Austin Janssen
Student
“When I first walked through the doors, all I could think about was if I was making the right choice in coming to Bay. I nervously wondered how the classes would be taught. Am I going to get the right education? Should I have just gone straight to Michigan Tech? How helpful would the faculty actually be? About fifteen minutes in I had the answers to all my questions and I realized I had made the best decision in my life.”
Austin Janssen, a graduate of Norway High School Class of 2019, is pursuing an Associates in Science Degree from Bay College. Austin has decided to take two years at Bay College (Bay) before transferring to Michigan Technological University (MTU) in pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree in mechanical engineering, “I’ve wanted to go into mechanical engineering since I first started high school. I enjoy coming up with new ideas and designs. I chose Bay because I wanted to save money and stay close to home where I can still work at my job.”
Bay was the perfect opportunity for Austin to still get a great education for less than half the price of a four-year university. “There are so many great opportunities here and I love being able to know my teachers on a personal level. School can be stressful, but my teachers help me feel comfortable and they answer any questions that I have. My advisor, Britt Slade, is very important to me. She graduated from MTU and is really helpful in getting me on the correct path for a successful transfer.”
Austin has also joined the Bay College team as a work study for the Student Services department. He enjoys working with the staff and was surprised with how well Bay works with scheduling classes so that they all work out at convenient times. He maintains a work study job for ten-hours a week, a full class load, and then puts in 15-hours at Ray’s Feed Mill. “Having a lot on my plate keeps me going and focused. I love both of my jobs because I get to meet new people and help them whether it’s scheduling an appointment for a student, or helping a customer with their animal feed.”
Austin’s work ethic and positive attitude is something he attributes to his mom who passed away in a tragic car accident when he was twelve. “I had a really hard time when we lost my mom. I was depressed and unsure of what I wanted to do, but as I got older I thought a lot about what she would have wanted for me. This has motivated me to focus on my school work with the goal of going to college and getting a degree. I know she would be proud of the person I am today.”
Austin recommends Bay College to anyone coming out of high school. “Bay is the best opportunity for students to get used to college close to home and save a tremendous amount of money. I really love how helpful all of the staff and teachers are. Starting at Bay will help students financially and mentally. I have been given this advice from countless people and I am looking forward paying it forward.”