Picture Yourself Here: Audrey Mattson

Audrey Mattson, a 2022 Mattawan High School graduate, is majoring in communications with a plan to transfer to Western Michigan University to major in music performance or theater with a photography minor. She hopes to become a professional photographer.

Even though the Honors Program is rigorous, she is glad she was accepted into the program. "You really get a lot of one on one time with instructors," she said. "I think that's crucial for academic and overall success."

She feels supported as an Honors student and thinks the instructors and advisors are dedicated to ensuring students' success. "We're a small, tightly knit group," she said. "We're all unique, but we all have the same goals. We embrace and respect each other for who we are."

In addition to being an Honors student, Mattson is participating in the Kalamazoo Valley Accelerated Associate Program. KVAAP is an initiative that covers the cost of tuition, fees, books, and required supplies for its participants. KVAAP students benefit from advising, personalized support, career development, and educational pathway assistance. "KVAAP has been immensely influential in my success at Kalamazoo Valley," Mattson said.

Because of the support she's received on campus, Mattson said she has really broken out of her shell and has changed a lot since high school. "Staff and faculty really give you the space to grow into who you are and what you want to be," she said.

In addition to being a PTK Honor Society leader, Mattson is helping to form a music club and is also working to raise awareness of rare, chronic diseases. She hopes to establish affiliation with the National Organization for Rare Diseases.

"I don't want anyone to feel like an outsider," she said. "We can all do great things."