When Jaime Collick returned to college as an adult student, she did so with a clear purpose: to build a more stable future for herself and her children while pursuing work that reflects her creativity and leadership. With support from the Community Foundation through the Bert D. & Rose E. Wright Memorial Scholarship Fund and the High Priority Student and Life Needs program, Jaime is transforming determination into academic achievement.
Jaime’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and community support. A 2006 graduate of Carsonville Port Sanilac High School, she now calls Port Huron home, where she is raising her family while balancing parenting, work, and community involvement. Her educational journey highlights both the realities many adult learners face and the difference donor-supported scholarships can make in helping students persist and succeed.
Currently, Jaime is completing five associate degrees in general education, Arts, Business, Management, and Business Transfer, an accomplishment she will achieve in just two years. She plans to continue her education at Oakland University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in Theatre, focusing on costuming. Returning to college later in life was driven by her desire for personal growth and the need to create long-term stability for her family.
Balancing a full academic course load with family responsibilities has not been easy. Jaime has navigated long days, late nights, and the emotional weight of losing her husband, all while staying committed to her goals. Financial challenges from textbooks and supplies to transportation and household needs add additional stress, especially when work schedules must shift to accommodate classes.
“One thing I wish people understood is how much teamwork it takes to be an adult student with a family,” Jaime shared. “School becomes part of everyday life, woven in with work, parenting, and household responsibilities. Asking for help isn’t weakness, it’s part of growing, and education should build you up, not require you to struggle in silence.”
For Jaime, this journey is about more than earning degrees. It is about modeling perseverance for her children, building long‑term stability for her family, and continuing to give back through local theatre and community involvement while demonstrating that meaningful progress can happen at any stage of life.
Supporting students like Jaime requires more than determination alone; it takes a community willing to invest in their success. For more than 20 years, Sue Schmid has been an integral part of that effort through her work in donor relations at the Community Foundation. She plays a key role in connecting donors with students’ stories and sharing the real‑world impact of their generosity.
“Our donors are inspired by the determination of our students,” Schmid said. “Seeing them overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and build brighter futures makes every gift truly meaningful.”
Stories like Jaime’s are made possible because donors choose to invest in students who are working hard to transform their lives through education. If you would like to support students like Jaime by donating to the Community Foundation’s Life High Priority Needs Fund, visit stclairfoundation.org/give or contact Jackie Hanton at jackie@stclairfoundation.org.