Turning a Job Into a Journey.
After completing high school in 2014 from Manistique Area Schools, I made the decision to leave my hometown to pursue college five hours away. I enrolled in Baker College, located in Lower Michigan, earning my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting. During my final semester of college, I decided to move back to my hometown of Manistique and finish my last semester online. Recognizing a need for a part-time job while completing my degree, I applied at Limestone FCU as a part-time Accounting Clerk in hopes of gaining experience in my field of study. Initially, my mindset was geared toward completing my classes and moving to a larger city, assuming any job I took would be temporary.
Fast forward eight years—what began as a temporary, part-time job has evolved into a long-term commitment fueled by personal growth, professional development, and meaningful relationships I’ve built with both our members and staff. From supporting local organizations to focusing on youth and member financial education, the credit union truly makes a difference.
As I begin my third and final year of Credit Union Management School, this opportunity has allowed me to network with other credit union professionals across the country, all sharing the same goal: to make a difference in the credit union industry. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and I am proud to be part of an organization that empowers its members and strengthens the community we all call home.
-Leah Cook, Executive Assistant
