Turning Moments
That moment where something clicks and things start to make sense. Where the future is clearer, an idea brighter, or a relationship more meaningful. These moments often define your GVSU experience, and change your life for the better.
The following moments were submitted by GVSU students who wanted to share them with the world.
You can do the same by submitting your own.
"What once felt like a possibility of failure became a reality of success."
Marchae Alexander Nelson, Allied Health Science Major
I began with a “what if” that worried me: what if I didn’t pass my statistics class? College had started to feel overwhelming, even though I was attending class, completing my assignments, and putting in the effort. Determined to improve, I took advantage of my professor’s office hours. Ms. Meiling Zhou went above and beyond, taking the time to clearly explain difficult concepts and provide multiple examples until I truly understood the material. With her support and my persistence, my uncertainty turned into confidence. "What once felt like a possibility of failure became a reality of success"—I earned a 98% on my exam. This experience showed me that asking for help, staying committed, and using available resources can turn doubt into achievement.
Grand Valley State University has played an important role in my journey by helping me grow academically and personally. When I first started college, I struggled to adjust to the workload and felt unsure of my ability to succeed. This moment has had a strong impact on my goals and future by showing me that success comes from taking advantage of the opportunities around me and putting in the effort. There are many resources and opportunities on campus I just have to apply myself.
"What if I could graduate as a first generation student with two majors."
Allyson Mein, Human Resource Management and Economics Major
What if I could graduate as a first generation student with two majors. I am now pursuing two majors an Advanced badge in Sign language, and have gotten my second internship as a sophomore. I am a Residential Assistant, I am in Greek Life, and I am a part of other organizations on campus. GVSU has offered me help to learn real leadership in and outside of the classroom. My progress has only driven me to try new things and become a better person in my community and in the professional world.
"GVSU has played a huge part in my success by offering multiple different methods of guidance/help like academic advising and the different “centers” meant to help students in their classes."
Blake Morehouse, Wildlife Biology Major
What if I can’t succeed in my chosen major and dream career. This was my major “what if” when I had started my freshman year at GVSU. As a high schooler, I’d always heard how hard college was going to be. I was constantly reminded that college is a whole different world compared to high school. This started my nervousness about being able to succeed. Especially with my major I chose, I knew it definitely wasn’t going to be easy. But I didn’t let that stop me. I took on the challenge that is college. Slowly, my “what if” was disappearing. I worked hard and stayed on top of my classes. So far I have done excellent in my classes and plan to keep the hard work going to maintain my grades. My “what if” went away and turned into my “what is” dream reality of succeeding and doing well here at GVSU.
GVSU has played a huge part in my success by offering multiple different methods of guidance/help like academic advising and the different “centers” meant to help students in their classes. This has made me realize that my goals can always be achieved if I have the right mindset. This has also made me more hopeful for the future I want.
"Through REP4 and TRIO, GVSU gave me more than academic support, it gave me a community that helped me feel grounded and capable."
Joy Murerwa, Finance and Accounting Major
My “what if” started before I ever stepped on campus at Grand Valley. I came to the United States from a refugee camp in Rwanda, and for a long time I questioned if I was even meant for college. English is my second language, and I remember sitting in classrooms wondering if I fully understood what was being said, or if I was falling behind without realizing it. I constantly thought, “What if I can’t do this? What if I don’t belong here?” When I came to GVSU, those doubts didn’t disappear right away. In my classes, I was hesitant to speak up or put myself out there because I was afraid of being wrong or not being understood. But being part of REP4 and receiving the T4 Scholars full-ride scholarship changed that experience for me. Through REP4 and TRIO, I didn’t just get academic support, I found a community that checked in on me, guided me, and reminded me that I earned my place here.
My turning moment came when I realized that the only way my what ifs would stop controlling me was if I started doing the things that scared me. Instead of staying quiet, I began pushing myself to get involved, speak up, and take on opportunities even when I didn’t feel fully ready. At GVSU, that decision turned into action. I helped build REP4FinLit, a financial literacy program designed to support students like me in understanding and navigating their finances. I also stepped into leadership as the Chief Financial Officer of the National Association of Black Accountants, and stayed involved in programs like TRIO and other campus initiatives that focus on student success and leadership development. Now, my what if has become what is. I’m no longer questioning whether I belong at Grand Valley, I’m actively creating spaces for others to feel like they belong too. Everything I was once afraid of, speaking up, leading, and stepping into new opportunities, has become part of who I am. My goal now is to be a trailblazer for other students who come from different countries, speak different languages, or carry the same doubts I once had, and show them that they are capable of more than they think.
Through REP4 and TRIO, GVSU gave me more than academic support, it gave me a community that helped me feel grounded and capable. That support helped me move past self-doubt and start seeing myself as someone who can succeed, lead, and contribute. I’ve been able to show students in my Rwandan community that college is possible, even when it feels out of reach at first.I want to continue being an example that education doesn’t end after high school and that your background doesn’t limit your future.
"GVSU has helped advance my goals and made me feel like I’ve become part of the community."
Jordan Hicks, Respiratory Therapy Major
I found out about the brand new Respiratory Therapy program at a health care panel and I realized that’s exactly what I wanted to do. The friends I have met here and the opportunities I have been given from being here have helped me make connections to further my career! GVSU has helped advance my goals and made me feel like I’ve become part of the community.
"This turning moment has made me more determined to succeed and finish strong. It has changed the way I approach challenges—I now see them as opportunities to improve instead of reasons to give up."
Shawnice Pitchford, Social Work Major
When I first started at GVSU, my “what if” was whether I was truly capable of succeeding in college and reaching my goals. I questioned if I would be able to stay motivated, manage my time, and overcome challenges when things got difficult. Over time, that uncertainty turned into confidence. By pushing through tough classes, improving my study habits, and not giving up after setbacks, my “what if” became “what is”—I am capable, resilient, and actively working toward my future. GVSU has played a major role in helping me grow both academically and personally. The environment has pushed me to take my education seriously while also giving me the support I need to improve. Through my classes, I’ve learned better study strategies. This turning moment has made me more determined to succeed and finish strong. It has changed the way I approach challenges—I now see them as opportunities to improve instead of reasons to give up. Moving forward, I plan to stay consistent.
"My “What if I can’t?” gradually turned into “What if I can?” and eventually into “This is who I am becoming.”"
Lasya Priya Vemalla, Cybersecurity Major
When I first arrived at Grand Valley State University, my biggest thought was, What if I don’t belong here? Coming in as an international student, everything felt uncertain: a new country, new people, and a completely different environment. I questioned whether I would be able to keep up academically, make meaningful connections, or truly find my place. There were moments when I felt out of my comfort zone, and it was easy to doubt myself. But instead of letting those doubts hold me back, I slowly started taking chances. I got involved in campus jobs, joined student organizations, and pushed myself to meet new people even when it felt uncomfortable. Over time, those small steps built confidence. My “What if I can’t?” gradually turned into “What if I can?” and eventually into “This is who I am becoming.” Today, I feel grounded, confident, and proud of the journey I’ve taken to get here.
GVSU has played a huge role in shaping who I am today, both personally and professionally. The university gave me opportunities that allowed me to grow beyond the classroom. Through my campus jobs, I developed communication, teamwork, and leadership skill. This turning moment has had a lasting impact on how I see myself and my future. It gave me the confidence to pursue my goals in cybersecurity and technology, knowing that I am capable of adapting and succeeding even in unfamiliar situations. I’ve learned.
"GVSU provided the space, challenges, and supportive community that helped me find belonging, grow through self-doubt, and shape my identity as both a student-athlete and a future physician. "
Evelyn Park, Biomedical Science Major
When I first arrived at GVSU, my biggest question wasn’t about grades or athletics. It was 'What if I don’t belong here?" I wondered if I would be accepted, if I could find my identity, and if I would grow into the person I hoped to become. As a student-athlete on a pre-med track, I felt pressure to prove myself in every space, often questioning whether I was truly enough. That “What if” slowly became “What is.” What is, is that growth is uncomfortable, and belonging isn’t instant, it’s built. Through moments of self-doubt, failure, and small victories, I began to understand who I am beyond titles and expectations. GVSU became the place where I stopped trying to fit into a version of myself I thought I needed to be and started becoming who I actually am.
GVSU provided the space, challenges, and supportive community that helped me find belonging, grow through self-doubt, and shape my identity as both a student-athlete and a future physician. This turning point taught me that growth comes from uncertainty, strengthening my commitment to pursue my dream. It was my first step to the journey of my soul.
"Through the SLA program, I stepped into a role that pushed me outside my comfort zone and allowed me to grow as a leader and mentor."
MaKenna Smith, Psychology Major with a minor in Early Childhood Education
I came to GVSU with a simple “what if”: what if I could truly make a difference in students’ lives? I had always dreamed of working in a school and being a positive light for children, but I wasn’t fully confident I could turn that dream into reality. That changed when I became a Structured Learning Assistance (SLA) Facilitator. Working with students in challenging courses showed me that I could help others succeed and believe in themselves. When professors and students began telling me that I was a natural teacher and that I had positively impacted their paths, my mindset shifted. My “what if” became my “what is”; I now know that I can make a difference.
Through the SLA program, I stepped into a role that pushed me outside my comfort zone and allowed me to grow as a leader and mentor. Encouragement from professors and peers gave me the confidence I needed. I now plan to pursue my master's degree and become a school counselor. I want to be a supportive and positive presence for students, just as everyone at GVSU has done for me.
"Grand Valley and the Honors program have given me lifelong friends and amazing opportunities that have allowed me to grow as a leader."
Molly Baker, Marketing Major with a minor in Digital Studies
When I first moved to Grand Valley, I was nervous about making friends. I decided to apply to the Honors College with the hopes of finding my place there and got in. Having an Honors mentor and a group of other students with similar majors as me made going into the first day of classes easier as I already knew some familiar faces. In addition to my mentor group, I got to bond with my classmates and professors from my first-year sequence. You don't usually get the opportunity to be in the same class for the whole school year. As an Honors student, I was also able to take classes that truly changed my perspective and showed me new topics that I wouldn't have seen otherwise without the honors program. It is a unique experience that has shaped who I am today.
As I grew throughout my freshman year, I also gained the confidence to try out for a Club Sport and get more involved around campus. I am now entering my second year on the GVSU Pompon Team and get the opportunity to be a student employee.
Grand Valley and the Honors program have given me lifelong friends and amazing opportunities that have allowed me to grow as a leader. You can tell that professors really care about their students success and want to see them grow as leaders and become better people. I can't imagine my experience here at GVSU without the push of the Honors College to be the best version of myself and step out of my comfort zone.
