Macomb transfer student plunges into second career
Friday, April 04, 2025 12:00 AM
Kandace Costanza realized that while she can't stop time or life's changes, she can choose how to use her time. This insight drove her to pursue higher education, leading her to transfer to Wayne State University (WSU) with an Associate of Science degree from Macomb.
Diving into a new career
Kandace had a lifelong interest in helping animals, a passion further fueled by her work as a vet tech at a local veterinary clinic. Although her work at the clinic was rewarding, Kandance wanted to make a splash in a different animal-related field.
Kandace has a goal of becoming a marine biologist, a passion she discovered in childhood while growing up in Tennessee. She loved the ocean, diving and swimming with large animals. She’s also interested in ocean conservation. Although it seems like an unusual path for someone studying at a Michigan-based college, Kandance found support at Macomb.
As an older college student in her 30s, initially, Kandance said she doubted her abilities and felt out of place. However, due to Macomb’s supportive faculty, Kandance received a boost in her confidence. She knew she could succeed due to that support, she said.
She found further support as a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Macomb’s Honor Society. There, she served two terms as an officer, working on projects that made a difference.
“The student body at Macomb is incredibly kind and encouraging. I made many friends and gained the confidence and drive needed to transition to a four-year institution,” she said.
The University Center offers the chance to earn a bachelor’s degree at Macomb
Living close to Macomb, Kandace discovered it was an excellent place for individuals with diverse learning situations. As an adult learner with two kids, she needed a supportive environment.
Macomb's strong sense of community made it the perfect choice, especially before starting at a larger institution like WSU, where she will study Animal Science at Macomb’s University Center (UC). "This will give me the foundation and the footing that I need,” she said.
For Kandace, the UC offers WSU classes taught by WSU professors, but they are held at Macomb. This arrangement allowed Kandace to stay on campus and take classes, providing the flexibility needed as a mother and student. “The ability to stay on campus at Macomb is a significant help,” she said.
Ready to make a splash at WSU
Kandace graduated from Macomb in December of 2024 and will start at the UC in the fall of 2025. Although she’s well-prepared and excited to learn at WSU, she said she will be grateful for the foundation she built at Macomb.
“Coming here has given me so much confidence. I’ve made lifelong friends,” she said.
To learn more about the transfer options available through Macomb, please visit our transfer student webpage.
Diving into a new career
Kandace had a lifelong interest in helping animals, a passion further fueled by her work as a vet tech at a local veterinary clinic. Although her work at the clinic was rewarding, Kandance wanted to make a splash in a different animal-related field.
Kandace has a goal of becoming a marine biologist, a passion she discovered in childhood while growing up in Tennessee. She loved the ocean, diving and swimming with large animals. She’s also interested in ocean conservation. Although it seems like an unusual path for someone studying at a Michigan-based college, Kandance found support at Macomb.
As an older college student in her 30s, initially, Kandance said she doubted her abilities and felt out of place. However, due to Macomb’s supportive faculty, Kandance received a boost in her confidence. She knew she could succeed due to that support, she said.
She found further support as a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Macomb’s Honor Society. There, she served two terms as an officer, working on projects that made a difference.
“The student body at Macomb is incredibly kind and encouraging. I made many friends and gained the confidence and drive needed to transition to a four-year institution,” she said.
The University Center offers the chance to earn a bachelor’s degree at Macomb
Living close to Macomb, Kandace discovered it was an excellent place for individuals with diverse learning situations. As an adult learner with two kids, she needed a supportive environment.
Macomb's strong sense of community made it the perfect choice, especially before starting at a larger institution like WSU, where she will study Animal Science at Macomb’s University Center (UC). "This will give me the foundation and the footing that I need,” she said.
For Kandace, the UC offers WSU classes taught by WSU professors, but they are held at Macomb. This arrangement allowed Kandace to stay on campus and take classes, providing the flexibility needed as a mother and student. “The ability to stay on campus at Macomb is a significant help,” she said.
Ready to make a splash at WSU
Kandace graduated from Macomb in December of 2024 and will start at the UC in the fall of 2025. Although she’s well-prepared and excited to learn at WSU, she said she will be grateful for the foundation she built at Macomb.
“Coming here has given me so much confidence. I’ve made lifelong friends,” she said.
To learn more about the transfer options available through Macomb, please visit our transfer student webpage.