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Jake Smith, 32, who spoke at Southwestern Michigan College’s 58^th Commencement May 10, is a non-traditional student who praised Michigan Reconnect, a scholarship program that pays to attend an in-district community college tuition-free.

“College was always something I thought about, but as a first-generation college student, I had no roadmap,” he said. “It felt overwhelming — almost like a foreign language — trying to figure out applications, financial aid and enrollment. The hardest part is getting started when you don’t know where to begin.”

Smith, of Niles, who graduated from Buchanan High School in 2012, entered SMC in Spring 2023.

“I first heard about tuition-assistance programs during the COVID-19 pandemic when the state launched free tuition for frontline workers,” Smith said. “That’s what initially brought me into the conversation about going back to school. When I enrolled at SMC, I learned about Michigan Reconnect and found that I qualified.”

“What truly appealed to me was that Michigan Reconnect became the bridge from being a high school graduate to becoming a college graduate. With added support from FAFSA and a few scholarships I applied for, I was able to attend college at no cost. That changed everything. I could focus entirely on learning, growth and showing up for myself without the constant stress of finances.”

“This was actually my first time attending college,” he said. “I was nearly 30 when I enrolled, and determined not to fail. I knew time wasn’t slowing down, and I refused to let another year go by without trying. I believed in my own potential and that mindset made all the difference.”

Smith’s first exposure to SMC came on a high school field trip.

“I was blown away,” Smith recalled. “It felt more like a university than a community college, and I remember thinking, ‘This place is special.’ Years later, when I was ready to enroll, that memory stuck with me. I chose SMC because of the impression it left. It’s truly a hidden gem.”

Smith entered the workforce immediately out of high school and has been in management roles for more than 11 years.

“I always had a strong work ethic and thought I could build a career without a degree — and for a while, that worked. But eventually, I realized I wanted more — better pay, greater opportunities and credentials to back up my experience. That’s when I knew a business degree would be the missing piece. Prior to enrolling at SMC, I hadn’t been in a classroom since high school — over a decade ago — but I quickly found my rhythm.”

When he set out for a business degree, he envisioned leveraging it into higher-level management — possibly a district or regional manager role — “and finally having the credentials to match my years of leadership experience. A business degree aligned perfectly with where I have been and thought I wanted to go.”

But as he revealed at graduation, he is transferring this fall to Western Michigan University to study aviation flight science.

“Becoming a pilot has always been a quiet dream of mine — something I kept to myself because it felt out of reach. But SMC gave me the confidence to revisit that dream. Once I proved to myself I could thrive  academically, I looked into WMU’s renowned aviation program. I told myself, ‘If I get in, it’s meant to be. If not, I’ll stick to business.’ I only applied to WMU. When I was accepted, I knew it was time to go all in.”

“What I’ll remember most about SMC is that it changed my life,” Smith said. “When I applied, I was a 29-year-old with big goals, but lacked direction. SMC gave me the structure and belief I needed. SMC didn’t just give me a degree — it gave me transformation. If not for this college, I wouldn’t have been accepted into Western. SMC will always be the place where I stopped surviving and started thriving.”

He credited three “shining stars” who illuminated his path.

“Malisa Roberts was my first impression of SMC.” The academic adviser and Niles Student Service Center coordinator “remained a consistent, positive presence throughout. She helped build my schedule every semester and always made time for me, no matter the topic.”

“Professor James Benak helped connect real-world management with classroom theory in a way that finally made sense to me. His teaching style is uplifting, humorous and empowering.”

Professor Dr. Barbara Karwacinski, Human Services Department chair, “believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. She gave me the courage to apply to WMU. Her support changed my life. I get emotional when I think about how much she supported me. These three were mentors, advocates and champions.”

Karwacinski taught Smith in an online sociology class last summer.

“His graduation was not only a significant achievement for Jake but a proud and joyful moment for all of us who had the privilege of being part of his journey,” she said.

“It comes as no surprise he is aiming for the skies because Jake has always demonstrated drive and readiness to excel in whatever he sets his sights on.

“As a teacher, there is no greater reward than watching a student like Jake succeed. His journey is a testament to the power of second chances and opportunities programs like Michigan Reconnect offer.”