STUDENT STORY

“I graduated with nine students from my high school class and transitioning to a university was scary at first. After arriving, I realized it was better than I could have imagined. I feel comfortable with my professors, and the small class sizes have enhanced my experience. Getting involved on campus has helped with the challenge of being away from home.

I lived on campus my first two years. That’s kind of what pushed me to get involved with student organizations and leadership positions. I joined a sorority and I met a lot of people who I now consider my family here at school. As the president of a Greek honor society, I was able to promote academic success in Greek life and throughout campus. I love Greek life here at the University of Michigan – Flint. It was my home away from home my first couple years here, and I was able to see familiar faces everywhere I went. Getting involved on campus definitely taught me to put myself out there and gain confidence.

Neither of my parents went to a four-year university, but for me it was always the plan. College is different because you’re treated like an adult and the responsibility is on you. You have to be very proactive about your own education. It’s definitely not going to be handed to you, but in the end it’s worth it.

If you choose to go away for college, my biggest piece of advice would be to make sure you branch out. It gives you the opportunity to meet more people and network with others. In a small private high school, I knew all my teachers, but coming to the University of Michigan – Flint I didn’t expect to know my educators. On a smaller campus, I got to know my professors, some of our vice chancellors and even the chancellor by their first names. These connections, my cadaver lab experience, and my university jobs have built professional skills and gotten me letters of recommendation to get into physical therapy school. These opportunities given to me throughout my education have helped set me apart.”

(Tiffany, Human Biology, Physical Therapy Program, MBA, University of Michigan-Flint)