Being a college student on its own can be challenging, but balancing working as a tutor, mentoring, teaching, student ambassador, honor society member, club supporter and Editor-in-Chief of the award winning college newspaper, can be an even greater difficulty. One hardworking student employee at Schoolcraft has shown to be all of these things and more and that is Kathryn Wenske.
On March 22, 2024 Wenske was awarded Schoolcraft College’s 2024 Student Employee of the Year honor, standing out among 16 nominated students of their own.
In February, a judging committee met to review each nomination letter sent in by individual department supervisors. Since being nominated, she will be put in the running for a higher honor as National or Midwestern Student Employee of the Year, according to Julie Hill, Career Services Director.
“Each year, the National Student Employment Association (NSEA) and Midwest Association of Student Employment Administrators (MASEA) recognize[s] Student Employees of the Year at both the national and regional levels. As part of this program, each year, Schoolcraft College submits at least one student employee nomination to be considered for that honor. This year, Kathryn (Kat) Wenske is Schoolcraft’s nominee”said Hill.
As Student Employee of the Year, two advisors, including Rena Laverty and Elizabeth Kenney, explained what made Wenske most unique in their nominations, including how she is both a good leader and a down-to-earth person. Kenney, coordinator for the Learning Center, highlights some of these qualities in her recommendation letter for Kat.
“With this packed resume of formal leadership experience, it is no surprise that Kat demonstrates exquisite leadership skills in work at the Learning Center. Kat has a wonderful ability to draw students and peers in and collaborate to accomplish a task. She is humble and hardworking. She is driven and diligent. All of these strengths contribute to her leadership abilities. In addition, Kat is able to “read the room, a conversation, and other interpersonal dynamics with precision. Likewise, she also has excellent self-awareness, knowing for example, when she needs to take a pause in order to be effective as a tutor. And, not only does she take note of these elements, but she responds accordingly. In her leadership, Kat displays patience and kindness in the face of adversity, using intelligence and wisdom to support others and herself,” said Kenny.
Schoolcraft Connection adviser, Rena Laverty, spoke of Wenske’s ability to mentor students as well.
“Kathryn has mentored and trained over 20 staff members, and two interns from Livonia Public Schools Career Center who are working with the Connection in a co-op program in the 23-24 academic year and has cultivated a network with faculty and staff in delivering the most up-to-date information on campus news and features. You can always find Kathryn working with her staff at any given time providing opportunities for those around her to grow and become more confident in their skill sets. She constantly has open discussions with her team on ideas so that everyone feels they have a voice,” said Laverty.
Wenske understands the importance of this awareness firsthand. She says that winning this award gave her a moment of reflection about her life.
“Since I have tunnel-vision in regards to my focus on tasks, I don’t often have as much time to reflect as I would like. This semester, being my last at Schoolcraft, has carried a theme of being in the moment and appreciating the people around me, advisors/mentors who helped me along the way, and seeing that my involvement has contributed in some way,” comments Wenske.
This dedication, time management, and maturity has shown up clearly in her work ethic, and likely contributed to her winning this award.
On April 19, Wenske received a plaque of recognition for her achievement at the annual Schoolcraft Staff Appreciation luncheon.
Wenske is graduating at the end of this 2024 winter semester and will be transferring to the University of Michigan to continue her studies this fall.
