbrich, former vice president of College Advancement and Community Relations, who holds a Ph.D. in communication. Daffin-Thompson has also received a Democracy Fellowship from the Campus Vote Project and chatted one-on-on with Carl Bernstein when he and Bob Woodward (famous journalists who broke the Watergate scandal) spoke at the college in February.  Last spring, she visit Washington, D.C. with her political science classmates, before beginning an internship in the Warren office of U.S. Congressman Andy Levin.

“As soon as I started taking classes at Macomb, my life changed immediately. All these doors started opening,” says Daffin-Thompson.  “You don’t have to be a stellar student to start here, you just show your professors that you want (to learn), and they will help you get there.”

Following graduation from Cass Technical High School in Detroit, Daffin-Thompson was accepted at Michigan State University. Encouraged throughout childhood by her parents, she was intent on becoming the first in her family to graduate from college. But she got sidetracked from that goal by a disappointing freshman year and the promise of a music career.

“I was supposed to be the golden child.  I was going to own Michigan State. I was going to make the dean’s list,” relates Daffin-Thompson. But large classes, rising tuition costs and a lack of connection with her professors made it easy to accept an offer from a record company. Unfortunately, she, like many young singers and songwriters, failed to read the fine print.  The company, not Daffin-Thompson, owned the rights to the songs she wrote and performed.  She returned home to Detroit, married a police officer turned accountant, had their son, Ira Thompson III, and moved to Clinton Township.

“I was trying to figure out what to do next when my husband said, ‘Hey, didn’t you want to be a lawyer once?’” relates Daffin-Thompson. “That’s when I decided to check out this place called Macomb.”

With lower tuition rates, “living lectures,” professors who “want to be here,” and “never-ending, exciting experiences,” Daffin-Thompson believes community colleges are “the best transition from high school.”  And, before she transfers to the University of Michigan – Dearborn to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science and/or journalism, she is taking advantage of all that her community college has to offer, including the Macomb Multicultural International Initiatives events that she regularly attends.

“These forums are so valuable, especially when people are identifying so strongly with political parties right now,” offers Daffin-Thompson. “It’s better to flow off of love and kindness, and that’s what these programs, this college, is all about.”

As many refined gourmands would say, a large part of the fine dining experience lies within the presentation. Meet Macomb culinary student Aubrey Davis. Aspiring to start her own personal chef business, she derives as much satisfaction from crafting meals that tantalize the taste buds as she does turning them into masterful works of art.

“My favorite thing to do is make a beautiful plate of food that somebody takes a bite and they’re like, ‘Oh, my gosh! This is so good!’” Davis expresses. “Like, they get that face of, ‘So good!’”

While cooking always served as a hobby for Davis, it wasn’t her initial career path. She previously obtained a teaching degree in secondary education, Spanish and English, from Western Michigan University. When her then boyfriend moved to Massachusetts, he invited her to join him. She started teaching in a charter school. The pair got married, and then returned to Michigan “to be closer to family, and think about starting our own family.”

After teaching for nearly 10 years, Davis became a stay-at-home mom to her four children, including triplets. As her kids approached school age, she questioned her desire to resume teaching. “I enjoyed it,” she relates. “But, I could tell it wasn’t really my passion.” She then decided to revisit her preferred sideline activity and turn it into something more.

Davis began researching culinary schools, and first discovered Macomb through word of mouth. Living in Clinton Township, she appreciated that it was close to home. Beyond that, the reasonable tuition helped her gravitate toward the college.

“The cost is incredibly more affordable than any other culinary program that I’ve found. That kind of got me here,” says Davis. “And, now I’m completely hooked.”

Given the level of praise Davis bestows upon Macomb’s faculty, it’s safe to assume they would receive Michelin’s three-star rating, the publication’s highest honor, if they assigned rankings to members of the teaching profession. Whereas students “might feel like you’re more anonymous” in larger culinary programs, says Davis, Macomb’s professors “get to know you and want to figure out how to connect you with opportunities that would really help you further where you want to go with your cooking.”

Unexpectedly, Davis has developed an appetite for participating in competitions throughout her academic journey. Tasked with preparing a multicourse meal within a strict time limit, it sounds like an undertaking that would make even the most seasoned chef sweat.

“At first, I did not know that I would even like competitions,” shares Davis. “I was so, so super nervous.”

Now, having taken part in five challenges, Davis is seemingly an expert, and has brought home several gold medals. She says that they provide her with an almost “one-on-one education,” practicing dishes she otherwise wouldn’t have tackled in class.

“I’ve learned so many more advanced sauces and different techniques,” adds Davis. “[It’s] like frosting on the Macomb cake, for me.”

Anticipating to graduate after the winter 2020 semester, the end of Davis’ studies looms on the horizon. But, she won’t be completing them without reservation.

“I don’t really want to graduate [from Macomb],” laments Davis, “because I love it so much.”

With help and encouragement from her husband, family and friends, Trisha Dinverno, 29 and mother of three, became determined to pursue her career goals, while still managing her household.

Dinverno, who grew up in Midland, Michigan, met her husband at 18, when he was a student at Northwood University.

“We got married and we did things backwards,” Dinverno relates. “He finished school, and I never got a chance to go to college.”

Throughout the years, Dinverno had worked the odd receptionist job, “but nothing that was really fulfilling.” One day, her husband engaged her in a serious conversation about her future. “Do you want to want to go back to school?” he asked. “I will support you.”

Following an eight-year gap in education, the prospect seemed both daunting and exciting to Dinverno, who “never thought that I could even go back to school with three kids.” She emailed three local colleges for guidance, and found that Macomb’s response was “warm and welcoming.” After meeting with a counselor on campus, “I knew immediately that this is where I wanted to be.” But, what did she want to be?

Dinverno did some research and concluded that dental hygiene was the right field to match her lifestyle. This was validated by the advice of her own hygienist, who shared that she loved the regular schedule and knowing what each day would bring.

At Macomb, Dinverno’s efforts have been centered around completing her prerequisites. In order to accommodate her busy home life and finances, Dinverno takes advantage of night and online classes, and will often limit herself to one or two courses per semester.

“Being a non-traditional student, it’s a little harder, because I have so much other stuff going on,” notes Dinverno. “But, I’m way more focused now than I could have ever been at 18 going into college.”

Now down to her final three classes, Dinverno will be applying in the fall for University of Detroit Mercy’s Dental Hygiene Program. And, she credits her extensive support network for getting her to this point.

“I couldn’t have done it without my husband,” notes Dinverno. “When he comes home from work, around five, I go to school.”

For the past three years, Dinverno’s study group, two other women with whom she’s shared classes and resources, has kept her on track.

“One of the girls is 24, I’m 29 and the other one is 39” says Dinverno. “So, it kind of helps, because we all see things so differently.”

Approaching the end of what she calls “an awesome, awesome journey” at Macomb, Dinverno now seems to have gained newfound confidence in herself, as well as a greater appreciation for who she is and her place in society.

“It’s so nice to accomplish something for yourself,” says Dinverno. “And, it’s so important to have your own identity.”

It’s not often that students are presented with an opportunity to help shape the future of their college. That’s why when Lukas Mackenzie, 19, was recommended by James Matheney, the college’s police chief, to become involved with Macomb’s Strategic Plan 2025, he jumped at the chance.

“Having the student perspective, I think, is important,” says Mackenzie. “Students are the ones that go to the classes, and they have more of a different perspective on things.”

Mackenzie’s role with the strategic planning process is just one component of what he describes as “the busiest semester I’ve had in my whole school experience.” In addition to his coursework during winter 2019, he also plays football and soccer, volunteers with Gleaner’s Community Food Bank and Lighthouse Outreach Center, and has been serving as a work-study for the College Police Department since November.

“I’m not complaining about any of it,” says Mackenzie. “I really enjoy myself every day. I wake up and feel good about myself.”

After graduating from Lake Shore High School in 2017, Mackenzie came to Macomb to complete his general education requirements and figure out what he wanted to do with his life.

“If you’re not certain on a major like I was, Macomb is the perfect place to start,” says Mackenzie. “The counselors would help you out, give you options.”

Mackenzie encourages new Macomb students to take advantage of all the resources the college has to offer. Speak with the tutors at the Learning Centers and meet with faculty during their office hours. They can break down difficult concepts and put them into simpler terms.

“It’s very obvious, in my opinion, with me and my peers,” says Mackenzie, “that they want you to succeed.”

Beyond that, Mackenzie suggests that students should “go with the flow” and avoid feeling rushed. It’s the same advice he would give to his three brothers. His oldest sibling has taken classes at Macomb, and another will be attending in the fall.

“I feel like just finding your way in life would be a big thing,” says Mackenzie. “And, that’s what I’m trying to do.”

Mackenzie’s sights are currently set on a career in nursing, following in his mother’s footsteps in the health care profession (she works as a respiratory therapist for Children’s Hospital of Michigan, in Detroit). His goal is to graduate in May, 2020 and transfer to the University of Michigan to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Long term, he hopes to eventually settle into an executive position, such as nursing manager.

For now, Mackenzie is perfectly content living at home, saving on tuition and setting money aside for the future. “People are moving out later and later,” he says. “It’s not a bad thing at all.” Conversations with friends he’s made at Macomb have elicited similar responses.

“That’s the kind of mindset that I think people have here,” says Mackenzie. “Coming here, still taking the same classes (as they would at a university), saving money, and still going on about life as any other person.”

Myah Russell, 21, began teaching herself to play the piano at 13, but had no formal training until she took classes at Macomb.  She now counts the college’s music faculty among her circle of friends and credits them for helping her decide to pursue a career as a church pianist and songwriter.

“I have had great professors at Macomb. They are genuinely interested in their students,” says Russell, who earned an Associate of General Studies Degree last year and is now pursuing a Certificate in Music Performance.  “Tom Cook (music professor and director of the Macomb Symphony Orchestra) has been a huge influence and mentor.”

Russell is the fourth eldest in a family of 10 and was homeschooled, as were her nine siblings.   When she turned 18, she began considering colleges within commuting distance from her home in Almont in Lapeer County.  Undecided about a career, she wanted to take time and explore all of her options.  Macomb came highly recommended by older siblings and family friends as a place where she could do just that.   It also offers a special affiliate tuition rate for students living in Lapeer County and other communities not served by a community college.

“The affiliate rate was a big deal,” affirms Russell.  “I didn’t know what to expect and a community college was the best option for me.  I’ve been able to stay out of debt entirely, and it made for a comfortable transition. Music has always been a part of my life, but I hadn’t really considered it as a career.  I was excited when I found out I could complete a music performance certificate with a general studies degree.”

At home, Russell plays on a “hand-me-down” piano, a gift of a family friend, and teaches private piano lessons. She is a worship leader at her church and has decided to earn a bachelor’s degree in Music and Worship Studies online from Liberty University after she completes her Music Performance Certificate at Macomb.  All of her siblings also play instruments or sing, and her parents are “thrilled” that their fourth eldest has decided to pursue a career in music.

“My dream job would be writing and selling my music,” relates Russell, who is recording an album of her original songs that she intends to make available soon on Spotify. “I’ve never had a bad experience in music.”

Although her many outside interests and responsibilities keep her busy, Russell has found time to join Macomb’s Intervarsity Christian Fellowship student organization.  Just another reason she will remember Macomb as the “warm, friendly place” that encouraged her to grow into the musician she was meant to be.

“I’m glad I took my time,” says Russell.  “My experience at Macomb has been all-around great.”

Erin Ulery, 26, is no stranger to moving. Growing up, her family relocated several times, from Texas to Pennsylvania and then southern California, before finally settling in Michigan when she was in seventh grade. Having not firmly planted roots in any one location has given her a sense of adventure.

“It comes with the territory,” explains Ulery. “You’re more apt to go wherever, because there’s so much to see.”

With extended family living on both coasts, Ulery, the oldest of three, had the fortune of frequently traveling throughout her childhood. Those trips, however, were not confined to the United States. When Ulery was 14, her family visited her uncle and aunt in Australia. Two years ago, she took a solo journey to Iceland for her birthday.

“That was what really kick-started me to be recommitted to being a full-time student and really starting my vet tech program journey,” says Ulery, “It was probably the most significant trip I’ve taken.”

Ulery always knew she wanted to work with animals, and her mind initially jumped to becoming a veterinarian. She discovered her true calling, veterinary technician, during a job shadow opportunity in high school.

“What the technicians were doing is what I really want to do,” relates Ulery. “They were the ones who were really handling the patients. They were the ones nursing them when they were recovering from surgery. They were the ones that were helping to educate the clients when the doctor walked out of the room.”

After working in the field for several years and attending Albion College, as well as two other community colleges, Macomb was at the top of Ulery’s list to achieve her career goals.

“This is one of the best vet tech programs in the country, let alone the area,” says Ulery, “and I wanted to be the best vet tech I could be.”

Contributing to Ulery’s positive experience are the helpful and approachable faculty members teaching the coursework.

“They want all of us to succeed,” says Ulery. “If we ever have any questions, any concerns, their door is always open.”

When Ulery isn’t in class, she’s serving as a work-study for the Admissions & Outreach office on Center Campus. The flexible schedule they offer makes it easy for her to stay on top of her studies. “As soon as I’m done with class,” says Ulery, “I just walk across campus, and then I’m at work.” Her work-study responsibilities include assisting with high school campus tours.

“I’ve been able to share my story of how I’ve been to four colleges, total, and tell them how great it is to come here,” relates Ulery. “There really is just everything you could ever need available here.”

Neither Jennifer LoVasco nor anyone in her family has ever experienced hearing loss, and so her passionate advocacy on behalf of the deaf and partially deaf community speaks louder than words.

“There was no sign language interpreter at the State of the Union address,” notes LoVasco, a second-semester student at Macomb.   “That’s not acceptable.  People don’t realize how many deaf people there are in this country and they need to have access to important events.”

An innate curiosity led LoVasco to first learn American Sign Language (ASL) on YouTube right before her second daughter was born.  Discovering that she “absolutely adored it,” the Eastpointe resident progressed to online tutorials and, then, began teaching both of her daughters to sign.

“Children can learn to sign before they are ever able to communicate verbally,” notes LoVasco. “My youngest could sign ‘eat,’ ‘more’ and ‘all done’ by the time she was six months old.”

On her own since she was 15, LoVasco, like her partner Adam, is a tattoo artist.  After her second daughter was born, however, she decided to stay home until both girls were in class during the day.  Kai, eight, and Eva, five, began attending the same Montessori school last fall and, with Adam’s encouragement, mom became a student as well.

“This is my first go at college,” says LoVasco, 34, “and I have had a great experience at Macomb so far.”

Intent on becoming a sign language interpreter, LoVasco is currently taking American Sign Language I at Macomb, as well as an online psychology class.  Last semester, she took introduction to computers and medical terminology, earning As in both.  Another high point in her college career came this past February, when LoVasco volunteered with some of her classmates and their instructor, Beth Aylesworth, to teach members of Girl Scout Troop 75941 how to sign in order to earn their ASL badge.

“I have a Daisy at home, so I was thrilled.  We taught them how to sign the Pledge of Allegiance and the Girl Scout Promise, and we had a lot of fun,” says LoVasco. “I am also thrilled that the Girl Scouts promote this.  More people should have some type of sign language training.”

LoVasco intends to take as many credits at Macomb as possible before transferring to a college or university that offers a bachelor’s degree in sign language.  She practices signing regularly with her daughters, for whom she wants to serve as a role model.  That was another motivation for her to become a college student.

“I try showing my girls that anything is possible,” says LoVasco. “But I tell them: ‘Don’t wait.  You’ve got to go to college right after high school.’”

LoVasco is philosophical about the circumstances that prevented her from attending college until she was in her 30s.  “Everything happens for a reason,” she offers. And while it certainly hasn’t been easy balancing schoolwork with being mom to “two social butterflies,” it hasn’t been as difficult as she imagined it might be.

“I don’t know if I’m lucky or just have awesome kids, but they know when I need quiet time. My one daughter brought me a cup of coffee when I was studying the other day and told me, ‘Mommy I think you need this,’” relates LoVasco. “It was a little cold, but it was the best cup of coffee, ever. I drank every drop.”