Second chapters are a common phenomenon for people as they encounter challenges in life and changing priorities. That’s something April Dickerson knows a lot about. The 64-year-old Rochester Hills resident, who started down one educational path before encountering roadblocks that stalled her professional aspirations.
As the daughter of a woman who earned a master’s in social work while working for General Motors, Dickerson learned the power of a college degree and the value of compassion.
“She’s always instilled in all of her kids that education is an investment in you,” Dickerson said of her mother. “Whether you do anything with that degree or not, you have that knowledge, and that knowledge is powerful.”
Dickerson’s first choice for a degree that could lead to a job as a court reporter was sidetracked by life’s trials, ranging from motherhood to a devastating house fire and then taking on a caregiver role for her husband. By the time she got back on track, she knew that her chosen profession no longer fit her altruistic nature.
Dickerson’s easy-going nature allowed her to talk with anyone, often meeting as strangers and leaving as friends. In 2018, she turned to Oakland County for help determining what a job would look like that would incorporate that main personality trait. She met with Natalie Toma, program coordinator and counselor at the Oakland County Michigan Works! Troy office. They worked together to update her resume and secure a clothing voucher for interview attire, which helped her get her first role as an event specialist at Advantage Sales & Marketing. After a few years working as a professional caregiver, Dickerson began working for her current employer, textile company CF Stinson, as an order fulfillment specialist.
Through the collaboration between Oakland County Michigan Works! and Oakland80, Dickerson met Alex Chudzik, an Oakland80 navigator, in 2024. After looking at her work and education history, Chudzik saw that Dickerson was well on her way to earning a bachelor’s degree in communications through her pre-existing credits from court reporter training and her career experience.
They reviewed potential colleges and discovered that Rochester Christian University in Rochester Hills accepted the majority of her past school and “life” credits. She applied and was accepted soon after, but her laptop stopped working almost immediately. She feared another postponement in her education, but with the help of Chudzik and Oakland80, she was able to get a new laptop in time to start her first semester.
“April has shown incredible determination in continuing her education,” he said. “She brings thoughtfulness and commitment to every step of the process, and it’s been a privilege to work alongside her to help connect her with the technology and resources needed to succeed in her program.”
“So many places and people have helped me get here, and I’m grateful,” Dickerson said. “There are so many resources out here. This works. It happened for me, and it can happen for anyone.”
As for post-graduation, she is staying flexible on professional titles but knows that her life’s purpose is to share the message of love, togetherness and acceptance during these divisive times in the country.
“I want to use this degree to bridge the gap between people because we all have a lot more in common than differences,” Dickerson said.
For more information on Oakland80 and career and education resources, visit OakGov.com/Oakland80.
This article originally appeared in volume 6 of Oakland County’s newsletter for older adults, Encore. For more information and resources for older adults, please visit the Office of Older Adult Services website at OakGov.com/OlderAdults.
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