News Summary
Grand Rapids Community College will host a lecture featuring Carlos Sanchez, focusing on how students can embrace discomfort to facilitate personal growth. Scheduled for October 23, the talk will encourage self-reflection and support systems in addressing academic and personal challenges. Sanchez, Executive Director of Casa Latina, emphasizes the importance of mentorship and self-care in managing pressures faced by students. The event will include a brunch before the lecture, with options for livestream attendance for those unable to join in person.
Grand Rapids, Michigan – Recognizing the challenges that students face in both academic and personal spaces, Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) will host a lecture by Carlos Sanchez on Thursday, October 23, as part of its Diversity Lecture Series. The theme of his talk, “Embrace the Uncomfortable,” will focus on addressing the discomfort that many students experience due to various pressures. The lecture is scheduled to take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in room 168 of the ATC Building, preceded by a brunch from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Carlos Sanchez serves as the Executive Director of Casa Latina at Davenport University, where he works to support the Latino community and promote cultural understanding. His lecture will delve into how students often feel overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations, a pressure exacerbated by media influencers. Sanchez encourages participants to engage in self-reflection, which he believes can help them avoid repeating past mistakes and facilitate personal growth.
The concept of “embracing discomfort” is central to Sanchez’s presentation. He will discuss how not all discomfort is harmful and how it can act as a catalyst for growth. For example, experiencing rejection in personal relationships or not receiving promotions at work can be seen as forms of healthy discomfort. In contrast, Sanchez will make a distinction between such experiences and those that cause actual harm.
Sanchez himself has a transformative personal journey. Originally from Mexico City, he moved to Grand Rapids in his mid-30s. He is a former student of GRCC and later earned his degree from Davenport University, in addition to a graduate degree from Kendall College of Arts and Design. His professional background includes serving as the Executive Director at the West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, as well as holding the interim Executive Director position at the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan.
In his lecture, Sanchez aims to underline the importance of seeking mentorship and creating robust support systems to navigate academic and personal challenges. He believes it is vital for students to utilize their voices to tackle social issues that affect their communities. By fostering an environment where they feel heard, students can take actionable steps toward addressing discomfort and adversity.
An integral part of Sanchez’s message emphasizes that merely working harder is not always a viable solution to discomfort. He stresses the importance of self-care and well-being as essential components of successfully managing life’s pressures.
Attendance at the lecture is encouraged, and individuals unable to join in person may have the option to livestream the event. Participants can RSVP in advance to secure their attendance.
As awareness of mental health and self-advocacy continues to grow, Sanchez’s talk at GRCC is poised to offer valuable insights into the challenges faced by students and will inspire them to embrace uncomfortable situations as opportunities for growth and learning.
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- Wikipedia: Mental Health
- The Collegiate Live: GRCC Foundation Scholarship Opportunities
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The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
