Tina Nelson is a woman on a mission.

Whether taking photographs of President Barack Obama or advocating for quality education for all children, Tina lives her life with a purpose.

“I am always involved in something that will benefit my community,” she says. “I like starting things that will help others to be better.”

Not long ago, Tina experienced some feelings typical of a nontraditional student: nerves. She wondered how she could juggle the responsibilities of family, work and school.

But it didn’t take long for Tina to thrive in her new surroundings. 

After attending a lecture on campus, she was introduced to a man who needed a reporter and photographer for a local newspaper. Tina interviewed for the position and was hired on the spot.

She has used her time with the newspaper to hone her skills as an aspiring photojournalist.

On campus, Tina volunteers for the Women’s Resource Center, mentors SOAR students and organizes events across campus. After attending the National Conference for College Women Students, she returned to campus inspired to make a difference on campus and helped found the University’s chapter of American Association of University Women (AAUW).

As she has flourished on campus, others have noticed the difference she’s making at UM-Dearborn and in the community.

“It has been such a pleasure watching Tina become an engaged, active student on our campus,” says Ellen Judge-Gonzalez, director of CASL SOAR. “All of the wonderful qualities she possesses, along with an incredibly hard work ethic and uncanny ability to network, have served Tina well as she has blossomed into a real difference maker.”