Do you ever feel like what you’re learning at school doesn’t apply to “real life”? Well this is one story that will give you a different perspective.

Susan Michel was cleaning in the girl’s dorm when she got a call that would change her life. Radio station KTSY-FM, located on the campus of Gem State Adventist Academy (GSAA), was raising funds for expansion. Walking into the station immediately swept her into the whirlwind of activity that is part of any fund-raising event. She was greeted by the sounds of phones ringing, volunteers taking pledges and radio hosts broadcasting in a cacophony of confusion. Before she knew it, she was taking pledges over the phone. It was not only exciting but also addicting. When it was time for her to go home several hours later, Susan asked her mom if she could stay and skip supper, and, no, she wasn’t hungry!

Susan’s tenacity left an impression on the office manager, and she was selected to work for the station in August 2000. Susan was part of GSAA’s “Real Life Work Program” that trains students for life in the real world. Students work at a variety of jobs on and off campus several hours each day, gaining skills that, together with their education, give them an edge in real life.

Her freshman, sophomore and junior years, Susan worked in the office where she participated in fund-raisers, events, promotions, basic office work and some accounting. During her junior year, with a desire to master new skills, she talked to the assistant program director about working in audio production and was hired. Susan starts her senior year at the academy this fall and will continue to learn skills that will take her places in the real world while growing academically, spiritually and socially.