Western Illinois University is filled with many talented students. Granted, not all college students know what path they want to take in life, but some definitely do. Recently, I spoke with three Western students who have already set and reached a professional goal and are now sharing their talents in the Macomb community.
WIU students Lauren Krohe, Kimmie Nott, and Kolette Herndon have embarked on a journey to open and manage a dance studio in Macomb…and they are doing just that. Their dance studio is called Project Dance Company. The young women took over the studio from the previous owner when she decided she did not want to run the studio anymore. The girls jumped at the opportunity because they all took lessons at the studio when they were children.
A short conversation with them and I learned that business is thriving! Many children come from Macomb and the surrounding areas to take dance lessons. These children are receiving quality dance lessons from women who, as you can read, are working hard both inside and outside of the classroom.
“We’ve been doing this since high school,” Krohe stated. Krohe, Nott and Herndon, a previous RockeNetwork blogger, have been friends since long before their days at WIU. Each said that dance has been an essential part their lives since they were young children. The women divide up the duties of the studio; Herndon choreographs and Krohe and Nott manage the studio. “I work for them (Krohe and Nott),” she joked.
Running this dance studio not only gives these three Western students real world experience, but it also gives them an avenue to touch the lives of the children they are teaching. WIU student by day and dance teacher at night, this is definitely a unique experience for these students. They said it takes a special type of person to get this particular job done.
This is a great example of young adults in college with ambition. Just like these women, many Western Illinois University students demonstrate a sense focus that is beneficial at WIU and beyond. They are learning lessons in the classroom and taking that information into the professional world, even during their time on campus. WIU always encourages students to interact with the community and that’s exactly what these students are demonstrating. I’d be interested in hearing how you interacted with the Macomb community outside of the classroom when you were a student. Comment below!
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