I decided to participate in the Grand Rapids Initiative for Leaders (GRIL) program because I initially assumed it would be an extra component to my Leader in Training (LIT) work through Tall Turf Ministries (TTM). However, GRIL turned out to be a holistic program itself, which has helped build a concrete foundation for my current professional, academic and social endeavors.
I learned three primary skills throughout GRIL that I consistently apply to my professional work and academic endeavors. The first is research knowledge, understanding the historical context of a subject to implement best practices and/or alterations. The second is initiative in leadership; being an active, engaged citizen who continuously strives for community excellence and justice. The final skill is cross-cultural experiential learning; through GRIL I was able to transcend geographic barriers to serve all across the country to places such as Anchorage, AL and Los Angeles, CA.
“Education and experiential learning are the keys which unlock post-graduate success.” This is the quote I center my work objective around while working with college students.
My current position is the Research Analyst in Teacher Education for Grand Valley State University’s College of Education. I also instruct a course called Laker Strategies for Success (LSS) 180, which provides critical intervention strategies for second semester freshman students who are on academic probation and/or jeopardy of dismissal from the university.
I would highly recommend GRIL to both high school students and interested adults. Life success and career success are two goals all individuals should achieve and they typically happen either by choice or by chance. The staff, curriculum and core values of GRIL create a holistic program where success does not happen by chance; it intentionally develops between GRIL participants and program facilitators.