Starting Over Strong– Chelsie's Journey of Reinvention at Mid
At Mid Michigan College, we are proud to support students like Chelsie Schmidt, who is setting a powerful example for her two young daughters by showing them that it’s never too late to pursue new dreams and make a change.
For a decade, Chelsie built a successful career in the dental field, gaining invaluable technical expertise, patient care experience, and communication skills. While she found fulfillment in her work, Chelsie knew there was more to explore. Her passion for learning and her desire to expand her career into the medical field led her to Mid Michigan College, where she could continue her educational journey and embrace new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
“I aspire to show my daughters that life is full of chances for fresh beginnings,” Chelsie said. “It’s entirely possible to start over as many times as you need, and that’s exactly what I’m doing now.”
Returning to school after 13 years was no small adjustment for Chelsie, especially as a wife and mother balancing family, work, and academics. But the close-knit community and supportive environment at Mid made all the difference. “Here, I am more than just a number. I’m valued as an individual with unique needs and aspirations,” Chelsie said. This personalized attention has helped her thrive and develop meaningful connections with both students and faculty.
Chelsie is currently pursuing a degree in the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) program, with plans to continue her studies and eventually earn her Computed Tomography (CT) certification. Despite her busy life, her ambition remains strong, and her commitment to her studies is evident. Recently, she was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) an honor society that recognizes academic excellence and hard work of two-year college students across the country– achievements Chelsie takes immense pride in.
“Being part of PTK has been such a rewarding experience,” she said. “It’s a reflection of my hard work and the growth I’ve achieved since returning to school. It has given me the confidence to keep pushing forward and to inspire others to pursue their own passions.”
Chelsie’s story is one of courage, perseverance, and embracing change. As a working parent, leaving her established career to explore a new field was not an easy decision, but it was one that she felt compelled to make. “The desire to evolve is a driving force for me,” she explained. “I want to confront challenges, not shy away from them.”
Her journey has been transformative, both personally and professionally. At Mid, Chelsie has discovered that education is about more than just earning a degree– it’s about growth, change, and continually becoming the best version of yourself. She encourages others to embrace change, to challenge themselves, and to pursue what truly excites them, regardless of where they are in life.
“The challenges we face are a part of the journey,” Chelsie said. “What truly matters is finding the strength to persevere, to learn from those challenges, and to keep growing.”
Chelsie’s experience at Mid Michigan College has been empowering, and she’s excited about what the future holds. “I want to show my daughters that life isn’t about following a single path, it’s about exploring new avenues, adjusting your plan, and prioritizing what truly matters to you,” she said. Chelsie’s determination to chase her dreams is setting a powerful example for her daughters, demonstrating that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and make meaningful changes in your life.
Whether you’re starting a new career, returning to school, or simply looking for a place that values your unique journey, Mid Michigan College offers the support and resources to help you succeed.
