Picture Yourself Here: Katlyn Cryer, IT Support

Katlyn Cryer is a Napoleon, Michigan native who lived in Minnesota briefly before moving to Kalamazoo with her husband to be closer to family. The 27-year-old is now using Michigan Reconnect funding to complete an associate degree in IT support with plans to transfer to Davenport University to pursue a bachelor's degree in cybersecurity.

She is working at Bronson Hospital as a customer support analyst and previously was an internship for the college. "Some days I'm doing password resets and unlocking accounts," Cryer said of her work for Bronson. "Other days I may be troubleshooting larger issues to send to a different team, such as application malfunctioning, or a computer in need of repair. I take calls most of the day, and also work through emails."

Kalamazoo Valley's close proximity to her house was a main selling point. Being able to schedule classes around her work schedule has also been a bonus. "The main advantage for me, as someone who also works, is the flexibility of the classes," she said. "Most of the classes I have taken offer both in-person and online courses, which is helpful if my work schedule cannot be moved around. I also highly recommend anyone over 21 years old to take advantage of the Michigan Reconnect program because that is a huge advantage. Without this program, it would have been incredibly hard for me to go back to college because I would not have been able to afford it."

She said Kalamazoo Valley's computer lab is a great resource for hands-on learning. "Whether for learning to build or repair a computer, learning how to wire a network rack based on a diagram, or getting your hands on a switch and configuring it yourself," she explained. She has also enjoyed design and atmosphere of the Texas Township campus. "The campus itself is beautiful in architecture and landscape and the parking lot connects to the large and beautiful Al Sabo nature preserve."

Cryer, who worked in the cosmetology industry as a hairstylist before deciding to enroll at Valley, initially had concerns about her abilities. "When I first started college, I was very nervous that I wouldn't do well in my classes because I hadn't been in any class in eight years and thought I was out of practice in the learning environment," she said. Caring instructors helped alleviate her fears. "All the staff are incredibly kind and helpful and the instructors are passionate and genuinely care about your success," she said.

She's excited about changing careers and notes that her current position may be expanded to fulltime in the spring after she graduates. "My advice would be to find something you are passionate about and then it doesn't truly feel like a class, but rather it is exciting to learn," Cryer said. "Also, I already worked for eight years in one field before I started the IT Support Tech degree at Kalamazoo Valley, so I can't emphasize enough that it's never too late to get a college education."