GARLAND SWENOR

Bridesmaid

Garland is one of the more hilarious people you will ever meet. How much so, you ask? Nicole has a notes tab on her phone of Garland quotes just to look at when she is having a bad day. Garland is who many would call a “spit fire”. She stands up for what she believes in, and above all, she is genuinely and wholeheartedly authentic. This authenticity is what brought Nicole to take an interest in becoming friends with Garland in the first place. It was the first day for the “first years” in the Masters of Human Resources & Labor Relations program at Michigan State University. As you would typically expect, we were asked to go around the room and share some basic information about ourselves with the class, as well as a “fun fact” about ourselves. You can anticipate most answers. Traveling, running, listening to music; the usual. When we got to Garland, she simply and nonchalantly said, “I love to crack a cold beer and have it in hand while I mow a good lawn. Nothing better than to relax and unwind while mowing a lawn.” Nicole knew from this moment forward that Garland was someone she wanted to get to know. Someone unique and authentic. Nicole considers herself lucky to learn from Garland’s authenticity. When you work in Human Resources, you want to surround yourself with strong people leaders who you can lean on and learn from. Garland is beloved by those she leads, and all the people in her life. A real life “HR Icon” as Nicole likes to call her. She is going far, and her heart is in just the right place to be a leader that employees adore and trust. Garland’s hometown is Harbor Springs, Michigan (not too far from Traverse City!). In Harbor Springs, she worked at The Pier Restaurant as well as Boyne Highlands Resort to help pay for undergrad. This is something Nicole and Garland have in common; roots in the service industry (the Northern Michigan service industry to be exact). Garland received her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University in Social Relations & Policy, graduating near the top of her class at Michigan State University’s James Madison College. She went on to complete her masters degree in Human Resources & Labor Relations from the College of Social Science at Michigan State University (again, top of her class, and in school the same time as Nicole!). Garland currently works in Detroit, Michigan as an Human Resources Specialist for Lear Corporation. She will soon be taking on her second developmental rotation with Lear in Montgomery, Alabama. Garland “bleeds green” as they say, being a Double Spartan. She loves spending time outdoors whenever she can; enjoying camping and hitting the beach. Garland loves to spend quality time with her friends & family as well as go to concerts when she has the opportunity. Fun Fact: Garland is 1 of 5, and she is also a triplet! She has one identical twin and one fraternal twin. Nicole thinks she can finally tell Garland and her identical twin, Ayriss, apart…sometimes. Garland is staunchly loyal, creative, extremely intelligent, admirably hard working, endlessly kind, and an advocate for herself and those around her. She prioritizes quality time, and would rather make you a drink at her house than go out for drinks at the bar. Nicole is so thankful to have Garland in her life to make her laugh and lend an understanding, judgement-free ear whenever asked. Nicole is honored to have Garland standing by her side on the big day.

Fun Fact: Nicole would go to Garland’s apartment for the entire day on Wednesdays during their masters program. They would get homework done, sometimes go out for lunch, and just enjoy each other's company. Garland was so kind to invite Nicole into her space each and every week, as Nicole was living in Grand Rapids at the time. Thanks for the hospitality! xoxo

Song: “HOT TO GO!” - Chappell Roan