Scholar Highlight-James Rocco
By Leasia Posey
Sometimes a career path doesn’t feel like a choice; it feels like it was always there, quietly waiting to be seen. For James Rocco, an upcoming junior at Michigan State University, that’s exactly how his education journey unfolded.
Raised in a family deeply rooted in Kalamazoo Public Schools, James grew up watching the impact of education firsthand. His mother, a dedicated teacher, and his father, who transitioned from classroom teacher to principal at Woodward Elementary, set an early example. The potential was always present, but James wasn’t convinced it was for him. He knew he wanted to help others, and he just wasn’t sure that education was the way to do it.
As graduation neared, James started to reflect more seriously on his future. Understanding the gift of The Kalamazoo Promise, he entered college with curiosity and an open mind. Entering MSU as “Undecided,” James allowed himself the freedom to explore classes, organizations, and possibilities. Education was still off his radar, but only for a while.
The more he explored, the more familiar pieces started to fall into place. Watching his father lead with integrity and purpose, and recalling the enthusiasm and passion that his mother brought to work every day, James began to recognize something stirring in himself: a passion for education. Slowly but surely, he stopped resisting the idea and started shaping it on his terms. "I considered business school at Michigan State, but it didn’t feel right. Didn’t feel like I belonged there, but knew I belonged in education. That’s what drew me out of business and into education."
Today, James is defining what education means to him, but as a calling uniquely his own.
As James stepped into his post-secondary journey at Michigan State University, he quickly realized he wasn’t alone in navigating the challenges of college life. With that awareness and a deep connection to his Kalamazoo roots, he became motivated to create something that would make the transition easier for others like him.
His development didn’t happen in isolation. James brought with him lessons from his time in Link Crew, the National Honor Society, and other leadership initiatives that shaped his ability to mentor, collaborate, and create welcoming spaces. These experiences helped him understand the systems that support students and the importance of peer connection.
James and his parents
James took on a leadership role as Program Coordinator on the Kalamazoo Promise Scholars Executive Board at MSU, a student-led organization committed to supporting Promise Scholars through their college journey. His mission extended beyond academic success; it was about building community, fostering confidence, and creating experiences that encouraged students to grow, not just for their careers, but for themselves and each other.
“I would say close friends and peer relationships helped me the most,” James shared. “Not sure ‘mentor’ is the right word. We got through it together—friends from high school, my girlfriend, people in the dorms. We were all figuring it out. Peer relationships helped more than an adult mentor.”
As Program Coordinator, James helped design and lead initiatives focused on outreach, student engagement, and retention, and collaborated with fellow Promise Scholars to strengthen community and support. In the process, he developed key skills in event planning, strategic thinking, organizational management, and communication, turning the experience into a real-world training ground for leadership rooted in empathy and impact. Simultaneously, Michigan State’s diverse environment, which housed over 50,000 undergraduates and 1,000 freshmen in his dorm alone, really exposed him to students from a wide range of racial, economic, and political backgrounds, fundamentally shaping his perspective on inclusion, connection, and the value of diverse experiences in personal and professional growth.
Through these interactions, James learned to listen, engage, and respect perspectives different from his own. He began to value the lessons that come not from lectures, but from real conversations with real people.
His commitment to education and community deepened during his summer internship with The Kalamazoo Promise, where he worked on community relations, events, and outreach to merge his MSU experience with his hometown roots. This coming school year, he plans to help grow the Promise Scholars organization to reach between 200 and 300 students while also beginning his student teaching placement in Lansing.
Though James initially resisted following in his family's footsteps, growing up surrounded by educators inevitably shaped how he saw the world. He often described himself as “running from” becoming a teacher, wanting to carve his way outside the shadow of a career that had defined his household.
"Well, as an education major (though initially hesitant due to family), realizing a passion for working with kids and communication led to this path. The view of education shifted to empowering students to pursue their interests."
But over time, that resistance gave way to reflection. His travels to places like Central America and the Caribbean opened his eyes to stark global disparities in education, where schools in places like Costa Rica and Puerto Rico often lack necessities like air conditioning, updated materials, or adequate funding. Despite those limitations, he was moved by the resilience of students who showed up to learn each day. This exposure not only deepened his appreciation for the educational resources but also gave him a broader and more nuanced understanding of the global education landscape.
These experiences gradually shifted his perspective: education was no longer just a family legacy; it became a platform for empowerment, equity, and meaningful impact. Now fully embracing his path as an education major, James sees teaching as an opportunity to help students pursue their interests, challenge systemic gaps, and grow into their fullest potential.
His journey through college wasn’t without setbacks as he faced rejection from job opportunities and programs that challenged his confidence, a contrast from his smoother high school experience as a varsity athlete and honor student.
"I challenged myself to apply for jobs and things that were a stretch, knowing I might be rejected, which happened more than ever before. College was different; others had more extracurriculars and better GPAs. Being told no was an awakening, helping me navigate job and program rejections."
Those moments of “no” became some of his greatest teachers, building resilience and helping him discover that leadership isn’t about avoiding failure, yet it’s about growing through it.
In the end, James leaves readers with an important reminder: embrace the true purpose of personal and community growth by being open to exploration. “Try everything,” he says. Rejection is part of the process; it's normal! It only takes one yes to move forward. Discovering what you enjoy is valuable, but so is learning what you don’t. If you hate football games, that’s okay, you’re not missing out. If you love them, go all in. Explore plays, art shows, and concerts! Do whatever sparks your curiosity. Along the way, you’ll not only find what excites you, but you’ll also find your people.
Know a scholar whose story should be shared? Contact gmartinez@kalamazoopromise.com for more information
