Kellogg Community College alumna Amber Hartlerode, 27, graduated from KCC in 2017 with an Associate in General Studies degree.
The 2015 Lakeview High School graduate went on to earn a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Western Michigan University in 2019 and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan in 2020, and today she’s a social worker with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, based at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center.
During her time at KCC, Hartlerode worked as a student administrative assistant for the Social Sciences Department and was an active member of the Phi Theta Kappa international honor society. She was also a Phi Theta Kappa Alumni chapter member at WMU and a Phi Kappa Phi honor society member at U of M.
Why did you choose your major/area of study?
When I first started, I was studying psychology for a few reasons. I always connected well with others, had a good amount of empathy for others, and most importantly, I hadn’t met my professor for my Race and Ethnic Relations class yet. Professor Wanda Miller asked us this question on our first day of class. When I answered, she told me I want to be a social worker and advised me to look into switching my major, which I did. To this day, that was absolutely the most important advice I’ve ever received.
Why did you choose to study your major specifically at KCC?
KCC was the affordable option when deciding between there and WMU. I followed the Michigan Transfer Agreement guidelines and received the same education I would have at Western for the first two years, and went into my third year of college with one degree already.
What are you doing now, and how did KCC help you on your path?
Professionally, I’m a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center where I primarily provide case management to veterans and their caregivers. Personally, I have a passion for policy work, community engagement and activism, and DEI work. I’m also working on applications for different PhD programs. If not for my KCC professors, I would not have been introduced to the field of social work and all that it has to offer. In addition to Professor Wanda Miller, Dr. Shiela Matthews and Professor Nikeesha Settles were vital with providing the guidance and resources for starting my journey with social work.
What was your favorite part of your time at KCC, and why?
Volunteering at Charitable Union in my service-learning course. This organization is still one of my favorites and has such a unique way to meet the needs of the community.
What’s the most interesting thing you learned at KCC?
That social work is a field with endless opportunity. I’m licensed to provide clinical/micro level social work and have the passion and experience to provide macro level social work in my free time and potentially in my professional future.
What advice do you have for current or future KCC students?
Advocate for yourself, keep an open mind, and make the most of it. Community college can get a bad rap, but I would not be where I am today without it.
Anything else you’d like to say?
Join the Human Services Program and go Bruins!
Photo courtesy of Patrick Gault.