Addison Beatty found Schoolcraft College was the perfect place to find her passion.
Addison Beatty took a road less traveled than many of her friends when she decided to attend Schoolcraft College.
While many of her classmates from Novi High School opted for four-year schools after graduation, Beatty was not sure what she wanted to study. After considering her options, she chose Schoolcraft to get her education going and find her passion.
“It’s just very important that people realize how good community college really is,” she said. “I think it’s important to listen to yourself and figure out what’s right for you in the moment.”
Today, Beatty is preparing to graduate with her Associate in General Studies at Schoolcraft’s 61st Annual Commencement Ceremony, taking place May 9 at the TrinityElite Sports Center on campus. There, she will serve as a student marshal during the ceremony.
During her time on campus, Beatty discovered a love of the arts and public speaking. She enrolled in classes dedicated to honing those skills, as well as getting involved with the student film club and submitted some of her artwork to this year’s SC Mosaic Arts Awards. She has continuously pushed herself out of her comfort zone, something she began doing in high school.
One way she’s done that? As part of a speech for class, Beatty did a makeup tutorial teaching her fellow students how to look at Walter White from the television show “Breaking Bad.”
“I had a lot of fun showing people how to do the makeup,” she said. “I think that was one of my favorite speeches I’ve ever done.”
Beatty attributes her love of learning to several instructors at the College, including Art instructor Stephanie Sarris, Communication Arts instructor Danielle Harkins and English instructor Denise Schnell. She said those instructors, along with others, have made a major impact on how she views herself and her work.
Before, Beatty said she focused heavily on being the best and not tripping up. But as she has spent time in college, she’s discovered the journey to success is just as important as a high grade or achievement.
After graduating, Beatty plans to attend the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in communications.
The pathway to her next college may not be how some of her high school classmates took, but it’s one that has her proud and well-prepared.
“I’m still going to U-M and I went to community college first,” Beatty said. “I think community college can be just as enriching, especially if you want connections, because that is where you get close to people.
“I think it’s been one of my best choices.”