Celebrate Our Graduates on Dec. 17

Student speaker
Kayleigh Overhuel

Kalamazoo Valley holds its Commencement ceremony on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. at Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium located at 2200 Auditorium Drive in Kalamazoo.

More than 130 students, including those who graduated in August, are planning to participate. Board chairperson Lucinda Stinson will speak, along with economics instructor Philipp Jonas and student Kayleigh Overhuel, who is graduating with an associate of applied science degree in nursing.

"With over 18 years of experience in the healthcare field, I've taken the next step in my education to further my career opportunities and better provide for my family," Lawton resident Overhuel said.

Her healthcare career began when she completed community service hours necessary for high school graduation, assisting in a skilled nursing facility. She then became an activity aide, all before the age of 16. She later began work in the dietary department and completed CENA certification.

"My hard work has opened many doors over the years, as previous managers recommended me for roles in staff scheduling, payroll, admissions and medical records, among others. I've had the opportunity to experience healthcare services not only in the skilled nursing setting but in home healthcare and hospitals. However, I finally reached the point where no more doors would open with my current education. Today that changes, as I take another step forward in my career in healthcare in the role of a graduate nurse," Overhuel said.

Overhuel, now 33, attended college right out of high school, but lacked finances and the drive to complete her studies. "Years later, with the experience of knowing that this is where I want to be and this is what I know, the Future of Frontliners helped support the cost of tuition so I could take this step. With three kids in tow, I leapt in. These past few years I've been a full-time student, a full-time employee over the weekends, and of course, a full-time mom. When I started, my youngest was 6 months old, and my oldest was shorter than I am. Today, my kids are 13, 9, and 3 years old, and someone may be taller than I am now. Many have said they don't know how I do it. I don't fully know either, except that I just don't stop, and I had help along the way."

She begins her nursing career at Bronson Hospital in January and will complete her bachelor's of science in nursing from Davenport University at the end of August 2024. She's making it a goal to establish firm boundaries and to avoid taking on more tasks than she can complete comfortably. She urged her classmates to do the same and said, "As I leave you, I want to remind you that if you find yourself stuck, take another three breaths. Take a moment to reflect on where you are, what you have overcome, and what you can do."