Dual Enrollment

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Three have earned credentials; two more start this fall

It’s always gratifying to hear from families how Schoolcraft College met their educational needs. In the case of the Janisch family of Livonia, three have earned credentials and two more will start on that path this fall.

Proud Ocelot graduates are:

  • Cole Janisch, Associate in Arts, May 2013. He was an ambassador at Schoolcraft and in the honors program, then earned a bachelor’s degree from Aquinas College in 2015. He met his future wife while giving a tour at Schoolcraft.
  • Shelby Janisch, Certificate in Baking & Pastry Arts, May 2015; Associate in General Studies, May 2016. She worked as Chef Jeffrey Gabriel’s sous chef for two years after graduation as well as at several restaurants. Shelby currently uses her baking skills to make custom cakes.
  • Mary Janisch, Associate in Science August 2020; Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, May 2022. She is a registered nurse at Beaumont Hospital in Grosse Point and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Eastern Michigan University.

Cole was a student at Livonia Stevenson, while Shelby and Mary were homeschooled and took advantage of the dual enrollment option as juniors. In brief, dual enrollment allows high school students to earn college credits. 

The personal touch that Schoolcraft College offers is much appreciated by the Janisch family. (Note: No members of the Janisch family are shown in this photo.)

Two more members of the family, Eleanor and Peter, will be attending Schoolcraft this fall as dual-enrolled high school seniors. 

“They are unsure of their future careers at this point, but Schoolcraft will give them a great start for the foundation,” said Melissa Janisch, the mother.

Melissa said the entire experience with Schoolcraft College has been excellent.

“We like that Schoolcraft is close to our home and affordable but mostly, as we were reminded recently while our kids were taking their placement test and we were waiting for them, we like how kind everyone is who works there,” she said. “We were there in the hall for about three hours and everyone who walked by stopped to talk to us. They were all very supportive and enthusiastic about their jobs. Why wouldn’t you want to send your kids there?”

Added Randall, the father, “We also like the fact that our kids can get the basic classes at Schoolcraft without incurring any debt. When talking to other parents and students, we tell them that most students don’t really know what they want to study or change their area of study within the first year or so. Going to Schoolcraft in that time period is a great fit because it is affordable, convenient, and a quality education.”

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Information about Dual Enrollment and paying for college also will be available

Schoolcraft College will host a virtual College Night from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 5. College Night is an opportunity for high school students and their families to meet with representatives from a wide range of colleges and universities to explore options available after high school graduation.

Hands using a laptop to explore the Schoolcraft College website
Please see helpful information in the story to register and to optimize your College Night experience.

Visit the College Night web page for information or to register. After you register, you will receive an access link for this virtual event. You can use this link ahead of time to view the college and universities that will be attending. 

Once registered, on October 5 between 6 and 8 p.m., you will have access to links to the participating schools so you will be able to speak to college representatives. In addition, we will have information available about Dual Enrollment and paying for college.

Things to do before College Night:

  • Update your Chrome browser for the best experience.
  • Consider using headphones to minimize echoing, especially if you are using a microphone.
  • Make a list of questions. This is your chance to learn more about the schools and what steps you need to take to attend.
  • Think about what schools you want to chat with. Even if you have a dream school, you might find another school that also appeals to you.

If you can’t join at 6 p.m., log in when you can. Help will be available to direct attendees.

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Grandmother serves as inspiration for dual-enrollment student

Schoolcraft College student Mackenzie Compton draws inspiration from her late grandmother, affectionately known as “nana,” as she moves forward to make a positive impact in the world.

“My nana was my grandmother on my father’s side and when my parents got a divorce she basically acted like a second mother to me,” Compton said. “I spent every summer with her camping and swimming in the pool. I was extremely close to her. Whenever I had a problem in life, she was the first person I went to. So when all of this happened it truly was hard on me, but it set off something in me to do better for her.”

Mackenzie sitting with her Nana
With Nana: Mackenzie Compton said her grandmother was like a second mother to her. (Photo provided.)

A native of Livonia, Compton was already familiar with Schoolcraft College. She became a Dual Enrollment student after starting at Livonia Churchill High School and continuing with Michigan Connections Academy.

“The phlebotomy program grabbed my interest,” Compton said of the program about how to learn to draw blood. “At Schoolcraft I took Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 237/238), Math 113, Math 128, Medical Terminology, Medical Office and Procedures, Biology (BIO 101), Software Applications (CIS 120), and Phlebotomy.”

She also plays travel hockey for Belle Tire out of Taylor, is active in in musical theater at Dearborn Youth Theater and works part-time at Ulta Beauty.

Despite carrying such a heavy academic load, working, and participating in other activities, Compton was determined to succeed – both for herself and to honor her nana’s memory.

“My absolute favorite class was medical terminology with professor Kathy Taylor,” Compton said. “She has stuck with me all these years because she truly cared about her students’ success more than anyone I’ve ever met. She helped me on several occasions and had genuine connections for her students. She was my favorite professor without a doubt.”

Professor Taylor, who teaches in the Health Information Technology program, was similarly impressed.

“Mackenzie was a student in my medical terminology class on-campus for the Winter of 2020 semester,” she said. “I remember the first day of class when I met her. She was an excellent student and participated in class positively.  

“It wasn’t until a few weeks into the semester that she mentioned she was a dual-enrolled student, and I was really taken aback by that fact. Mackenzie was the youngest student in class, but one would have never suspected.

“She was a very mature student – very well-spoken and always on time and always prepared for class. She was just a joy to get to know and was well-respected by her classmates.”

Compton heads to Michigan State University this fall to study nursing and human biology as she begins her pre-med path.

“After that, I am planning to attend medical school (hopefully in California) to study cardiology,” she said.

Professor Taylor sees nothing but success in Compton’s future.

“My impression of Mackenzie is she is an intelligent young lady who has a very promising future and will be quite successful,” she said. “She is a self-motivated, hard worker and focused; I am very confident she will achieve her goals. I believe Mackenzie is an inspiration for our future.”

Feature Photo – Graduation: Mackenzie Compton started at Livonia Churchill High School and continued with Michigan Connections Academy. (Photo provided.)