Meet Alyson Mann, a 2016 graduate of Schoolcraft College. After graduating from Salem High School in 2014, Mann had many college choices. She was considering Schoolcraft because she knew she would get a quality education while saving money. Then Mann was offered a spot on the women’s soccer team, which sealed it. She feels that that was the best decision of her life.

Being on the soccer team made her feel connected to the college, and the support she received assured her that she never had to do anything alone. She graduated in 2016 with an Associate of Arts, Elementary Education and Teaching.  

She thought of going to a local commuter school after Schoolcraft, but her psychology professor, Lisa Jackson, encouraged her to follow her dream and apply to the University of Michigan. Jackson even helped her with the application process. Mann was not only accepted, she also received nearly a full-ride scholarship. She credits her involvement with the soccer team, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the campus Civil Right Action Group with her success.

Mann was graduated from U of M in in the spring of 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, Social Studies. Life has come full circle for Mann. Her first offer was to teach in Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, where she had grown up and started her education.

Mann’s advice to future Ocelots is to, “Connect with professors and talk to them. Networking is the best way to get anywhere in the professional world, and you never know how much your professors can help with that!”