Finding a Home at Mid

When Abbie Lautzenheiser graduated from high school in Charlotte, Michigan, she wasn’t sure college was the right path for her.

Today, she's pursuing a career in HVAC, playing collegiate basketball, earning industry certificates, and preparing for a future as a full-time HVAC technician—all because she gave Mid Michigan College a chance.

Like many students, Abbie has faced moments of uncertainty along the way.

"I think everyone goes through challenges and bumps in the road," she says. "I've struggled with losing confidence in myself and my capabilities to be who I know I can be.” Abbie turned toward her faith and family, trusting them to help guide her through those times.

With renewed confidence, Abbie has been thriving both in the classroom and on the court.
As an HVAC student, Abbie appreciates the balance between classroom instruction and hands-on training.

"My instructors are phenomenal," she says. "In the HVAC courses, we do classroom learning, and we also go into the workshop and learn hands-on, which I love. They are so willing to help you achieve your goals."

She also values how Mid courses challenge students while not being intimidating.

"I love Mid courses because they are approachable, but still make sure that you are learning and getting the knowledge that you need. I chose Mid because the people seemed not only nice but real. They were welcoming and gave me flexible options, so I could pursue a trade and play basketball,” Abbie says.

Outside the classroom, Abbie has found another family through Mid’s Women’s Lakers Basketball Team.

"My coaches are always pushing me to be better, but at the end of the day, they are there for me no matter what I need," she says. "It's our family."
This year, the Women’s Basketball Team captured the MCCAA Northern Conference Championship, finishing a perfect 14–0 in conference play and 27–4 overall. The Lakers continued their dominant season by winning the NJCAA Great Lakes District B Tournament, securing the team a berth in the NJCAA Division II Women's Basketball Championship.

Whether she's in the workshop or on the basketball court, Abbie says the people at Mid have created an environment where students genuinely want to see each other succeed.

“At Mid, we are a family,” she says. “Mid is a small college, but it makes a big impact. The opportunities are endless here. Mid has helped me build my academic portfolio and be able to create a future for myself in the career I want to work in.”

For Abbie, Mid didn't just provide an education. It changed her perspective on what college could be.

“I compared Mid to a couple of different schools, and the main selling point for me was that Mid felt like home.”

For Abbie, finding a home at Mid has been about more than earning a degree—it’s been about discovering the confidence, support, and opportunities that prove Mid Moves You.