Picture Yourself Here: Sara Stermer

Pursuing a degree has been a new venture for Kalamazoo Valley Community College graduate Sara Stermer. Stermer, who had been doing hair for many years, decided it was time to pursue a new direction in her life and begin her academic pursuits.

“I applied for a lot of scholarships. They helped a lot because I was working and going to school full time while taking care of four kids and it was a lot. It was amazing finding these scholarships,” Stermer said. “It really took away the stress. I was able to focus on my studies and my classes and not worry about the financial burden of not being able to work.”

Stermer said she was so busy that she didn’t think higher education was a viable option until she learned of all the resources provided by Kalamazoo Valley Community College. Now that Stermer has her associate, she is studying business at Davenport College.

“Once I had my twins, I stopped working because daycare is expensive,” Stermer said. “All my kids were under three years old, so I was really busy. I was excited to pursue a business degree. I like a lot of things in the business field, such as finance and human resources. I am excited to pursue a degree that gives me the opportunity to explore my options and grow.”

Stermer received the Ron Young Business Scholarship, Special Populations Program Scholarship, Gary Sisters Scholarship, Thomas Oberlink Memorial Scholarship, and the William and Jean Reeves Scholarship.

“I recommend walking through these things with a counselor and look into your resources because there is more out there then you may know,” Stermer said.