The difference one person can make, again and again

Collaboration within a community is not obligatory. No ordinance exists to mandate that people of different beliefs, backgrounds, and ages work together for the common good. 

And yet, there are some people in Mt. Pleasant whose love for their community transforms these differences from a barrier to a benefit. 

Holle Angellotti both observes and partakes in this transformation.

As the community outreach specialist for Mid Michigan College, Angellotti frequently interacts with a variety of stakeholders within the Mt. Pleasant community. Whether it’s recruiting non-traditional demographics for courses at Mid Michigan College, connecting with the community at public events, or partnering with local schools—Angellotti’s collaborative ethos strengthens the community around her. 

As a lifelong resident of the area, that’s exactly the role she wants to be in.

“When I first started [at Mid Michigan College], I was in a different program, and then the opportunity for this role came about,” says Angellotti, speaking on the evolution of her professional career. “My boss kind of pushed me because I think she knows I have a big love for my community. So now I get to go out and do stuff within the community.”

When engaging with the community, Angellotti doesn’t focus on one specific demographic or interest group, but instead she takes a holistic approach to collaboration, working with everyone from children to retirees. 

During the month of March, Angellotti was a key part of a Mid Michigan College initiative to read to over 1,600 students in local schools. 

“I worked with our athletic director to round up student athletes, then we’re going [to read at] all these schools,” she says. “You don’t know if these kids get read to at home or not, so I feel like going out and showing that Mid Michigan College cares, and that I care, is important.”

Angellotti also promotes learning and growth at the other end of the age spectrum, via her recruitment efforts for Mid Michigan College’s lifelong learning courses. The enrollment in those courses primarily consists of retirees, who, often with Angellotti’s encouragement, are able to learn new skills and refine existing ones. 

On the benefit to participants, she says, “A lot of them enjoy the classes; they like the instructors, and they like what they’ve learned. Some of them may even branch out and start their own business based on what they’ve learned.”

Angellotti’s involvement within the community has given her key insights into its character. 

“I think what makes a community a good place to live is when people work together to accomplish common goals,” she shares. 

On the Mt. Pleasant community’s tendency to do so, she says, “I feel like everyone is always willing to lend a helping hand, which is great, because when you go to bigger cities, it may be the opposite.”

Angellotti’s positive opinions about Mt. Pleasant are part of what she believes to be a greater sense of contentment with its progression. 

“My favorite part about [Mt. Pleasant] is people’s pride in it. I feel like a lot of people who live and work in this community are just overall proud of what it’s become,” she says. 

Angellotti’s role in the progression of the Mt. Pleasant community is evident in her personal life as well.

Angellotti coaches little league, sits on multiple local boards, and is active in the Mt. Pleasant Jaycees. Using personal time and resources to improve a community can be taxing, especially for someone like Angellotti, whose professional role parallels her personal efforts. 

For Angellotti, however, it’s all worth it as part of a greater collaborative effort. 

“To me, personally, it’s a ripple effect. Some people may not realize how big of a change something small can make. Just going out and helping, even if it’s the smallest thing, can make a big difference to a person,” she explains. “When people are happy and know there’s someone there for them, I think the community is a better place.”