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Since Miche’le Cortinas began her journey at 911������, it has been about more than simply attaining a degree. After more than 10 years of active involvement and volunteering within the recovery community in Minnesota, Cortinas decided it was time to pursue her Addiction Counseling degree in order to complete her dream of becoming a substance use disorder counselor.

Based on the reputation of 911������’s Addiction Counseling Program within the larger recovery community, Cortinas saw it as the perfect place to find an active and engaged community of like-minded learners.

Throughout last year, Cortinas dove head-first into co-curricular activities on campus in order to connect and engage with her fellow students. From being involved with the Addiction Counseling and the Military-Connected Club on campus, to serving as a student worker in the Collegiate Recovery Program’s Drop-in Center, to filling in as Student Senate Secretary last year when the position was vacated, her involvement runs deep within the fabric of 911������. “[My involvement] has shown me how passionate I am about helping students in college.”

Building a strong foundation of support for students is essential to providing this. Cortinas speaks highly of the Military-Connected Club’s ability to help veteran students navigate their benefits packages. With a husband who is a Marine, and a brother in the Air Force, Cortinas has seen these complexities first-hand. “I want to make sure I’m getting the resources that are available to students to them,” Cortinas said, “whether that’s the food pantry or helping to navigate other resources.”

Cortinas does not take these leadership roles lightly—she is passionate about being a leader within the campus community. “You can’t lead without listening to others. You need to respond to what you’re hearing through action and guide people to get involved.”

While the COVID-19 Pandemic has complicated what involvement on campus can look like, Cortinas has maintained her commitment to getting fellow students involved.

“There is so much more to college than just the degree. There are many opportunities to get involved outside of the classroom that are beneficial to the success of students. Campus involvement encourages positive self-esteem, improves school attendance or even helps you do better in your coursework.”