I always knew I wanted to pursue a degree where I would be helping people. Originally I had my heart set on Biomedical engineering. After realizing that the coding and programming part of it wasn’t for me, I talked to my advisor who suggested I look into the Occupational Safety and Health Management program here at Grand Valley. After taking the introductory OSH 300 class, I immediately fell in love with safety. I wish I would have known about this program when I had entered college. I would choose OSH over and over again.

One of my favorite aspects of Grand Valley, and the OSHM program specifically, is that because we are so small, you truly create long lasting relationships with the professors and fellow classmates. My professors truly do care about me and that makes coming to class so much easier especially when I am having a rough day. Another great thing about becoming a safety major is that the internship opportunities are abundant.

This past summer I worked as a safety intern at Cannon-Muskegon in Muskegon, Mi. Cannon-Muskegon is a foundry where metal is melted into bars. At my internship, I conducted audits and risk assessments. I also created their fire extinguisher map and updated their emergency exit routes.

This summer I will be the safety intern at Plascore in Zeeland. I am super excited about this opportunity and I can’t wait to see what it has in store for me.