"If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: explore your options because you never know what doors will open until you step through them."

What are you involved in at Wayne State and external to Wayne State?

At Wayne State, I’m deeply involved in Student Senate as a Member at Large, where I work on initiatives through the Community Affairs, Government Affairs, and Public Health project groups. I’m also part of the Bookstore Committee and serve as the student representative on the Academic Advising Committee, ensuring student voices are heard in academic policies. Beyond that, I work as a CLAS Ambassador Student Assistant in the Dean’s Office, helping support students and faculty within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Additionally, I’m a member of Green Warriors, advocating for sustainability initiatives on campus.

Outside of Wayne State, I stay connected to the Detroit community through volunteer work at Focus: HOPE, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting poverty and injustice. I’m also a member of the Detroit Rotary Club, where I work alongside community members on service projects, providing support and volunteering to make a positive impact.

It’s important to me to not only represent students on campus but also to give back to the community that has given me so much.

What class/professor has shaped you the most? How?

 

Last fall, Dr. Keashly in my COM 1010 class didn’t just teach me about communication, she changed the way I see myself and the world around me. She believed in me before I fully believed in myself, giving me the confidence and the tools to step into my potential.

Every morning, I would wake up before sunrise, preparing for my four-hour commute to campus. It was exhausting, but Dr. Keashly made it feel worth it. She made Wayne State feel like home. Every single day, she would check in not just with a passing “How’s everyone doing?” but with genuine care. She would ask me about my drive, making sure I was okay, as if she instinctively knew how much I was pushing myself. And she did the same for every student, creating a space where we weren’t just numbers in a classroom we were people she truly cared about.

There was something powerful about that. About knowing that someone saw you, really saw you, without you having to say a word.

The first time I reached out to her for advice, it felt like talking to my mom warm, understanding, and filled with wisdom. She didn’t just offer solutions; she made me feel capable, like I could take on anything. She saw potential in me that I hadn’t fully embraced yet.

Dr. Keashly taught me more than just how to communicate, she showed me the power of compassion, resilience, and self-belief. Her class wasn’t just a requirement on my transcript; it was a turning point in my journey. And for that, I’ll always be grateful.

 

Do you have any advice for future or current Honors students?

 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: explore your options because you never know what doors will open until you step through them. I still remember the moment a professor pulled me aside and said, “Hey, you should try this out. You have great grades have you considered the Honors College?” At first, I hesitated. Was I ready for the extra challenge? Would I be able to handle it? But I took the leap, and I can confidently say it changed everything for me.

Being in the Honors College has allowed me to experience academics in a completely new way. Yes, it’s more work, but the beauty of it is that it’s set at your pace. It pushes you, but in a way that makes you grow, not just as a student, but as a person. If I had let doubt hold me back, I would have missed out on an incredible journey of learning, discovering new interests, and meeting professors who truly inspire me. 

To future students: Don’t be afraid to take on something new. You won’t know if you love it until you give yourself the chance to try. If there’s even a small part of you that’s curious go for it. You might just surprise yourself.

To current Honors students: I know it’s a lot. The extra hours, the late nights, the moments of doubt when you wonder if you can keep up. But when you feel overwhelmed, remember what sparked your excitement when you signed up for Honors in the first place. Hold onto that feeling. The drive, the passion, the vision of yourself on the other side it will all be worth it.

And to all students, no matter where you are in your journey, ask questions. Ask your professors, ask your classmates, ask anyone willing to share their knowledge. No question is ever a stupid question. We’ve all been in your shoes, unsure and figuring things out.

Wayne State is more than just a campus, it’s a place full of opportunities, a place where you’ll find your community, your passions, and your purpose. There’s something here for everyone so go find yours.

 

Where is your favorite place to study on campus?/Where is your favorite place to eat near campus?/ What is your favorite thing to do on campus?

 

When it comes to studying, I have two go-to places: the study rooms in State Hall and the Undergraduate Library. There’s just something about the quiet focus in these spaces that helps me stay productive. Whether I need complete silence or a collaborative space to work through ideas, these spots never fail me.

Now, when it comes to food let’s just say my Nonprofit class introduced me to a game-changer. My professor once ordered from Shield’s, and after that, I was hooked. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out. Panda Express is another favorite sometimes, you just need something quick and satisfying between classes.

As for my favorite thing to do on campus? Studying outside when the weather is nice is always a top choice, it’s a great way to break up the routine and enjoy the fresh air. But when I need to clear my mind and recharge, I head to the Mort Harris Recreation and Fitness Center, right next to the Student Center. It’s not just about staying active it’s about the energy, the community, and that post-workout feeling that makes everything feel a little more manageable.

Wayne State has so much to offer, whether it’s the perfect study spot, great food, or places to unwind. It’s all about finding what works for you!

 

What is a struggle you have overcame?

One of the biggest struggles I’ve had to overcome is self-doubt, that little voice in the back of my head questioning if I was good enough, smart enough, or capable enough to take on challenges. Coming to Wayne State, commuting four hours to and from campus, balancing academics, leadership roles, and personal commitments it wasn’t easy. There were moments when I wondered if I had taken on too much, if I was in over my head.

But I refused to let those doubts define me. Instead, I leaned into my support system my family, professors, and mentors who reminded me of my purpose and potential. I pushed myself beyond my comfort zone, joining Student Senate, the Honors College, and leadership roles that challenged me. And with each step forward, I proved to myself that I was more than capable.

Now, when I look back, I see how much I’ve grown. I’ve learned that doubt will always be there, but it doesn’t have to control the narrative. If you keep showing up, pushing forward, and believing in yourself even when it’s hard you will succeed.

 

How has your perception of Detroit changed since attending Wayne?

 

Before coming to Wayne State, my perception of Detroit was shaped by the stories I’d heard growing up in Bad Axe. For me, Detroit was always this distant place one that I only visited on trips, never fully understanding the depth of what the city had to offer. Growing up, I heard tales from my grandparents about their work in the auto factories and the glory days of Detroit as the Motor City. But as a small-town kid, I never fully connected with the vibrancy of the city.

When I started commuting to Wayne State, I knew it would be a big change. But the moment I stepped on campus, everything shifted. The city didn’t feel like this intimidating, overwhelming place anymore it felt like home, with a pulse that I could feel in the air. Detroit is alive with possibility, and it's not just in the buildings or the streets, but in the people who make it what it is. The energy of the city is contagious, and I felt that instantly.

As I’ve explored more of Detroit, from the restaurants to the community spaces, I’ve learned that this city is a place where opportunities are abundant, where creativity thrives, and where change is happening every day. It’s a city that has experienced a lot but has so much resilience and heart. And the more I get involved whether through my studies, internships, or community projects the more I realize that Detroit isn’t just a backdrop to my college experience; it’s a place that is shaping me just as much as I am shaping it.

My perception of Detroit has shifted from seeing it as a place of history and industry to recognizing it as a living, breathing city of opportunity. It’s a place where the past is honored, but the future is being built with every step. And as a Wayne State student, I feel incredibly lucky to be part of this transformation.

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