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From self-doubt to self-confidence

Carson Grindel knew that his passion to work with others would lead him to an industry where people and their needs mattered. He quickly gravitated toward the human resource management program with its focus on strategically helping individuals and organizations.

Since deciding to pursue human resources, Grindel has thrived academically. “The high points in my undergraduate career center around my academic achievements, particularly because I had self-doubt about whether or not I would succeed before I enrolled. There was an extra level of anxiety because I knew I would face different obstacles and challenges than my peers. Even with these challenges—my own doubts included—I like to think I have done a lot to distinguish myself as a student.” Grindel has been on the dean’s list every semester, earned multiple scholarships, and has been invited to join Alpha Lambda Delta and Beta Gamma Sigma as a result of his academic performance. He plans to keep up this momentum in his career and in life, striving for excellence built on a foundation of dedication and hard work.

Navigating the college experience as a blind person, Grindel questioned whether he fit in at the Haworth College of Business. “Even now in my senior year, I feel that sense of doubt sometimes. The best thing that I have found to fight that feeling is to take stock of where you started versus where you are now. In my experience, recognizing how much you have grown cuts down on those feelings of doubt. If you did not belong, or you could not do it, you would not have made it this far. I encourage other students to celebrate their successes. Connecting with my fellow students and professors has helped me to flourish. Stepping outside of your comfort zone can be scary, but it is also something you should do at every chance.”

Grindel’s coursework has encouraged him to stretch his skills. He had a unique opportunity to see classroom content play out in real life during the negotiation case in his Labor and Employee Relations course. Students role-played the process of planning, bargaining and writing a labor contract as management and union representatives.

Another experiential learning opportunity that he cites as critical in his development is the stand-up training he participated in during HR Training and Development. “That training was the most nerve-wracking activity for someone with a fear of public speaking at the time. I had to design a training presentation for my fellow students that included PowerPoints, activities and real-world examples. Then, your classmates provide you with feedback, all of which I’ve kept and think back on whenever I get anxious about presentations.”

Between academic preparation and his professional development through the Society for Excellence in Human Resources student organization and the Kalamazoo Human Resource Management Association, Grindel feels ready for his next step—graduate school in human resources. While the nerves and doubts may still be there, he approaches the journey with an equal measure of self-confidence.

Navigating 51������ as a team

“As long as I know my destination, we can get there,” Grindel says. “I have taught Ziggy some things like finding the coffee cups in the Valley Dining Center.” 

The Seeing Eye trained him to be who he is as a guide dog. Despite the challenges of initially bonding during the COVID-19 pandemic when travel wasn’t as common, Ziggy and Grindel now operate as one, with Ziggy identifying obstacles so Grindel can have maximum independence. The biggest challenge tends to be people who do not know that a guide dog should never be distracted, as it can be a safety issue. “I assure everyone that he gets lots of love from me on and off the job. I’m incredibly grateful for him.”