Sponsors


Education Partners

Wayne County
Community College

Macomb
Community College

Oakland University

Baker
Community College

Kalamazoo
Community College

Grand Rapids
Community College

Mott Community College

Western Michigan University

Henry Ford
Community College

Owens
Community College

Davenport University

Mercy College
of Northwest Ohio

 
 

Student Testimonials

...getting a college education is main priority after receiving a kidney transplant because a good job and medical coverage is my main concern so I can live a healthy life...
“I can’t wait to tell my uncle that I am going to be the first one in my family to go to college.” – Michael Ritchie
-Kali So

Michigan OPT Student

When I was so sick and in High School, it was enough to get up every day and get through classes. All my friends were involved in senior year activities, applications and college visits and I had no plans other than to vaguely agree that I would go to community college in the fall. I was blessed to have my aunt donate a kidney this past summer. I immediately started feeling better but wasn't sure about college classes. During one of my post transplant clinic visits, I was introduced to Susan Rees and the OPT program. As the program coordinator, Susan made several contacts to the Administrative staff offices at Lansing Community College (LCC). The OPT program wanted to make sure I had the support services I needed to attend classes, be involved in the college community and take care of my health.

I was also invited to attend the Annual Paired Donation Gala and met other participants involved with OPT. It was an opportunity to meet others who had had successful transplants and were pursuing educational programs that would provide future options to maintain their needed health care coverage.

Now I check in with Susan weekly. She offers support and encouragement, and provides the necessary link I need to feel more confident that my voice will be heard and I can reach my goals.