What makes you a Difference Maker?

I believe that my experiences and dedication are what make me a Difference Maker. I’ve had the fortunate opportunity to grow into the leader that I am today, but not without the struggles that come with improvement. All of my triumphs and successes were a result of my dedication to my education and the hard work put forth towards my future. In addition to my experiences and dedication, putting others first has been a value that I’ve always instilled within myself. This characteristic of helpfulness has furthered my identification as a Difference Maker because of my willpower to bring out the best in others and myself. 

Highlight your campus achievements:

I enrolled into the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters in the Fall of 2014 as undecided. In my mind, I remember frightfully thinking that I had no clue what I wanted to major in or do for the rest of my life. Looking back now, I’ve achieved more than I ever thought I would in my short three years here. My achievements stem from both my academics and the organizations that I’ve engaged in. My education has always been extremely important to me. I’ve been recognized on the CASL Dean’s List and awarded University Honors for multiple semesters. This past March, I was recognized at the Honors Convocation in Ann Arbor for all of my academic accomplishments. Over the years, I’ve held multiple positions in offices on campus such as the Office of Admissions and Orientation as an orientation leader as well as a student assistant in the Office of Alumni Relations. In addition to juggling work and academics, I’ve also enjoyed my time as a member of the women’s club soccer team. One of the achievements I’m most proud of is being an opportunity scholar and having played a huge part in the development of the Opportunity Scholar program. Because of my role within the Opportunity Scholar program, I was selected to copresent at the 2017 Great Lakes Regional Student Success Conference about the program and how it has served in my success as a scholar. 

Highlight your leadership experiences both on and off campus:

I’ve striven for different types of leadership experiences in my life. On campus, I’ve held various leadership positions. Being an orientation leader began my love for making a difference on campus. Orientation gave me the opportunity to positively impact incoming students, make new friends and engage with faculty and staff. It was through this leadership position that I was able to climb the ladder of success. I continued that love for leadership by taking on the role of vice president within the leadership advisory board of the Opportunity Scholar program. As vice president, I strive to motivate other op scholars to become engaged and achieve their highest potential. Off campus, my leadership experiences blend with volunteering opportunities on a local scale. I’m a firm believer of never forgetting where your roots are. I often volunteer for many organizations within my hometown. These include organizations such as Romulus Community Schools, Goodfellows and the City of Romulus Recreation. Serving as a mentor for Detroit high school students in regards to life and schooling has also been a favorite experience of mine.

What is your dream career and/or long term life goal?

Similarly to my freshman year, I still don’t have a clear vision of my dream career. I do know that one of my long term goals would be the ability to influence individuals to be successful. If I were to imagine myself in ten years, I would see myself on a college campus assisting students to achieve their highest potential. One characteristic that I have always cherished is the trait of helping others, even if you get nothing out of the outcome—the real prize is the satisfaction knowing that you did all you could to make sure someone else was taken care of. I’m a firm believer that if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day of your life. 

What was your most defining moment at UM-Dearborn?

My most defining moment on campus isn’t one particular moment. I believe that my whole experience at UM-Dearborn has defined who I am as a person and has allowed me to flourish as a leader. Being able to reflect on my time here, both academically as well as engagement wise, and how I have changed as a person is remarkable. I’ve accomplished, and continue to knock out, all the goals I set for myself the minute I stepped on campus. The moment I realized that I had truly become who I strove to be was (and still is) such a defining and rewarding moment in my life.