By Shelbey Guarino, staff writer

“Don’t give up.  If you do, you will never realize your full potential.  The success is more meaningful because of the struggle.”  These are the words of advice from Nick Grabemeyer, new science teacher and implementer of Project Lead the Way.  He had a struggle of his own that led to his success.

When Grabemeyer was in high school he didn’t know he would become a high school teacher.  He was actually planning to go to a university to be a field biologist.  

Grabemeyer, now 38 years old, has attended several colleges in his lifetime.  Central Michigan University to acquire his Associate’s, Western Michigan University for his Bachelor’s, and Michigan Technological University for his Master’s degree.  Not all of them worked out for him.  Grabemeyer was a former college dropout, having gone to Central before and only lasting a month.  However, a year later he went to junior college and then on from there.

Before coming to Plainwell, Grabemeyer worked in the Kalamazoo Public School District for 12 years.  Switching to Plainwell was a good opportunity for him.

He said there were more classes that he enjoys, as well as Project Lead the Way.

This national curriculum is for kids who are interested in the biomedical field.

Arriving at Plainwell wasn’t a shock to Grabemeyer.  Being in the industry for so long has taught him that, “People are always nervous to start a new job. But, I can’t be anybody but me.”

There was really no actual pressure to fill the shoes of predecessor Sandy Breitenbach for he said, “Mrs. Breitenbach and I have completely different styles.”   

“The atmosphere here is different,” from Kalamazoo, Grabemeyer said.  Additionally, it is varying because he is teaching different classes than at his old job.

So far, Grabemeyer says his time here has been great.  He has enjoyed “how supportive the staff is to new people and how polite the student body is.”  

“I work really hard and spend a lot of time working at home and on the weekends,” he said. He especially works hard because it is what he expects his students to do.  

“Owning mistakes as well as triumphs” is an important aspect of integrity, he said.

On his days off, Grabemeyer really enjoys fishing, but will always be up for camping and hunting as well.  Furthermore, during the fall there is always the opportunity for him to go to the orchard and pumpkin patch with his kids.