Molly OConnell: Calvin University (Tate Dorchak Scholarship)

Molly is heading into her junior year at Calvin University in the Life and Career Studies program, where she is focused on early childhood education. She is a two-time Rockin’ Recipient and is proud to be working toward her dream of becoming a preschool teacher. Her passion for helping young children has led her to a paid internship at Gilden Woods Preschool, where she assists in a three-year-old classroom and supports the after-school program. 

Before transferring to Calvin, Molly graduated from the AbleLight College program at Concordia University in Ann Arbor, Michigan, an experience she lovingly refers to as her “associate’s degree.” Now she’s continuing her path toward independence and higher education just like her twin sister, who is also attending a four-year college. 

Molly is fully immersed in campus life. She participates in choir, supports her school’s football and basketball teams, and plays on the unified basketball team. This year, she’s looking forward to learning more cooking skills through a class at the Adult Enrichment Center so she can move into an apartment her senior year. 

We are so proud of Molly for continuing to chase her dreams, grow her skills, and rock her journey in college and beyond!