Graduate Profile: The Business of Perseverance

Melissa Dykstra learned the importance of perseverance while attending Governors State University (GSU). Having dropped out the Bachelor of Arts in Business and Applied Science program before ultimately completing her degree and becoming a 2020 GSU graduate, she’s now looking forward to applying her newfound knowledge to the workplace. Dykstra encourages GSU students to complete their degrees not matter what life throws at them.

“The advice I would give to students at GSU is to take one semester at a time. I dropped out once and went back. It was by no means easy but completely worth it."

 GSU Newsroom: What brought you to GSU?

Dykstra: What brought me to GSU was, first the motivation to receive my bachelor’s degree. I actually went back to school to take some baking classes. It was a great way for me to ease back into the groove of school. When I was almost finished with that I decided I wanted to finish by earning my business degree. Even though it would be three more years, I knew it would fly by. I wanted to earn my degree to open the door to opportunities that I didn’t have at the time. I wanted to gain a strong knowledge of business that would lead me to a job that would help people.

My father and brother both received their business degrees from GSU. This was one of the main reasons why I choose GSU over other schools. I saw how my father and brother succeeded in their studies, and my brother is currently one of the directors of Service Sanitation––the company we both work for––and I wanted to follow in their footsteps.

GSU Newsroom: What are some of the highlights from your time at GSU?

Dykstra: Some of the main highlights at GSU were really the professors. Every single professor at GSU really loves their work. They were always ready to help whenever I needed them.

GSU Newsroom: Who were some of the professors who shaped your experience and your future?

Dykstra: One of my favorite professors at GSU was Dr. Tricia Kerns. Her class was by far my favorite. She was willing to stay after class for hours working with another student and I to understand production better. Thanks, Professor Kerns!

GSU Newsroom: What's next after graduation?

Dykstra: After graduation, my fiancé and I are planning to get married in July. I am excited to be done with college and to marry my best friend.

I have worked full time while working through my studies at GSU. I plan to continue my work and hopefully move forward into management. I hope to use the knowledge I have learned to create new business opportunities with the company and create a stronger sense of community in a business. Governors State taught me how important a sense of community is within a business.

GSU Newsroom: What advice would you give GSU students?

Dykstra: The advice I would give to students at GSU is to take one semester at a time. I dropped out once and went back. It was by no means easy but completely worth it.

Apply to the Business and Applied Science program today!  Or join us on June 3, 2020 for virtual Coffee with a Counselor to discuss admissions, programs, and more.