After 20 years working on the line at the General Motors Flint Assembly plant, TaShanda Arthur knew it was time for a change. Injuries from repetitive work made the decision clearer, but her heart had already been pulling her in a different direction—toward the children she worked with at her church.
In 2018, Arthur began her higher education journey, first earning an associate degree at Mott Community College before transferring to the University of Michigan-Flint for her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education with a minor in psychology. She graduated with honors in December 2025, ready to pursue her dream of partnering with the union at GM to open a childcare facility that will support GM employees and their families.
“There’s not a ton of money to be made in education, but I have the heart and patience,” she said. “I get joy out of it. Children will be honest with you! It’s new for you every day, versus working on the line at the plant.”
The psychology minor, recommended by her advisor, brought unexpected depth to her education. “It brought more insight into the families I’ll be serving,” she explained. “Being out in the world without your own biases toward different families, being flexible and open to change and new ideas—that’s a valuable asset.”
One faculty member left a particularly lasting impression. Professor of Education Aviva Dorfman’s course on play transformed TaShanda’s understanding of early childhood education.
“I felt so weird playing outside at first,” Arthur laughed. “But it was a really good experience being a kid again. I thought, ‘I’m going to college to do this!’ When I started working in the Early Childhood Development Center at UM-Flint, I reflected on that class and remembered what I learned. It allows you to reconnect and live in freedom, be a kid at heart again, live in the moment.”
Dorfman recognized TaShanda’s distinctive approach to learning. “In her way, as a thorough, thoughtful and discerning developing education professional, TaShanda captured the essence of the course in just a few choice words when she wrote in her theory of play: ‘My motto that I would like to adopt is work hard but play harder, meaning let’s make sure we learn and develop the foundations of education while enjoying the fundamental aspects of play.’”
TaShanda’s UM-Flint experience extended beyond the classroom. As treasurer for Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology, she found pride in meeting high standards while giving back to the community.
“Being part of such a prestigious organization that has standards you have to meet, getting out in the community and doing volunteer work—it was so rewarding,” she said. Events like Inclusive Halloween particularly moved her. “I saw so many different giggles, not limited to any age group. I really appreciated it. I would do it again, making sure people of all abilities feel as accepted and supported as possible.”
In fall 2025, TaShanda participated in Wreaths Across America for the first time, an experience that held profound personal meaning. Her husband, a U.S. Army veteran who served for seven years, passed away in September. TaShanda placed a wreath on his grave, honoring his service while navigating an incredibly difficult final semester.
Despite the trying circumstances, TaShanda persevered, completing her degree with honors—a testament to her resilience and determination.
For those considering UM-Flint, especially non-traditional students who’ve been away from education, TaShanda offers encouragement from experience.
“I had been out of school for some time and was intimidated by doing classes online. I thought, ‘I’m going to be the mother or grandmother of the class!’” she recalled. “But I was so happy I did it. The professors keep it relevant and engaging, whether online, in person or hybrid. You can hear everyone else’s perspective. The books they choose for courses are interesting and share new perspectives.”
She particularly appreciated how the course materials connected to real experiences. Dorfman assigned “The Girl with the Brown Crayon,” which TaShanda found deeply relatable. “I could see how people are shaped by their experiences,” she said.
“It’s important to keep enlarging your territory. Go to school for the passion, for the drive within. And give a hand back—help someone else.” TaShanda has already started doing just that, mentoring other psychology students and offering guidance from her own journey.
Now, as she continues her job at GM and works toward opening her childcare facility in the Flint area, TaShanda carries forward the lessons she learned—about play, about resilience, about meeting challenges with grace, and about following your heart no matter what stage of life you’re in.
