I always knew I would attend the University of Michigan (U-M), but did not originally know what I would study. Although I had this indecisiveness, there was an unwithering intuition that the university would propel me into my chosen career path and goals.
To be time- and cost-conscious, I attended Schoolcraft College to obtain my prerequisites while simultaneously figuring out my study of interest; getting an associates degree was a nice bonus, as well. A challenge that became present, once I affirmed my chosen field of study, was the arguably daunting application process, which would contribute in the next steps of making my dream a reality.
Due to a great loss in my family, which created turmoil and grief, I was alone in this process. As this was my first university application, and because it was my desired school that would take me one step closer to the career path I would spend my life crafting, I put a lot of pressure on myself. During my time at Schoolcraft, I was fortunate to have been accepted into a program specific in aiding transfer students, called Transfer Bridges, where I found my support system that greatly aided in my success of acceptance to U-M.
The essays were the most daunting part for me, but someone who walked me through each step and motivated me to push deeper was Opportunity Hub Coach Kimberly Truong (pictured). She genuinely wanted to see me succeed, and she transferred her spirit and passion onto me. Through the essays, Truong helped me truly find my passion from the emphasis on what meant most to me. For example, while completing my associates, I had worked as a math tutor and truly adored working with students. Truong noticed tutoring and math, highlighting key areas of my associates during our brainstorming sessions, as we considered my potential undergraduate career choices.
Because of the tutoring experience, I considered attending the Marsal Family School of Education but, following the advice of multiple former professors and wanting more flexibility in career field choices, I decided on a Mathematics degree via the School of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA). Although it may be a little unconventional or atypical, I wanted the analytical foundation for my prospective graduate program in law.
Now in my first term at U-M, I am a junior LSA student working on residual prerequisites for the Mathematics program. I specifically chose U-M due to the quality of and upholding educational standards that would be challenging, yet greatly rewarding. I’m attending the university of my dreams, where I always felt I belonged.
~ Kathryn Wenske