Delta College graduates reflect on their educational journey

By Patrick Sochacki

UNIVERSITY CENTER – “You have all traveled many different paths to reach this momentous event in your life. Few of those paths have been straight, and it would have been far easier to just give up. But you didn’t,“ says Delta College president Jean Goodnow on the 2020 graduating class.

Commencements for the 2020 graduating class at Delta College have been postponed until, at least, the stay-at-home order issued by Governor Gretchen Whitmer is over. 

The Delta Collegiate reached out to graduate candidates for their reflections about their experience at Delta.

Andrew Smith is a residential construction major graduating from Delta this year. He intends to pursue his builder’s license and work his way “up the proverbial ladder” after he graduates.

“My education through Delta I couldn’t get anywhere else,” says Smith. “With the guidance from my professors and the work I put in these past two years, I really feel like I earned my degree. The experiences I’m taking with me I will never forget.”

The highlight for Smith was traveling to Las Vegas for the International Builders Show, thanks to Delta’s student chapter of the Home Builders Association of Saginaw.

“The group that went got to learn so much and make real connections with businesses around the world,” says Smith.

Graduate candidate Michael Piwowarski, a broadcast major, has worked at the Delta Collegiate for three years where he wore various hats: reporter, news editor, editor-in-chief and now, news director. 

“To say I’ve learned a lot from my Delta experience is an understatement,” says Piwowarski. “Coming from a homeschooled background, I’ve been able to open my eyes to the outside world more than I’ve been able to before.”

Piwowarski recommends getting involved in clubs, organizations and internships to become better prepared for the real-world and to network with other people in the field.

“I’ve been in the thick of it, covering issues in the Tri City area, meeting important people, getting to know others who are veterans in the field, learning more about how governing bodies operate,” says Piwowarski.

Piwowarski will transfer to Central Michigan University to continue broadcast journalism.

Bill Badour, graduating this year with an associates degree in science, will transfer to University of Michigan to pursue a degree in applied statistics with plans to earn his master’s.

Badour admitted to feeling pessimistic about missing out on the college experience and receiving a less valuable education at a community college. However, his fears were quickly put to rest.

“I felt that I received very personalized instruction as the class sizes were always small and the tutoring center was practically always open,” says Badour. “I understood that I was receiving a high quality education for a relatively small amount of money.”

Badour also talked about the highlight of his experience at Delta – his time at the Delta Collegiate. 

“Not only did I find a place where I felt incredibly welcomed, but also a sense of belonging,” says Badour. “[…] I never enjoyed writing until I began to report. I understand that this opportunity may not have been available at other learning institutions.”

President Goodnow made note of our unfortunate circumstances, while reassuring us we are still in her thoughts.

“Missing commencement is a disappointment not only for you, but for the family and friends that supported you through this journey,” says Goodnow. “And quite honestly, it leaves me sad as well. As a college president, greeting each student, shaking your hand and congratulating you face-to-face at commencement, is the absolute highlight of my year. And though I can’t be with you in person, please know I’m thinking of you, and on behalf of the entire Delta faculty, staff and administration, congratulations on your graduation!”