Non-traditional graduate earns diploma at TC center

June 20 – TRAVERSE CITY – Five years ago, Sarah Frankham reached a point in her life where she needed a change.

So Frankham, who is from England, crossed the Atlantic to the United States to move to Traverse City and study at Ferris State University.

This spring, Frankham, 41, completed her bachelor’s degree in social work. This fall, she will continue the master’s program there.

Frankham admits that his understanding of the US was quite limited before coming here.

“Shamefully, my view of America came from the Home Alone movies, that’s all I knew of America,” she said. “I always told myself I’d get there one day, and now here I am, and it’s nothing like New York City. I like it here in Traverse City… It’s quieter.”

But as a non-traditional student, Frankham wondered if she would be able to make the transition.

“Leaving my family and everything I know… I thought, ‘Can I do this alone? Can I at least learn to be a student?’ But I knew I had to persevere with it,” she said.

In England, Frankham worked as a mystery shopper, visiting various stores and restaurants and recounting his experiences as a “customer”. As the 2010s drew to a close, she wondered if it was time to pursue new ambitions.

“I’ve always worked in caring professions, that comes from my mother,” Frankham said. “Life took me in different directions. But I realized that you can’t just have heart for a job, you also need brains. I thought it was time to get the necessary qualifications.”

Much of Frankham’s work was completed online, with help from the FSU hub. Opened last fall, the center is located in the Northwestern Michigan College University Center on Dendrinos Drive.

The center aims to “serve working adults who want to complete their education, traditional students who want to connect to the main campus or take classes online, and offer seamless transfer options for area students through regional partnerships with community colleges “, according to a press release.

Offers non-baccalaureate courses in accounting, business administration, aviation business administration, professional business administration, computer information systems, computer information technology, criminal justice, early childhood education, and social work.

“We know our students have varying needs and are at different stages in their lives,” said FSU President Dr. Bill Pink.

As for the Ferris center concept, “we’ll meet them where they are,” Pink said.

Frankham thanked Joanie Hazelton, FSU associate professor and MSW/BSW director for the northern region. “She was personable and understanding. She didn’t just throw textbooks at us. Even in the assessment, it was clear what you needed to do to improve. It wasn’t just about the grade, it was about making sure you understood everything. Plus, she likes dogs.

Hazelton said FSU has been committed to serving northern Michigan, particularly in the area of ​​social work, since the 1990s and that employment opportunities in social work have increased in recent years.

“It’s a good time to get into social work,” she said. “Since COVID, we’ve seen there’s been more focus on mental health and well-being.”

Although Frankham met all the requirements to earn her bachelor’s degree in social work, she said the achievement has to do with who she is as a person, not the degree or diploma itself.

“Even though I received this BSW, I am still Sarah Frankham. My heart is the same for people; that’s all that matters.

“Now I can get the job, but I’m still the same person.”

Her advice to other nontraditional students is simple: “Ask more questions. If you’re nervous…just do it and start right away. If you don’t know something, don’t be afraid to ask someone.”