English

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Using a trip Melissa Converse took with other Schoolcraft College students last fall on a schooner in the Detroit River, she brought her experience to a classroom at Johnson Upper Elementary School and had students help create a unique art project that now hangs in the Liberal Arts Building.

A trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts gave Melissa Converse the inspiration for her Individual Service Option Service Learning project.

Seeing a piece constructed using several images made up by a Korean artist, Converse realized she could use an experience she had last fall to create an artistic expression. She took her ideas and created a collage with the help of some area fifth graders, a collaborative approach that connected her with the local community.

Using a trip she took with other Schoolcraft College students last fall on a schooner as a part of the University of Michigan’s Detroit River Story Lab, she brought her experience to a classroom at Johnson Upper Elementary School in Westland where her son attends. There, she created a lesson plan for the students that led to the creation of an artistic piece that touches on the ecological, geopolitical and cultural effect the river has had on the region.

“We went through a timeline of the river’s history,” Converse said. “It was really fun to do.”

Visiting a classroom in the Livonia Public Schools building in January, Converse then took the pieces the students created – which included words, paintings, pictures and more – and built the final piece, entitled “Our Detroit River.” The project fulfilled a Service Learning component for Converse, who enrolled at Schoolcraft College after decades of being away from school.

The Individual Service Option allows students to embark on a specialized project specifically tailored to a student’s interest that fits with existing coursework. Students that earn a minimum of 12 credit hours in classes designated as Academic Service Learning receive a Service Learning Endorsement from the College, reflecting their engagement with the community. Such an endorsement can be advantageous for students transferring to a four-year institution or pursuing a career in service.

Taking a chance on school

A Michigan Reconnect student, Converse said she’s done several things in her life, including social work, real estate and being a stay-at-home mom. Wanting to return to school, she saw the Reconnect program and found she qualified.

“I applied for Reconnect and got it within an hour,” she said. “The rest is history.”

After applying, Reconnect gave her an opportunity to pursue her dreams. Converse said she couldn’t wait to enroll and begin pursuing an academic career in writing. The experiences of both being on the schooner on the water and spending time in a fifth-grade classroom have done nothing but enhance her educational experience.

The project with the fifth graders was done with Dr. Brett Griffiths, an English faculty member with whom Converse has enjoyed working with.

Griffiths said the Service Learning project is one that encapsulates a variety of important elements, including the creative elements and the lesson plans for the students associated with it.

“It appeared to several types of talents,” Griffiths said. “Everybody felt they had a valuable role to play in learning.”

Converse said she has found her experiences at Schoolcraft College invaluable. It has gotten her enough experience and set her up for success: after graduating later this spring, Converse will enroll at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she plans to pursue her bachelor’s degree in English.

Coming back to school after years away, Converse said, has been an experience she treasures. She credits several groups she’s worked with for helping her reach new heights.

“I truly have found myself here at Schoolcraft. And I am now prepared for the University of Michigan and my future. This preparedness never happens by accident, and I want to be sure to express gratitude to Schoolcraft College, the University of Michigan, the Service Learning opportunity and to my mentor/teacher and unabashed cheerleader Dr. Brett Griffiths.  “Without quality faculty, quality outcomes would not be possible.” 

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Get a head start on college with this free program beginning later this summer. 

A free program aimed at kick-starting students’ collegiate careers offers plenty of benefits before the students begin later this fall. 

Step Ahead with Schoolcraft College is a new, grant-funded summer bridge program being offered to eligible students beginning July 31. By enrolling, students can earn college credit, discuss academic goals with advisors and even receive a free Chromebook. As a part of this program, students will take a College and Beyond 102 course with a focus on enhancing math and English skills. These offerings are designed to help springboard them into more rigorous coursework as they begin their collegiate careers. 

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this program,” said Jennie Rokakis, Learning Support Services Assistant. “This unique summer bridge program will help to prepare first time and returning college students to build student success skills such as time management, study skills, and career exploration; while also building in good habits for success such as visiting advisors and Academic Success Coaches.” 

The accelerated program is free to students and includes meals, swag, and other supplies in addition to the Chromebook to assist them in their studies. Once students complete the program, they may qualify to receive scholarships or awards to apply toward the fall semester if they enroll at Schoolcraft College, which may be applied in addition to the currently offered Michigan Achievement Scholarship. 

To enroll, students must have a GED, high school diploma or a certificate of completion and plan to take a college-level or co-requisite math or English course this fall. 

“This is a great opportunity for students when it comes to preparing for their first semester of college,” said Matthew Blagdurn, Lead Academic Success Coach in Mathematics. “They’ll be able to hit the ground running in the fall semester.  Our team of coaches will continue to support these students as they begin their first semester at Schoolcraft, helping to make sure they stay on track.” 

Students can drop in anytime between 10am-5pm at the Learning Center located in the Bradner Library during the optional onboarding week, which takes place July 24-28. The course and program take place Monday through Friday, July 31 through Aug. 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with lunch provided at no cost. Students interested in enrolling or looking for more information can fill out this interest form to determine eligibility. Don’t delay — registration for this program closes on Wednesday, July 12 at 5:00 pm. 

Photo Caption: Students in a classroom at Schoolcraft College. Those interested in enrolling in Schoolcraft College’s Step Ahead Program can still sign up to kickstart their collegiate careers. 

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Brynne Barnes started the work in 2015

English Professor Brynne Barnes is a prolific author of children’s books, with a focus on celebrating living in a diverse world. Her latest work is Black Girl Rising, which is to be released on Tuesday, June 28, everywhere books are sold. Professor Barnes graciously answered the following questions to provide insight into her books, her creative process and what’s next.

Q: Please tell us a little about your latest work, Black Girl Rising. What’s it about, what inspired you to write it, when did you start and when did you finish?

Professor Barnes: This is a love letter to Black girls, to Black girlhood, to women everywhere. It’s the book I needed, wanted to read as a girl. This is a tribute to our younger selves and our present selves. Children’s literature has a way of reminding us of all the most important things – to listen to ourselves, our inner voices about what we can do, who we are, and who we can be. It’s not up to the world to tell us who we are; it’s our job to tell the world. I first started this book in 2015 (if you can believe it) and completed it by 2016. It sold in 2017.

Q: Can you give us some insight into your creative process? How do you connect with your “muse”?

A copy of "Black Girl Rising"
Black Girl Rising will be released June 28.

Professor Barnes: For me, it all starts with a verse and a voice. When I hear something that catches my ear, I write it down; it keeps playing in my mind over and over again like a record spinning round and round. Then, I hear something else — another verse, and so on and so forth. The more I write, the more I hear. This voice actually took me by surprise, and it intrigued me because it sounds like someone doubting herself, playing back the voices that tell her she can’t, she shouldn’t, she won’t, she’s not enough, or she’s too much. 

These are all things that we’ve heard before in some way, shape, or form. When we internalize doubt like that – what others tell us – we cannot hear the truth about how magically wonderful we truly are. That’s the thing – the light is always there. We just have to let it shine and get to know ourselves for who we truly are.

Q: What sort of relationship do you have with the illustrators of your books? Do you communicate or how does that work?

Professor Barnes: Great question! In most cases, we do not communicate until after the book is done. However, with my last two titles — Books Do Not Have Wings and now, Black Girl Rising — I was very involved. My editor, the art director, the illustrator, and I discussed our concepts for the illustrations and how they might come to life on the page along with the words. I actually ended up making a mock-up of the book with the words on the page and photographs that depicted certain ideas I had about conceptualizing the visual story.

Q: When we last chatted last year, you had a couple of other books in the pipeline. Can you give us any update on those?

Portrait photo of Brynne Barnes
Brynne Barnes is the author of Black Girl Rising.

Professor Barnes: Yes, I’m happy to say that Chronicle will be releasing the sequel to Black Girl Rising entitled Black Boy Rising in 2025. The book that Simon & Schuster picked up, When I See You, will be releasing in September of 2023.

Q: You’ve been an English Professor at Schoolcraft College since 2014. As it appears we’ve finally emerged from the pandemic, what are some of the lessons you’ll take away as a teacher moving forward?

Professor Barnes: I’ve learned that nothing compares to the human connection; this is the cornerstone of everything that we do as professors. The more invested you are in reaching your students, the more you’ll find yourself inspired.

Q: Thank you, Professor Barnes. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Professor Barnes: Writing and teaching are great acts of love, and it is my greatest joy to share my greatest loves with the Schoolcraft family and children around the world.