“It’s a good, overwhelming feeling to be there for somebody.”

Beth Ann Grouell

Lake Washington Institute of Technology

In this episode, we hear from Beth Ann Grouell, a single mother and a devoted funeral-services student at the Lake Washington Institute of Technology. She explains why she’s always wanted to be a funeral director—and why her five-hour daily commute is worth it.

See the slide show: At a Funeral-Services Program, a Student Finds Her Calling

About this series: Say Something collects stories from college students about what they’re up to and why. Check for new episodes every three weeks. View more episodes.

Photo: Matthew Ryan Williams for The Chronicle  Music: Theme by John Gravois

“That was my Cinderella story.”

April Vance

Howard University

In this episode, we hear from April Vance, a senior at Howard University, who spent a decade in foster care as a child. She tells us how she ended up at Howard—and why she founded Advance Project, an organization that mentors foster children.

About this series: Say Something collects stories from college students about what they’re up to and why. Check for new episodes every three weeks. View more episodes.

Photo: Courtesy of April Vance  Music: Theme by John Gravois

“What we do is targeted toward making people smile.”

Alex Wilson

Northwestern University

In this episode, we hear from Alex Wilson, a senior at Northwestern University, who tells us why he co-founded a Happiness Club on his campus—and explains how the club goes about trying to spread joy.

About this series: Say Something collects stories from college students about what they’re up to and why. Check for new episodes every three weeks. View more episodes.

Photo: Courtesy of Alex Wilson  Music: Theme by John Gravois