Student Profile: Robert Koss

Schoolcraft resident Robert Koss worked for years in the ink industry and switched to working with corrugated board before enrolling in classes at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The father of two elementary school aged children and a middle schooler now works as a part-time electrical lab assistant at the college and is completing his electrical technician degree.

“I came to Kalamazoo Valley because I wanted to change my career,” Koss said. While working at International Paper, he developed an interest for the electrical technology field. “I took a test at work and there was a lot that I wasn’t familiar with. I knew I needed to get some more education. That’s what propelled me.”

He’s been a Kalamazoo Valley student since 2017. He and his wife Kelly have adjusted to his shift from full-time employee to part-time employee and part-time student. Accommodating their children’s online schooling has been an added challenge. “We’ve come a long way,” Koss said. “We’ve learned to value our time and make sure we’re scheduling things as well as possible.”

Koss received a scholarship from the Construction Financial Management Association of Southwest Michigan. “The scholarship was a tremendous help,” Koss said. “With me working part-time and being a full-time student, the financial stress is definitely there. The scholarship has put gas in my tank and helped me buy food when I needed it. It really has been very helpful.”

He applied for the scholarship over the summer and wrote an essay explaining why he was seeking assistance. “I knew there were no guarantees, so it was an absolute pleasant surprise,” he said of being selected.

Kalamazoo Valley’s shift to virtual classes was another complication. “I was glad when we were able to come back to campus,” Koss said. He now has one class on campus and another that’s taught virtually. “I prefer to learn in person,” he said. “I appreciate the online aspect for some course material, but it’s great to be able to follow up with instructors in person and to learn through hands-on instruction.”

Koss said he has enjoyed all of his classes at Kalamazoo Valley. “Every class I’ve had has been a very good experience,” he said. “All of my instructors have been willing to do anything to help students succeed.”

While he was initially hesitant to return to college, Koss has no regrets. “I knew the road ahead would have some bumps,” he said. “But I also know the road ahead is going to have a good outcome.”

He urges other students to do their research before deciding on a college or an area of study. “Do some information gathering and take advantage of the opportunity to talk to instructors in the program you’re interested in,” he advises. “I firmly believe the more knowledge you have, the better decision you will make.”