������-Dearborn Admissions Blog

Tue, 06/03/2025 - 15:10

After spending a few years on Dearborn's campus, senior Bryanna walks through some of the best places to study on campus. What does each place offer? What are the vibes? Is it better for solo or group study sessions? All questions and more answered in this week's post.

Blog Post Written by Bryanna Worthy

A week in the life of my France study abroad trip

jpow — Sun, 25 May 2025 14:47:35 +0000

A week in the life of my France study abroad trip jpow Sun, 05/25/2025 - 10:47

Nothing is better than falling in love with a country after spending years learning the language. Over spring break, I had the opportunity to attend the France Sites of Memory 2025 study abroad. This experience was life-changing. I was able to connect with my professors, students, and even the locals. Those long hours of translating for French 408 finally paid off. As a student with eight years of experience learning French, here's a day-by-day rundown of how my journey went.

Day One: Bonjour Paris

Our first day in Paris was short but fun. We landed at the Charles de Gaulle airport around seven in the morning. Afterwards, we headed straight for the hotel. Once we arrived, the rooms were not ready yet, so we headed to a nearby café for a coffee and lunch. I ordered a BLT with fries and everything was so fresh and amazing. After our petit lunch, we headed to see an antique chapel that was quite extraordinary and a graveyard where some of the most prominent French writers were buried. To top the night off, we headed to a quaint restaurant that had the best French onion soup I’ve ever tasted in my life. It was warm, rich, and delicious.

Day Two: Bienvenue au palais de Versailles

During our trip to Versailles, we learned a lot about why the palace is built the way it is. Although the palace is 356 years old, it still holds its glory today. With an astonishing 357 mirrors in the hall of mirrors alone, Louis the 14th created a space that resembled the true French identity. For the duration of my visit, each and every corner of the palais left me in awe. From the jardins to the private estates, Versailles won my heart. With the Greek and Roman influences the palace has such a rich historical connection and display. The Sun King (Louis XIV) really demonstrated his power and achievements through the 357 mirrors in the “salle de glace” (hall of mirrors), which reflected the painted walls that displayed his achievements through Greek, Roman, and Christian references. One day was not enough to see everything that Versailles had to offer. To end the day, we had lunch at an Italian restaurant with authentic, fresh Italian pizza.

Day Three: Paris, Je t’aime toujours

Our third day in Paris was magical. We started our morning with the most perfect petit déjeuner (breakfast) that had croissants, fromage (cheese) and assorted fruits. In one word, it was parfait! After breakfast, we headed to the Louvre, which had so much art history about France and other countries. Here, our guided tour provided stories behind these great works of art, one of which was the Mona Lisa. Before leaving the Louvre, we were able to stop at the iconic Laduree Patisserie, which had the best macarons and cutesy gift items a person could imagine. After our trip to Le Louvre, we visited this quaint area in Paris that had small cafes, shopping, and plenty of sightseeing. While in this area, we had a movie-esque outdoor lunch with a view of the quaint streets of Paris. Once we finished our lunch, we headed to the Latin Quarter, better known as le Quartier Latin, where students of Paris have studied for many years. In this part of the voyage, we were able to witness beautiful architecture that was hundreds of years old. Afterwards, we had dinner at the most gorgeous restaurant called “Les Noces de Jeannette” (the weddings of Jeannette). This restaurant has every bit of elegance and composure that one could have imagined. The restaurant, located near the Opera, had timeless decor that brought the scenery to life. Finally, when our night came to an end, we took the metro to the Eiffel Tower. The tower is embedded with approximately 20,000 lights that sparkle over Paris. Every student that attended this part of the trip was blown away. We were taken aback by its beauty, by its culture, and by its history. All in all, day three was most definitely my favorite!

Day Four: Les Châteaux

Day four was a sweet memory as well. Monday morning, we woke up early and headed to Tours, France, where we went to tour the castles. Upon arrival, Provost Gabriella Scarlatta gave us the historical background of the castle we visited. After the guided tour, we had lunch right outside the castle on the premises. Then once we were finished, we headed to our second castle, which was, in one word, magnifique! It had the most gorgeous small chapel on its grounds as well as a beautiful view from the top of the castle that overlooked the town and river. For dinner, we went to a fun and elegant restaurant called Bistro Rossini, where I ate a chicken and potatoes dish that went along with a tomato sauce on top. When the day came to an end, we headed to our hotel, aptly named Le Grande Hotel De Tours. A hotel that was, in fact, grand.

Day Five: St Malo

Day five is another one of my favorites. We started the day early and took a walk around the city of Tours, where we saw this ancient building that was still intact. Then, after visiting a few hidden gems, we visited our last Castle, which was one of my favorites. It had a beautiful, serene stream running through it and a gorgeous, petite garden all around. The castle itself was small, but had a demanding presence. After our tour (which had a guided speaker phone), we headed to St. Malo, which is where we saw the sea. This was my first time seeing the sea, and I have to say it was magnificent. As the day was winding to a close and the sun was setting on the horizon, it was a moment I will never forget.

Day Six: Mont Saint-Michel

Day Six was probably one of our busiest days. We headed to the tidal island of Mont St. Michel, located off the coast of Normandy, to visit the monastery, which is hundreds of years old. The monastery was massive and currently houses ten monks and ten nuns. The building has had many uses since it was first built, including its original purpose as a monastery and as a prison cell in the 17th century. This gothic site of memory left many students astonished. Also, in order to visit the monastery, you must walk up the steps to the top, and once you leave, you have to pay to return. Although this site involved a lot of cardio, it was still a cool experience. To end the evening, we had dinner in an old farmhouse and finished off our feast with a game of Uno.

Day Seven: Bayeux

For day seven, we made our way to the Utah Beaches located in Normandy, where WWII took place. Here we had a tour guide who took us through this historic building and gave us a historic lesson on what happened during WWII, and the Utah Beaches, specifically. Our tour guide even gave us time to look inside the building, which had various WWII machinery and artifacts. We also had a chance to actually visit the Beaches themselves, which were gorgeous. After our trip there, we took our bus to Bayeux. Since we only had the chance to spend half a day and the night in Bayeux, we stayed in this beautiful hotel called Lion d’Or (which several celebrities stayed at). After we received our rooms, we headed out for lunch and went to visit this very ancient cathedral (during lent). The cathedral there was one of my favorites because it was so dark and medieval, yet it still had so much history behind it. To end the night, we separated into three main groups. Those who were tired could rest at the hotel, those who wanted to visit more historical sites, and those who wanted to go shopping. I was in the shopping group.

Day Eight: Au revoir à France

Our final day in Paris was divided up between travel and exploring. We took a bus from Normandy, France, down to Paris. We arrived around noon, and strolled the streets of Paris and ate lunch near the Eiffel Tower. After our lunch, we headed to the catacombs, which is its namesake. Although the experience as a whole was quite intriguing, it was probably my least favorite. We walked 100 steps underground to reach the catacombs. It's so far down that it is underneath the metro. You also can't return the way you came in, you must continue straight out of the underground. Since the last day was unlike the rest, we did have more time to go shopping in Paris, where we went to the Opera shopping district, which was exhilarating. Finally, to end the night, we had an “Au revoir” dinner at this amazing Italian restaurant, and we watched the Eiffel Tower sparkle one last time.

Majors & Careers

Sun, 05/25/2025 - 14:47

After an eventful trip to Europe, Bryanna, a French studies minor, chronicled the eight days she spent in France. From the historic monuments to the delicious food, she provides an in-depth rundown for anyone who loves traveling or is considering a trip of their own.

The Ultimate Transfer Student Q&A

jpow — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 16:06:53 +0000

The Ultimate Transfer Student Q&A jpow Wed, 02/19/2025 - 11:06

We spoke with four ��-Dearborn transfer students from all four of our different colleges to get their insight on transferring to a new campus, overall experience, and tips they have for students transferring to ��-Dearborn.

Our interviewees:

Cayley Catlett, College of Business

Sophia Hawkins, College of Arts, Letters, and Sciences

Hasan Termos, College of Engineering and Computer Science

Kimberly Bertges, College of Education, Health, and Human Services

Why did you decide to transfer to ��-Dearborn?

I decided to transfer to ��-Dearborn because I was attracted to the smaller class sizes. I am a person who really benefits from having that one-on-one interaction with my professor. I like being able to know that I can reach out to my professor and it's not going to take two to three weeks to respond. That's something I really appreciate about ��-Dearborn.
- Sophia Hawkins

How was your experience transferring here? Is there a moment that stands out?

It was a very easy transition… I came from a school with almost 40,000 people. So, here it feels like you definitely meet more professors one-on-one and get to experience that, and it's easier to bond with people. I met one of my best friends in the first class I ever had here and we still talk and hang out once a week.
- Cayley Catlett

Have any professors made an impact on your experience here?

One is Professor Eric Ratz, I took thermodynamics and thermofluids with him. I remember asking him a lot of questions and he never not answered my question. Also, he would help me outside the classroom. I'm applying to a master's at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and he would give me tips on how to write my statement of purpose and even help me decide what I want to do with my master's.
- Hasan Termos

Which clubs and organizations are you involved in?

I am a part of the First-Gen organization. I'm also a part of TRIO, both the Student Support Services (SSS) and Select Student Support Services (4S), and then, I help out with Dearborn Support. I'm also a part of the Criminology and Criminal Justice Collective (CCJC).
-Kimberly Bertges

Learn more about our over 150 student organizations!

What practice-based learning opportunities have you been involved in?

I have an internship with the university where I'm helping with their social media accounts, which is something I've always dreamed of doing professionally once I graduate. So, that's allowing me to make connections and build a portfolio to add to my resume and build up more experience.
- Cayley Catlett

What do you enjoy most about being a student at ��-Dearborn?

I think I've met some of the kindest and most genuine people throughout my time at ��-Dearborn. It feels like there are people there for you. Even people that you don't know. But it seems like there's always somebody there for you. It never feels like I'm alone. There's always somewhere on campus for me to go and get what I need. So, I really like that about ��-Dearborn.
- Sophia Hawkins

What tips do you have for someone who is transferring to ��-Dearborn?

The Consensus: Get Involved!

My biggest tip for anyone transferring to ��-Dearborn is to get involved, and to look for other people. They don't even have to be your age. I have friends who are literally the same age as my oldest child. So, I would say just get involved, get in the organizations, and put yourself out there.
- Kimberly Bertges

Get involved! When I first transferred here I was pretty nervous to get involved in different organizations by myself without having a person with me, but it definitely has helped me grow as an individual to be able to go and get involved in organizations that are part of my interests. They may not be connected to other people but they're connected to me.
- Sophia Hawkins

The biggest tip is to be more involved on campus. If I was more involved in my first year, I think I would have gained a lot of outside or beyond my coursework experience. And whoever is transferring here should consider being part of clubs, organizations, or societies. It’s very beneficial.
- Hasan Termos

Talk to people! Everyone here is so nice and wants to make friends. There is a good amount of transfer students here, so we're all in the same boat together.
-Cayley Catlett

Current Resources for Transfer Students:

Course Transfer System - We’ve developed the Course Transfer System, a tool to help you determine how much of your existing coursework will transfer to our campus.

Meet Our Transfer Specialists - Our Transfer Team provides pre-transfer advising to help ensure that you have a smooth transition. Whether you are just starting your academic journey or are ready to transfer, they are here to help with your success.

Apply as a Transfer Student - Get all the information you need to start your application to the University of Michigan-Dearborn!

Transfer Students

Wed, 02/19/2025 - 16:06

Your Most Pressing Questions Answered by Current ��-Dearborn Transfer Students

Blog Post Written by Bryanna Worthy

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

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 University of Michigan-Dearborn. 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 University of Michigan-Dearborn (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 ��-Dearborn

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

Reflecting on my time at ��-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.

��-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. ��-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 ��-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 ��-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 ��-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 ��-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 ��-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 ��-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 ��-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 ��-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 ��-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 ��-Dearborn

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

When life gets tough, reach out: How I found support at ��-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 ��-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 ��-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 ��-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 ��-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.