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Fri, 07/25/2025 - 21:36

Communications senior Bryanna Worthy, who traveled to France for a 2025 Study Abroad program, shares what it was like to explore a country that she's always wanted to see.

In spring 2025, UM-Dearborn students — including Bryanna Worthy, third from right — experienced France through a Study Abroad excursion.

News

The not-so-ordinary story of a CASL transfer student

jpow — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:36:23 +0000

The not-so-ordinary story of a CASL transfer student jpow Wed, 02/05/2025 - 10:36

Blog Post Written by Bryanna Worthy

That day was strange. No one came to school except me and a few close friends. The image of running through the empty halls is clear in my mind. We were all clueless and had no idea what was happening. The government had announced that we were going into a pandemic and that, for a short period of time, the schools would be closed. At first, I was optimistic about having some time away from classes, but I was entirely wrong. After that day in March, running through the halls of a seemingly abandoned school, I didn’t realize it would be my last time there.

The first year of the pandemic was difficult. In addition to a general uncertainty about what would happen, my grades took a massive hit. I had begun my freshman year of college, and by the end of my first semester, my overall GPA was low. I mean really low. My motivation was gone.

When I began my sophomore year it was quite the journey. The lockdown had been lifted and I was back in a physical classroom after almost two years at home. While I was excited to have in-person classes again, it didn’t feel like a real experience. People were spaced out and wearing masks, and the lack of human connection made me feel distant.

However, it was during my junior year that everything changed. It was a few months after my mom had a heart attack and a year after going back to in-person classes. My mom’s health scare was an event that shook me and put a lot into perspective. No longer would I sit in the passenger seat. That’s when I decided to make a change.

I transferred from my local community college to the ÿ�մ��. As I entered the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters auditorium, I was amazed at the very thought of me making it here. As the weeks flew by, I met so many amazing people who would change my life forever. I met Teaching Professor Jerilyn Mannion who encouraged me to get involved in the French department. I also met Associate Professor Margaret Murray who helped me transition into becoming a public relations student and later find employment as a Language, Culture, and the Arts Student Ambassador.

I remember the first time I visited the French Club. The experience I had was amazing and enlightening. I was so fortunate to have met Professor Mannion, who helped me realize that I still had a passion for the language. She also helped me receive a minor in French studies. Never would I have imagined that after a few months working alongside Professor Mannion — and previous French Club President Jay Cormier — it would lead me to the position I’m in now.

Later that year, I won multiple awards. My grade point average improved — a lot. I made it onto the French Honors Convocation list and the Dean's List, and it's all because of the chance I took here at the ÿ�մ�� (with the encouragement of my family). I elevated myself by going after my dreams, and the vast resources available here at the university helped me do so.

Even though I started as a not-so-motivated college student in the middle of a pandemic, I was fortunate enough to have such a great supportive system that led me to where I am today. I’ve found that, in the face of adversity, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s just waiting for you to make that first step.

Majors & Careers

Understanding College Admissions

Transfer Students

Wed, 02/05/2025 - 15:36

CASL transfer student Bryanna Worthy documents her journey from an unmotivated first-year student in the midst of a pandemic to a thriving senior who has made her way on the Dean's list and is leading multiple organizations on campus.

Reflecting on my time at UM-Dearborn

jpow — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 14:42:00 +0000

Reflecting on my time at UM-Dearborn jpow Thu, 06/08/2023 - 10:42

Blog written by Rudra Mehta

I barely knew anyone when I arrived here from India in August 2021 to prepare for the first semester of my master’s program in Automotive Systems Engineering. Leaving my family and friends behind and moving to a new country to study and grow was practically restarting my life from scratch. I did have the support of my family and loved ones that kept me going, and I am fortunate enough to have had it from day one.

To my fellow international students: I commend your bravery and resolve to move so far away from home and be determined to grow your career exactly the way you want. I also commend your faith that you can create a home wherever you go.

To incoming international students: I want to tell you that it gets easier with time. I still remember spending my first week or so understanding just how “cheap” or “expensive” things are based on dollar amounts and using my absolute willpower not to convert currencies. Pro tip: Don’t convert dollars to your money. Ever. The sooner you start living like an American, at least in my opinion, the easier it will be to integrate yourself into the American culture and way of life. As long as your focus is clear, the results will show in whatever you pursue — even simple things like grocery shopping, figuring out utilities and getting around town to explore.

With every new experience, you learn and grow more confident — which makes you want to learn and explore more. One of my favorite memories was taking a road trip with friends where we covered six states in just a week. I also went to Mackinac Island and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Both were very beautiful. I’m also proud to have earned the (M)Talent honor, maintaining a high GPA and landing a job in the automotive industry where I’m working on driver assistance systems and autonomous vehicles.

To all students: Even though there’s stress from exams and projects, you will fondly reflect on the fun instances in your story when you look back. I would change nothing if I had to go back and redo my chapter here in Dearborn, from living here to studying, to the classes I took, the friends I made and the opportunities I dove headfirst into. I didn’t know what the outcome would be — I was in it for the experience. Everything you decide to partake in is worth the effort. You can only gain as much from your student experience as the effort you put into it.

UM-Dearborn has something for everyone. You need only try to find what resonates with you, be it clubs, organizations, academic and cultural programs, research opportunities and more. UM-Dearborn truly provides the potential to make your journey here unique.

This rollercoaster ride has been nothing short of an exhilarating one. I got jobs in the U.S., first on campus and then in the “real world.” And I collaborated and worked on a dozen projects and research over two years, trying out different programs to help me prepare for my career and more. As I leave my school behind, I remind myself that I am and will be a lifelong Wolverine.

To my friends, professors and staff: You’ve made a difference in my life. I bid adieu for now, but it will never be a goodbye. There will always be a “see you next time.” Go Blue! Go Dearborn!

Graduate Students

Thu, 06/08/2023 - 14:42

Class of 2023 graduate Rudra Mehta, a Reporter editorial assistant, reflects on his experiences that he gained as an international student and Dearborn Wolverine.

Blog written by Madelyn Gatteri

Being a first-generation college student: What no one tells you

jpow — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 14:14:40 +0000

Being a first-generation college student: What no one tells you jpow Mon, 04/10/2023 - 10:14

I have never felt like the term “first-generation student” could apply to me. I come from a family of six, with two older sisters who attended college and a mother with an associate’s degree. Thanks to them I’ve always been aware of the mechanics of college to some level. Each one walked me through some step in my journey, from applying to navigating my first semester to getting through finals week with my sanity intact. Their advice was invaluable during my first year or two, but none of them made it the full four years.

So far, I’m the only one to make it more than two years through college. It is here where my path diverges, away from my mom and my sisters, and where I have to venture out on my own to navigate the latter half of college. Each day, each week, and each semester, I learn something new about college life that I never would have thought of on my own.

On top of being a first-generation student, I am also a transfer student. I began college in 2020 at Henry Ford College (HFC) and transferred to UM-Dearborn in the Fall of 2022. In my experience, community college was like high school with a few extra steps. The goal was to finish your classes rather than to set up your future. I navigated the registration and transfer processes myself — it was easy enough to handle on my own. It wasn’t until my first semester at UM-Dearborn, where I heard my professors express the importance of internships and the inevitable reality of getting a job that I realized I was in desperate need of advice.

See, getting in is the easy part. You’re fresh out of high school, and you get to explore the things you're passionate about to see if they fit your desired career. But, I had no clue what I wanted to do. Fortunately, there are many useful resources, like the CASL Internship Office and the Office of Career Services, that have helped me better envision my future. In fact, taking a test offered through Career Services on recommendation from my advisor introduced me to the prospect of a career in communications and public relations.

It’s at UM-Dearborn that I have been able to fully explore my options as an English major, with minors and programs such as teaching, communications, or public relations. I had no idea that public relations was its own program until I spoke with my advisor. But this is when the idea of being a first-generation student makes more sense — I have no familial guidance through these last years of school. Nobody whose footsteps I’m following in. It’s up to me to navigate it alone, with the (much appreciated) help of my advisors and career planners, of course. I’ve always been stubborn and independent, but if my advisors are willing to guide me through my final years, I won’t complain.

The emotional rollercoaster no one talks about

I, like many first-generation students, am working to put myself through school. This means that my time and opportunities are limited. All I know is working to make a living. My parents had me get a job the second I quit my extracurriculars in high school, so I’ve been working since I was fifteen. The importance of a steady income has been drilled into my head repeatedly. I’m constantly juggling assignments on top of long shifts and home obligations. For a while, I often put my job over my classes, but my supervisor picked up on it and told me to rethink my priorities. Without him, I’d be much worse off. Regardless, my mental health took a sharp decline. I didn’t expect the lack of passion for my hobbies to impact my already struggling motivation to do well in my classes. I’ve always been an A student. I did my work well in high school, and a missing assignment caused me anxiety. But at some point between beginning my college journey and where I am now, I stopped caring. I started to watch my performance falter and my grades drop below what I initially expected of myself.

To deal with this, I had to sit down and try to remember what it is I want and why I want it. From a young age, I’ve been described as incredibly driven. The goals I set for myself are the driving factor that gets me through my life. But I’ll be honest, my life has been easy. Going through college has been the hardest thing I’ve ever decided to do. It pushes me to my limits and forces me to go against the grain. I doubt I’m alone in the fact that I sometimes wonder if the degree is worth it. If it’s worth the stress, confusion, panic, and debt. As I stare at countless papers and assignments piling up, papers I have little motivation to do, making a living as a salesperson or a receptionist sounds pretty darn nice. I think these are questions a lot of first-generation students ask themselves.

I’ve come too far, though. I’m over 70 credits into my degree program and I’ve put too many sleepless nights into my education. Despite the hardships setting me back, giving up will never be an option. I have big dreams for myself, and none of them include walking away from my degree. I want to publish books, become an editor for a large-scale company, and see my work in advertisements all over the country — maybe even the world. And it’s all possible with a degree from UM-Dearborn. My future is right there, just within reach, and it’s so tantalizing that I have to move forward. One painful step after another. Being a first-generation student can feel like a huge burden to carry, but nothing will feel better than walking across the stage to get the degree I’m working so hard for — it is the ultimate reward.

First-Gen Students

Mon, 04/10/2023 - 14:14

From not a lot of guidance to a sea of questions, it's not always easy being a first-generation college student. In this post, first-gen student Madelyn discusses her first few years navigating university, her experience transferring schools, discovering resources on campus, and finding the motivation to keep pursuing her goals.

Senioritis or Senior-FRIGHT-us?

jpow — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 14:44:01 +0000

Senioritis or Senior-FRIGHT-us? jpow Fri, 04/07/2023 - 10:44

Blog written by April Marvin

We had to apply for graduation in January. Right after the holidays, a nice break and winter throwing its shade our way. We had to click those boxes and make it official, our time at UM-Dearborn is fleeting. January started the final semester for every senior graduating this Spring, and although we have been dreaming of this time for years (some of us four or five, others 20+), it crept up on us quickly.

In talking to many of my fellow seniors, I think the one thing we are all wondering is, why are we not just coasting to the end? Enjoying our last weeks of undergrad and soaking up all the accomplishments, accolades, and good vibes? In the middle of this week, I had a mini meltdown…about, well, everything. What am I going to do in six weeks when I graduate? Should I be applying for jobs? Should I be looking for post-grad internships? Should I finally accept that a required word count is just a college thing? And that’s coupled with ALL of the stressors of ending a semester (papers, tests, projects).

Senior year can be a lot. It is a fence-riding act where we waver between wanting to just be done with school (20-page papers, group projects, and 2-hour-long exams), and trying to savor every last moment before things get real. It’s a weird catch-22 to be in. You want to run while tossing your graduation cap in the air in celebration, but your mind and heart catch up to you and remember the good memories of undergrad, the security you felt at UM-Dearborn, and the fact that—insert impending doom-ish style music—you have to actually do something with your degree.

I am scared.

But it’s not a “trembling in the corner” type of scared. It’s more of a “can I actually make it out in the world” kind of scared.

Now, I am no stranger to the working world. Before returning to school at UM-Dearborn, I worked in corporate retail management for 15 years. I was a regional trainer and essentially “made it” for myself (I’ll say made it work because it didn’t fulfill me, and I wasn’t truly happy). I also have done a few internships in the past couple of years that have helped me see the application of what I learned in courses in the real world. However, putting yourself out there and doing what it is you were so passionate about that you decided to get a degree in, is something completely different. I guess what I’m actually feeling is nerves. Not an immense fear, but nervousness that something you are so invested in, linked to, and want, is actually coming to fruition. And you hold the power to make it happen. Or mess it up.

It is natural to doubt yourself. I have learned, in one of my very last classes of undergrad, that our self-talk matters. I am very much the person that can project positivity to everyone, but when it comes to myself, I am an internal wrecking ball. And that’s just not healthy. So, I have to stop and think when I am in those self-questioning modes.

So, this past week has been filled with stress and nerves. But it has also been filled with triumphs; finishing a big project, turning in a paper, touring a storied PR firm in Detroit, and talking to the Chancellor and many Deans. When I get inside my own head I have to stop, breathe, and alter my thinking. And it’s work, but it changes your mindset, which in turn, changes your emotional connection to the fear and nerves. I turned my “can’t” into “try” and my “I don’t think I can do this” into “I know I can, even if I am scared.”

I like to reflect. Those moments you thought you would never get through, that difficulty you never thought you could overcome, that stress you felt weighing you down, well – you’re here and you’re still standing, which means, you got through it all. I have wasted so much time worrying about things that I forgot to enjoy them, and upon reflection, we see that every bad day has an end. It’s our choice how we approach that new day. We can choose to let things carry over to the next day, or we can start anew.

So, yes, I am still scared (thought I was going to tell you I overcame that, huh?) Senior year is a lot. But what no one tells you is that it’s okay to feel scared. It’s okay to think of the future and be unsure about your path. It’s okay to be happy about senior year and finally being done—I’m looking at you group project—and it’s okay to be a bit sad, too. Years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication come down to this one degree. And in a single moment, our names are called, we walk the stage, and we reminisce about those years and everything that came with them.

But that degree, that’s the thing that should be inside your head when you start to feel nervous, doubtful, or fearful. You made it. You worked for it. You kept moving. You earned it.

Being a senior is everything because the next step is the future.

Fri, 04/07/2023 - 14:44

The last semester of college can be bittersweet. It's filled with reflections on all you've accomplished, the people you met, and the skills you gained. But sometimes, all that is coupled with an uncertainty of what's to come. In this post, Senior April shares her thoughts and fears as commencement approaches and the mindsets she's adopting.

Blog written by Jasmine Ramirez

My experience navigating college as a first-generation student

jpow — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 14:31:15 +0000

My experience navigating college as a first-generation student jpow Thu, 03/23/2023 - 10:31

Being the first in my family to graduate high school and receive a full scholarship to college was the most profound moment in my life. As a daughter of immigrant parents, who couldn’t finish their education, I knew that I had made them extremely proud. Through their eyes, they saw a brave and excited young woman ready to take on her next chapter in life. I was excited to step into college, but what my parents didn’t know was that fear, anxiety, and terror overshadowed my excitement.

Being a first-generation college student meant that I was stepping into a new chapter of life with no familial guidance. Although my parents have been — and always will be — my mentors, I knew that they couldn’t give me the best college advice. They would say things like “Just work hard and you’ll get through it,” or “Si se puede mija. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.” But who should I ask for help? Who is there to help and how do I find them? There was so much that I didn’t know that I began to question if I was ready for college.

With fear crawling into my mind, I was desperate to prepare myself for college. As I walked across the University Center on orientation day, I walked up to a table that said, “Student Service Support Program.” A woman was there to greet and inform them about the program and how they help first-year students settle into college. Happy to have found an organization that would benefit me, I signed up to attend their Summer Bridge Program. The Summer Bridge Program was a weeklong event that I attended before the Fall semester started. Throughout the event, other students and I were given tours of different buildings across campus. A wave of realization came over me as I walked around the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters. This is where I will begin my path to my future career. Classes will be harder, professors will be more strict, research papers will be longer and I will be dealing with them all by myself. However, we were given different presentations about the resources UM-Dearborn offered such as Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Writing Center, and the Kochoff Language Lab. Learning about these resources lifted a large amount of weight off my shoulder. Not only was I happy to start my first year at college, but I’d be attending a college that wants its students to succeed.

During my time at the Summer Bridge Program, I became close to many other first-gen students. All of whom were nervous as well. We shared many thoughts about the struggles of starting college and how we can overcome them. Hearing what many of them had to say I remembered that I am not the only one who is afraid of starting at a new school. From this, I learned that it’s okay to be scared of something new and that I can always find someone for help.

Although I was able to gain friends before the start of the school year, I was still apprehensive on my first day. I had no idea who my professors were and if I could handle college-level exams and assignments. Because I had done well in high school, I didn’t change the way I studied— which didn’t work out so well. I failed my first exam. With this, I knew I had to fix my time management, or else I would lose my scholarship. This meant breaking the bad habits that weighed me down. So, instead of doing everything last minute, I dedicated 30 minutes every day to drafting essays and studying for exams for each class. In addition, I set up appointments at the Writing Center and asked professors for help during office hours. After repeating this new strategy for a few weeks, my grades got progressively better.

As a first-generation student, I wanted to be surrounded by people who were in the same boat as me. Through Victorslink, I found a Greek organization that caught my eye. Alpha Psi Lambda is a co-ed fraternity that was based on Latino heritage. Coming from a Latino family, I was interested in joining the fraternity. During my membership process, I met more friends to who I could relate. The events that I and other members had, gave us the chance to create a strong bond. We all were able to relate with each other based on our cultural backgrounds. It is difficult to know where and how we all became extremely close because everything that we did as a group was full of love, acceptance, and understanding. Joining a fraternity/sorority was something that I thought I wouldn’t do in college, but I can say that it was the best decision of my life. I am proud to call everyone in Alpha Psi Lambda mis hermanos y hermanas.

My first semester as a first-gen college student was not perfect but it was the best experience. Walking into college and feeling scared is completely normal. It is what you do to overcome your fear that will benefit you throughout the rest of your college life.

First-Gen Students

Thu, 03/23/2023 - 14:31

Navigating college can be difficult for any student, and for many UM-Dearborn students, they are the first in their family to do so. In this post, first-generation college student Jasmine Ramirez shares her own experience navigating her first year at a university, the resources that helped her, and the lessons she learned along the way.

When life gets tough, reach out: How I found support at UM-Dearborn

jpow — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 16:00:04 +0000

When life gets tough, reach out: How I found support at UM-Dearborn jpow Thu, 01/26/2023 - 11:00

Blog written by April Marvin

I am all for motivational quotes and positive affirmations. Most mornings I can be found in front of my bathroom mirror repeating mantras over and over — sometimes to confirm, other times to convince. But sometimes that’s just not realistic. Because in reality, life can be hard. Really hard. Especially when you are going through some big things. It’s not always easy to chant positivity outward when all you feel inside is negativity.

I want to share a story with you to let you know you are never alone. During my internship with the Mental Health Association, I was able to immerse myself in all things mental health and I am here to tell you, so many people are feeling down, upset, anxious, stressed, worried, depressed, or lost — especially today’s students. The stress of school can be a lot, but when you add life, relationships, personal problems, finances, and hardships to the mix, your problems can feel isolating. Whether you want to be alone, or you’re crying out for someone to help, I think it’s important to know that there are people who care about you, your well-being, and your future. I found them here at UM-Dearborn.

So, story time…

This fall semester, everything was looking up for me. On the heels of a successful internship that turned into a working contract, a new internship with the university starting, a scholarship from PRSA Detroit, and my writing being recognized across campus, I felt like I was finally seen more than I had ever been. I was on the right track for senior year, accomplishing so much and making a name for myself, I was feeling BIG validation.

But then, during midterms, my grandfather passed away. I was the only grandkid, and we were extremely close. Even though those around us age, it is never easy to accept they will leave us. My grandpa was the kind of man that everyone wants to be like — kind, compassionate, hilarious, witty, and wise. I met him when I was five years old, and from day one, we were best friends. As I grew older, our relationship evolved. He no longer was taking care of me, but I instead, was taking care of him. Toting him around to his doctor’s appointments, following up on his schedule, bringing him meals, helping out with things around the house, and oftentimes breaking him out of the house to have fun. (He loved going to Coney’s and seeing my pet chickens.) When he passed, he left a huge hole in my heart, and pretty much in everyone’s that was lucky enough to know him. At the time of increasing schoolwork and exams, I was also tasked with writing the obituary, making the photo collages, compiling the slideshow, and writing the eulogy. Heavy stuff. We said our final goodbyes to him in early November.

More…

Just weeks after, during Thanksgiving, I got COVID. I had COVID early in the pandemic, in March/April of 2020, and had been lucky to avoid it since then. The experience was awful, and I was sick for 2 weeks, luckily staying out of the hospital. Timing is everything, right? Well, getting COVID while having a week off school is a good thing, but returning to classes in preparation for finals with COVID — not so great.

And even more…

Then the week of finals, my grandma passed away. She only made it seven weeks without my grandpa. People try to comfort me by saying, “they wanted to be together” and “she couldn’t live without him,” which is a great sentiment, but doesn’t make it hurt any less. Two of the most important pillars in my life were taken from me and all I have left are memories. A lot of memories, rich with laughter and love, lessons, and learning. I suppose what I have learned in all of this is that grief never really leaves us, and its weight is measured by the love in your relationships. And so, because of how deeply I loved them, I will feel this forever, which in a way brings me peace. Along with the fact that now, my grandparents will see me graduate with clear eyes, ears, and minds, clapping for me from above.

I promise there is a silver lining coming…

The bigger lesson I learned through all this is that our university — the faculty, professors, groups, organizations, and students — is incredible. I write this through tears as I look back on the past ten weeks and the amount of support I received from my professors, mentors, and fellow students. I encourage you to reach out, in any way you can, when you are going through tough times because it can be the very thing that helps you realize you can make it through.

I’ve had some amazing professors over the years, and this semester was no different. I emailed one very kind professor who has become a wonderful mentor to me, and he extended support that I will never forget. He helped me see that it was okay to reach out. His continued support is honestly what made me see I made the right decision coming back to UM-Dearborn. Professors that truly care about their students, beyond just the classroom. He has checked in with me various times over the past two months, and his messages have pulled me through some of the darkness.

My internship supervisor has extended a gentleness throughout the past few months that made me feel comforted. Seeing how sympathetic people can be and how much support you have on your side was healing. I also have a caring professor that connected me with a COVID support coordinator on campus who can coordinate all of the emails to your professors to notify them you have COVID and may experience some issues with deadlines/coursework/due dates. Not only was this an extended hand from a compassionate person, but it helped me see that our faculty is here to help us. They want us to be okay. Asking for help and getting help isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather the strength in being able to admit you are dealing with much more than you may be able to handle.

I also have to say, our campus has amazing resources for our students. From our Health Insurance to Women and Legal Services, there is support for everyone just a click or call away. Especially with mental health, programs like CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Service) are helping to provide completely free services to students with one-on-one appointments or support and therapy groups, as well as a weekly wellness email. Check out info about Student Support Services and CAPS.

Moving forward…

I am still hurting and dealing with so much emotionally, but the support I have received pulled me through it all. At a time when I thought I was alone, wanting to just stay in that darkness, several hands reached in to help me on my way out of it. The best part is, I know that not only will my grandparents be cheering me on from above as I walk the stage at graduation, but these wonderful people who are a part of UM-Dearborn will be cheering as I accept my degree, too. I encourage you to reach out if you are experiencing something heavy, or really anything at all that is affecting your life. There are so many people here who genuinely care and want you to feel well, do well, and be well. I am living proof.

Campus Life

Thu, 01/26/2023 - 16:00

Life isn't always easy and finding support can be difficult when you don't know where to turn. In this post, blogger April shares a story with us all about her own recent struggles, the emotional journey that followed, and the resources she found that made a difference.

Changing majors: detrimental or beneficial?

jpow — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 15:16:59 +0000

Changing majors: detrimental or beneficial? jpow Tue, 01/03/2023 - 10:16

Blog written by April Marvin

I feel like an expert at changing my mind because I have done it about three million times over the course of my life. And if you think about it, that’s a LOT in a small amount of time. When it comes to decisions, I haven’t always been the best. But when I started out my college journey, I knew (in my heart, mind, and to the core of my soul) that I wanted to be a lawyer. I could speak well, write, had a memory like a steel trap, enjoyed researching, loved most aspects of the law, and could argue with anyone and everyone. (I had a lot of practice in that particular field.)

That changed after one semester at UM-Dearborn — and quickly. In my first year of undergrad, I felt like my brain was a revolving door, continuously spinning and throwing things out while pulling other random stuff in. I get dizzy just thinking about how often and quickly I changed my mind.

It was frustrating to me because I had been so passionate about being a lawyer and going to law school that I had taken LSAT prep tests and planned on going to NYU for law school (“what, like it’s hard?!”). I didn’t picture myself like Elle Woods all bend-and-snap-like, but I did see myself as a professional lawyer. How could years of what I always knew I wanted, be so quickly thrown away?

The answer is life. And experience. It’s insanely hard at such a young age to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life, what makes you happy, let alone choosing between Chipotle and Taco Bell. What changed things for me was experiencing college life, taking different classes, and spending time thinking about not just passing classes, but what I enjoyed about them and the content. Being able to look at the course catalog and read over different classes and what they were about and asking myself if I would gain something personally and academically from them. It’s all trial and error.

I changed my mind about my major three times. It might not seem like a lot, but when you think about prerequisites for each major, the track of classes you have to follow, and ensuring you have all the proper attributes for that major, it can quickly turn into a long journey. Longer than you expected and longer than you have time or money for. There’s a big BUT coming…

It's okay.

Really.

You are allowed to change your mind about anything and everything.

Especially when it involves your life, your future, and your happiness.

We get so caught up in thinking about our future that we draw in a lot of stress about it instead of enjoying what we have right in front of us. We also may hold on to things that our families expect of us, or others want for/from us. Even with our own perfectly planned out futures, we try to work through something we just don’t enjoy or stay in a major that may not be right for us. And I am here to tell you that working in a career that you don’t like is a ticket to a ride you don’t want to be on. I’m talking about getting stuck on the zipper ride at the fair, spinning over and over in a cage.

So, back to my dreams of yelling “I object!” in the courtroom. I found, through several classes, that I just didn’t love the law. Gasp. I know. I know the exact moment it happened, I was studying Supreme Court cases and I had rubbed my eyes too long over the hundreds of pages that I literally asked myself, out loud, “Are you ever going to be able to remember ALL of these?!” I had a full out conversation with myself where I came to the conclusion that I didn’t want to do this anymore. So, I changed course. I also found that my passion had changed as I took different classes. I felt like I could reach people and make an impact in another way.

I went from political science to journalism, to undecided, to communications.

I tried classes, looked at potential careers, looked into the field and internships, and landed on communications. For me, this major took the best of everything I always wanted to do (from a young age being an actress or the president, and now concentrating on public relations as a press secretary, working in the government, or as a speechwriter) and melded them together for me. After all, communication is a skill you need in every field. That’s what worked for me. You know what will work for you. The reality is, only you can decide that. And what a powerful thing you have in that.

So, take your time, and don’t be afraid to change it up if you see yourself headed down a path you don’t love. This is your life, your time, and your future — make it work for you. Let your brain be that revolving door now while you have the time and don’t stress out if you need to switch it up. If you take the time to find your true passion and what makes you happy, your future will be smooth sailing (minus the zipper ride at the fair).

Majors & Careers

Tue, 01/03/2023 - 15:16

Changing your major can come with a wave of different emotions. Excitement at the prospect of entering a new path, or anxiety at the thought of changing your mind. In this post, blogger April talks about her experience making multiple major switches and how it may not be as daunting as you think.

My college journey as a non-traditional student

jpow — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 14:27:31 +0000

My college journey as a non-traditional student jpow Thu, 08/18/2022 - 10:27

Blog written by April Marvin

I feel like I have shared some of my biggest fears with you all. It’s easier to write from behind a computer, especially because I picture people on the other end who have the same feelings and same insecurities. However, the scariest obstacle I have overcome on my college journey is returning to school after many years off. To be honest, what I thought was going to be a terrifying return back to school, where younger people judged me (I was fully picturing walking into the CASL building with a walker like an old lady in a nightgown), turned out to be anything but that.

My Background

I initially came to UM-Dearborn right out of high school. I was ready for the college experience but still wanted to be close to home. Back then, there was no Student Union, the UC was newly built/renovated, and the Fairlane center was just being opened. It was a true commuter campus and a great option for those of us that wanted to experience college while still having some of the comfort and familiarity of home. I was a good student in high school. I was involved in everything from AP classes to Student Council and was a part of a ton of activities like Drama, Choir, and Student Leadership.

When I made the decision to come to UM-Dearborn, I knew I wanted to continue to be involved as I was in high school, but I also wanted to make friends. I only knew one person from my high school who also enrolled, and we stuck together like glue for the first month or so.

The Harsh Reality

I dropped out of college during my junior year. My parents refused to pay any longer and served me a hefty dose of tough love. In my last semester, I had one A (thank you creative writing), three incompletes, and a failing GPA. I was embarrassed. I ran and didn’t look back. I also took a long time to deal with the reality that I was the one person who had messed it up, but also the one who could fix it. This lesson took nearly 10 years to learn. This is a hard story to share, but one that I have come to see as crucial to my own growth and speaks to the importance of second chances and the ability of people to change. I share it with humility in hopes that people understand we are all only one step away from an entirely different life.

So, after I ran away, I got recruited for a management position in retail, and it worked out nicely. I was promoted within the company and made a nice living for myself traveling throughout the state of Michigan training management teams and opening new stores. But I always felt that disappointment bubbling in the back of my throat, and admittedly, sometimes it came out as tears for the opportunity I wasted in college.

The Turning Point

April & friends at a Michigan tailgate

It wasn’t until recently that I sat down with myself (yes, seriously spoke the tough words out loud to me, myself, and I) and accepted my life and the choices I made before. I think that is one of the toughest, but most important facts about truly growing up, being able to tell yourself the truth and accept your mistakes, not as roadblocks but as stepping-stones. Every obstacle has a way through/over/beyond if you look at it as an opportunity.

I wrote one (very scared and humble) email to the admissions department at UM-Dearborn. And in that one email, I asked for another chance. I honestly didn’t know what the response would be. I could get a resounding “NO!” for the way in which I left my academics and my GPA standing, but the response that came back was, “we would love to talk to you about reinstating at the University of Michigan Dearborn.” And the door was opened for me, for a second chance at a degree and at life.

And Now…

I became a non-traditional student, and I am so happy that I am now. I have seen things from both sides as a nervous freshman and as a legitimate adult (still working on that) and am lucky to have a university that supports students like me. Students that have full-time jobs and families and dependents at home who need them. Students that come from other countries through international study programs. Students who are unsure of what they want to do in life and need some extra time to figure it out in school. Students who are first-generation college attending. Students who have been incarcerated and are seeking to better themselves. Students who have never been away from their families or homes. Students who are scared and searching for a place that will make them feel at ease and at home. Students who have so much life going on around them that they cannot be full-time or must step away for a while. Whether that’s a semester, or for over 10 years like me.

If you are one of those potential students, I am here to tell you that UM-Dearborn is a place of solace for people like us. It is a great choice for the incoming freshman, as a smaller campus that can provide all the great things about college life, but still feels like a personalized and not overwhelming experience. But for the non-traditional student, it provides a great environment to learn, grow, and become what you know you were meant for. I wear that non-traditional badge proud because it comes with some impactful life lessons.

If you feel like you may not fit in with whatever situation you have, trust me, there is a place for everyone here. And some wonderful people who probably feel just the same as you do. It’s only one step away.

Thu, 08/18/2022 - 14:27

The road to higher education looks different for every student. In this post, blogger April is sharing her own unconventional and inspiring college journey — all the way from the early beginnings to the present day.

Life inside an internship

jpow — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 14:23:35 +0000

Life inside an internship jpow Thu, 06/23/2022 - 10:23

Blog written by April Marvin

I can’t lie, I’ve been intimidated by the idea of getting an internship. I don’t consider myself timid or shy, and I have always been labeled an outspoken go-getter. But the thought of finding, interviewing, and being successful in an internship scared me for a long time. I think it was the fear of the unknown and maybe a bit more of the doubt in myself and my abilities (something I have been doing since I was little; hello imposter syndrome, I see you).

It wasn’t easy to secure the “perfect” internship. I think that’s a huge misconception. We think we will score an amazing internship in our field, and it will be everything we dreamed of, leading us right to our future (silver platter-like). I had to put in hard work. I think that’s why it’s crucial to have an internship because it takes you through all the steps of “real-world” experience while teaching you so much more about yourself and your future.

When I finally decided to dip my toes in the application pool, I made sure to interview with multiple places that fit my interests (and not put all my eggs in one shiny and cool basket). The first interview is the toughest because you don’t know what they are expecting, what they will ask, and how you will come across. Here is my best advice for any interview, but especially for internships:

Research the company. Know their mission, values, and why you fit in with them — and be able to articulate that.
Ask questions! The biggest thing that interviewers stress is the importance of asking questions to show your engagement and convey interest.
Communication is key. Think about your tone and how you’re coming across (preferably positive and enthusiastic). Keep it genuine and don’t forget about non-verbal cues!
Prepare. Prepare. Prepare.

So, what’s the experience like?

Well, to be honest, it all comes down to what you make of it. I know, I know, I sound like my parents here (yikes), but you get out what you put in. When we think about a typical internship, we tend to picture ourselves as “paper pushers” or “errand runners.” And as much as I don’t mind making the daily Starbucks run, I am here to tell you that could have easily been my experience but it wasn’t. I recognized my lack of knowledge and experience in the field, but I soaked up everything I heard. I decided to speak up. This is the greatest thing I could tell someone who is contemplating the impact of an internship. Use your voice, don’t be afraid to share your thoughts, and ask questions. Our generation has some great ideas, and even if your voice is a little shaky, sharing those ideas are so important to our future and to yours. (Trust me, the first time I spoke in front of the Board at the Mental Health Association, not only did my adjustable desk fall completely to the ground, but I also told them I was thinking of going for the NBA, not to be confused with MBA, which is what I meant! She shoots, but she doesn’t score…)

April traveling to distribute integrated health care surveys to law enforcement and incarcerated individuals to gain info from different demographics on mental health issues.

My internship was unique. I was working as a Policy and Law intern directly below the CEO and President of the Mental Health Association in Michigan. Initially, I was focusing on the policy portion, working with white page documents that impact mental health care in Michigan. I attended every meeting I could, from board meetings to webinars with legislators. I registered for events with the organization, like a mental health improv course and even pharmaceutical presentations on medications. I put myself inside of everything I could. Because of this, not only was I included in many important conversations, but I was given a lot of freedom to work on projects and pitch my own ideas.

Effort, passion, and determination sometimes outweigh experience. I am living proof. It allowed me to run my own webinars about Veterans and mental health; draft and distribute a state-wide integrated health care survey; and present those results to board members, legislators, and the mental health community. Forget the Starbucks run, I got to run around the state and make a name for myself through my internship all because I worked hard and continued to speak up.

The ending of my internship was more of a transition. As I was wrapping things up, my supervisor talked to me about being a contracted employee to continue my work and research. In three short months, I was able to learn about the field, make connections, have my work be impactful, and mostly, I found self-validation in my work and my abilities. It was a bigger lesson than I ever expected, but one that has guided me toward my future and helped me develop an even stronger voice.

I wish I had a magical answer that could perfectly encompass what it’s really like inside an internship for you. The truth is, the experience doesn’t fit inside of a mold, just like most of us don’t. It largely depends on you and how you approach it. If you shy away and do only the minimum, then your internship will just be filler on your resumé. But, if you use your voice, speak up, fight the fear inside you, and squeeze every ounce of knowledge and experience you can out of your internship, well, it can be life-changing.

Bonus Internship Tips

Close up any loose ends with projects and items you have been working on. It is important that you communicate anything that has not been completed and even provide the next person who will be taking over with an outline of the next steps.
Don’t forget to ask for letters of recommendation from your supervisor and/or anyone whom you worked for. If you worked hard and gave your all, those letters can be very impactful to your future.
Write personalized thank you letters to everyone you worked with. A heartfelt thank you goes a long way, to every person you encountered on your internship journey.
Express how you’d like to keep in contact with the organization, showing that your interest in their mission goes beyond your internship means they know you are open to a future with them.
Breathe, smile, and pat yourself on the back! An internship is a big deal, and your hard work is something to be proud of.

Majors & Careers

Thu, 06/23/2022 - 14:23

In a world where everyone seems to be talking about how important internships are, blogger April gives an insight into her summer internship with the Mental Health Association + some interview tips.