Jadyn Schroeder found her people and her career at HFC
After taking two architecture and construction classes taught by HFC Building Sciences Chair Chad Richert, Jadyn Schroeder knew what she wanted to do with the rest of her life.
“I had already taken some classes that contributed toward my liberal arts degree, so I figured I might as well get the best of both departments while I'm here,” said Schroeder, of Lincoln Park. “I came here with no clue of what I wanted to pursue, and I'm leaving with a whole realm of possibilities and beautiful connections that I will carry with me. I've learned so much about myself here, and I encourage anybody who is unsure about their path to give HFC a try. Take a few classes, find your people and your niche, and see what unfolds!”
Schroeder came to HFC with a plan to take her general education classes and earn her associate degree. What she didn’t anticipate was finding her passion so quickly.
“I had signed up for Construction Systems 1, knowing that hands-on learning was totally up my alley and assuming I'd gain a couple of life skills,” she recalled. “Right away I was having the time of my life figuring out how to piece things together and learning how the most basic components of a home were constructed. I found myself expressing my passion to Chad not long after class began. He encouraged me to give the program a try. I started realigning my course plan, and I was hooked!”
“Dodging 100 flying deadlines at once”
The eldest of five, the lifelong Downriver resident graduated from Roosevelt High School in Wyandotte. In May 2025, she graduated from HFC, earning her associate degree in liberal arts. She is earning a second associate degree from HFC in architecture and construction. She plans to transfer to the University of Detroit Mercy, where she’ll finish her bachelor's degree.
Schroeder works in the service department at Gerotech, Inc., an affiliate of Haas Automation, in Flat Rock. The courses she’s taken at the College have given her a broad base of skills.
“I even took a developmental course that helped me organize my goals and come up with actionable steps to reach them. My instructors have always been happy to help, offer guidance, or just listen when I had questions. And trust me, I've had many,” she said. “HFC has helped me learn some serious time management skills. Taking several classes while working has proven to be a juggling act, but it’s taught me a lot about discipline and structure. I feel more prepared for anything life might throw my way, even if that means dodging 100 flying deadlines at once.”
Influential teachers bring out students’ best
The best part of Schroeder’s experience at HFC has been the faculty, including Richert and HFC architecture and construction instructor Luke Wojewuczki.
“Chad has been the most influential teacher I’ve had. Every semester, he finds new ways to better engage his students. He’s so passionate about creating an enriching learning environment and giving us applicable skills to carry into our careers. Between the creativity he inspires, the encouraging energy he brings to the department, and the work he puts into making sure we have the space and materials we need to succeed, he’s been an incredible guide,” she said. “I’ve also really enjoyed taking classes with Luke. He is absolutely outstanding at what he does and intentional about making sure students truly understand the material. He strikes the perfect balance between setting deadlines and understanding that life happens, which has helped me get a better handle on my tendency to procrastinate. Luke is a stand-up guy with a realistic, grounded approach to teaching that students can appreciate. I thank both of them for providing such important steppingstones into my future.”
Richert has seen Schroeder grow beyond her own expectations.
“Jadyn does amazing work and has participated in our module design challenge this past winter,” said Richert. “She will be one of two teachers running a summer camp in July at HFC. The camp is for middle school students who want to be exposed to architecture and construction. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and these young students are lucky to be working with her.”
Schroeder sees her career as a call to service.
“It’s to be happy and stay balanced with my daily workload, create something beautiful, and make as many people smile along the way as I possibly can,” said Schroeder. “I want to make a difference in this world. Whether that’s designing a building that changes the way people feel in spaces or creating something that helps improve lives and and communities – no matter how small the steps I need to take to get there.”