SOAR Students

Kim Bertges’ path to graduation has been defined by strength, focus, and a steady determination to keep moving forward. A single mother who consistently carried more than a full-time course load while raising her children, Kim earned a 4.0 GPA each semester through discipline, planning, and hard work. Her resilience—built over years of navigating instability, self-reliance, and life’s unexpected challenges—has shaped her journey to becoming this year’s Chancellor’s Medallion recipient.

The Chancellor’s Medallion is the highest student honor awarded by UM-Dearborn, presented each semester to a graduating student who demonstrates exceptional scholarship, integrity, and contributions to the campus community.

Kim’s early adulthood was shaped by instability. She became a new mother at 19, and shortly after, aged out of the foster care system. College felt out of reach—not because she lacked ability, but because survival took priority. Over the years she attempted school several times, including online courses, but life continued to interrupt. 

She also faced serious health challenges. In 2018, she survived cancer and underwent an emergency hysterectomy during a period marked by profound family loss. “That date—May 21—is my celebration day,” she shared. “Every year I do something small for myself to remember that I’m still here.”

Her lived experience taught her early on to rely on her own determination. “Growing up, I was used to depending on myself,” she said. “That became my motivation—to push forward even when things were hard.”

In 2021, the Michigan Reconnect Program opened a door Kim had assumed was closed. She enrolled at Henry Ford College without a clear vision of her long-term career, only a commitment to move steadily forward. She excelled academically, earning two associate degrees while building confidence in her abilities.

Learning that UM-Dearborn offered the Go Blue Guarantee made her next step feel possible. When she transferred, she entered the Health and Human Services program with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear motivation: her children. She wanted them to see what persistence looks like.

Kim approached her studies with energy and discipline, balancing the demands of single parenting and managing a household with a rigorous academic schedule—a reflection of her intelligence, work ethic, and thoughtful planning.

During demanding weeks, she found encouragement from UM-Dearborn faculty. “That is what UM-Dearborn is to me,” Kim said. “A close-knit community where you’re supported every step of the way.” Faculty like Professors Darcy and Vitalis offered empathy and flexibility when life became overwhelming. “They didn’t just teach,” she said. “They cared. Knowing they believed in me made all the difference.”

Kim also found meaning in giving back. Throughout her time at the university, she was a regular volunteer at the UM-Dearborn Food Pantry, paying it forward by helping to ensure other students and families had access to what they needed.

Kim’s nomination for the Chancellor’s Medallion came as a surprise. “I didn’t even know what the award was at first,” she said, laughing. “When I realized, it felt like everything I had worked for finally made sense.” For Kim, the award symbolizes far more than academic achievement. It represents years of resilience, healing, and refusing to be defined by the limits of others.

As she reflected on her journey, she shared a truth that grounds her: “If I could go back and hug my sixteen-year-old self, I’d tell her that it’s all going to be okay. You can build something better for yourself.”

Ifasekemi Hammonds will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Services and has been selected as the December Commencement Speaker. A devoted mother of three, doula, holistic wellness advocate, community health worker, and champion for maternal and infant health, she brings an extraordinary blend of experience, insight, and compassion to the UM-Dearborn community.

Her path to the university wasn’t linear. After high school, she knew she was interested in both health and business, but she hadn’t yet developed strong study habits and wasn’t sure what direction fit her. That clarity came in 2017 with the birth of her first child. “When I had my son Cairo, it hit me—I had a little one depending on me. I had to step it up and be responsible,” she said. Motherhood didn’t just change her life; it awakened a calling. She trained as a Full Spectrum Doula and found herself drawn to the emotional, physical, and educational support expectant parents needed. 

Her passion led her to establish Queen’s Korner and Kenzy’s Touch, launched after receiving the Detroit Is Us grant. The nonprofit provides doula care, education, and social services to families. Through this work, she discovered both purpose and mission: reshaping maternal health—especially for Black women—through culturally grounded care and community connection.

When she visited UM-Dearborn as a prospective transfer student, something clicked. “I saw so many nontraditional students. I didn’t feel out of place,” she said. “Even when I came with my son, nobody batted an eye. It felt homey.” She soon connected with SOAR Success Coach Becky Richardson, whose encouragement made a lasting impact. “Becky told me, ‘If you want to do this, I believe you can do it.’ That meant everything to me,” she said.

During her time at UM-Dearborn, Ifasekemi served as a SOAR Peer Mentor, joined Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and supported student government initiatives centered on equity and inclusion. These roles allowed her to uplift fellow adult learners the same way others had uplifted her.

As she progressed through her program, she continued expanding her maternal health work, eventually stepping into a full-time role as a Lead Community Health Worker at Corewell Health. There, she supports pregnant and postpartum individuals by addressing social determinants of health, designs community-informed maternal health initiatives, and uses AI-driven tools to help identify high-risk cases and improve early intervention. Her work blends hands-on care with data-informed approaches to strengthen birth outcomes.

Balancing school, motherhood, and full-time professional work came with challenges, including supporting her youngest daughter through serious medical concerns. Yet during the hardest periods, she found unwavering support from UM-Dearborn faculty—especially within Health and Human Services. “That is what UM-Dearborn is to me: a close-knit community where you are supported every step of the way,” she said. Her professors checked in regularly, encouraged her academically and personally, and helped her stay on track during complicated weeks. They connected coursework to her real-world experiences, offered flexibility when she needed it, and affirmed her place in academic spaces. “They didn’t just teach—they cared,” she said. “Knowing they believed in me made all the difference.”

As her experience grew, so did her confidence. Presenting at the American Public Health Association and the Michigan Community Health Worker Association helped her recognize the power of her story—and the stories of the families she serves. So when applications opened for the commencement speaker, she felt called to submit hers. “So many people don’t understand what resilience really is,” she said. “It’s not just surviving hardship—it’s choosing to move forward. UM-Dearborn students live that every day.” Her message resonated strongly with the selection committee and earned her the honor of addressing the graduating class.

Looking ahead, Ifasekemi plans to continue advocating for equitable maternal healthcare and economic equity within Black communities. She has applied to graduate programs in Public Health and Social Work at Johns Hopkins, Brown, Howard, and UM-Ann Arbor.

Before returning to school, she hopes to travel to Osogbo, Nigeria, to connect with family, learn traditional birth-support and public health practices with her godmother and mentor (Iyanifa) Ifakemi Elebuibon.  “I want to deepen my understanding of birth work from my culture—to learn, reconnect, and bring that knowledge back to the community I serve,” she said.  Ifasekemi’s long-term vision is clear: to continue transforming maternal and infant health through advocacy, education, cultural wisdom, and compassion.

Returning to college is a bold step at any stage of life—and for Saba Elmaweri, it was a matter of perfect timing. Academically driven but devoted to her family, Saba put her dreams on pause until the moment felt right: “I needed to be a present mother for my kids. Once my youngest was old enough, I realized now’s the time.”

Currently pursuing her degree in elementary education at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, Saba navigated unexpected program changes with grace and flexibility, shifting from K-8 to a pre-K–6 specialization. “I embraced the change,” she says, “and decided the new path was best for me.”

Saba’s return came with anxiety—from concerns about student debt to doubts about fitting in as a non-traditional learner. “I didn’t think I had it in me,” she admits. But those worries dissolved as she found tenacity and dedication—sometimes exceeding the energy of younger students. “They didn’t treat me as any different. Everyone was so welcoming. It’s a community focused on helping each other grow.”

Campus resources played a pivotal role in Saba’s success, especially the SOAR office, as well as the Mardigian Library, the Writing Center, and the University Center. “I don’t think I would have survived without SOAR,” she recalls. Even the scenery inspires her: “If you appreciate campus as a lifelong learner, there’s so much joy in the little things.”

Saba credits her family for making it all work. “We assigned roles and everyone did their part. It was a team effort,” she says of her husband and children. Organization and flexibility, she insists, were the keys to balancing coursework with raising a family.

Receiving the CEW Plus Scholarship and the Dean’s Medallion were major milestones for Saba. “As a Muslim woman in America, being recognized means a lot. Women do so much behind the scenes—it’s wonderful to be acknowledged.” She looks forward to using these honors as a springboard for giving back to her community and expanding her professional network.

Resilience is Saba’s secret ingredient: “I learned it from my parents, who gave so much with so little.” Her faith also keeps her grounded and fuels her resolve through life’s challenges. “When things get tough, I vent, regroup, and move forward.”

Now, as she finishes her student teaching, Saba is confident in her calling: “I know. I was meant to do this.” Teaching, she says, is multifaceted—part educator, part counselor, part caretaker. “I truly believe everyone is a lifelong learner and teacher.”

For Saba Elmaweri, the journey is far from over. With her degree nearly complete, she stands ready to serve and uplift her community—guided by resilience, faith, and an unwavering love for learning.

When Benjamin (Ben) Filler returned to college as an adult learner, he wasn’t sure how he’d fit in—or whether anyone would take a forty-something intern seriously. “I remember thinking, who’s going to want someone my age as an intern?” he said. “I always pictured interns as younger, fresh out of high school.”

Today, that worry feels distant. Ben is thriving as a Journalism and Media Production (JuMP) major at UM-Dearborn and working as a Production Assistant with the Inclusive Storytelling Hub (ISH). He was recently awarded the "Intern of the Year" award from the College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters Internship office. What he once assumed might be a disadvantage—age and experience—has instead shaped his confidence and voice.  

Ben’s decision to return to higher education began during the early days of the pandemic, a moment when many people were rethinking their lives. He had taken a few community college classes nearly twenty years earlier, but continuing had never felt possible. “I wanted to go back for a long time,” he said, “but financially it didn’t seem realistic.” 

Then, the Michigan Reconnect program changed everything. “When Reconnect came along, I could finally visualize it,” he said. “It gave me enough support to believe I could actually succeed.”

He enrolled in the cinematic arts program at Oakland Community College (OCC), choosing it because it felt both practical and creatively meaningful. He quickly discovered he had a talent for filmmaking. His short documentary, The Illustrious Clyde Cup—a playful look at an annual, highly competitive mini-golf tournament—was accepted into the Greater Farmington Film Festival. That early success led to selections at other film festivals and even a feature story on OCC’s website highlighting his emerging filmmaking journey. “There’s nothing like sitting in a theater and hearing people react to something you made,” he said. “It’s surreal.”

By the time he graduated magna cum laude, he was mentoring new OCC students in storytelling, editing, and digital media. He also built a portfolio of freelance media and creative work before transferring to UM-Dearborn.

For JuMP majors, internships are a required part of the degree, but Ben still felt the weight of returning as a non-traditional student. Then an email appeared from JuMP faculty member Rick Moroney describing an internship opportunity with the Inclusive Storytelling Hub.

“I opened it and thought, this is perfect,” he said. “And honestly, I know I was on that list because I showed up, I worked hard, and I built real relationships.”

At ISH, Ben is working on a documentary about Blenda J. Wilson—the first African American woman to serve as Chancellor at UM-Dearborn—and artist John A. Lockard, whose portrait of Wilson anchors the project. Much of Ben’s role centers on editing: reviewing hours of footage, shaping narrative flow, and ensuring that the story honors their legacies.

The rapid evolution of technology has surprised him most. Editing software he learned just a few years ago has since transformed. “Even in the short time I’ve been in school, the technology has changed dramatically,” he said. “It feels like the timing lined up for me.”

The documentary is set to premiere in February, with hopes that Chancellor Wilson will attend.

While Ben has experience with solo filmmaking, this internship marks the first time he has worked on a long-term collaborative project with an entire team of interns, faculty, and project partners. “This is the first time I’ve worked with a group where everyone is genuinely invested in the same outcome,” he said. “There’s extra communication and planning because there are more people, but the teamwork makes the final product stronger.”

Ben will continue with the Inclusive Storytelling Hub next semester and is strongly considering graduate studies in instructional design and learning technologies. The field blends everything he enjoys: storytelling, multimedia, programming, and education. “Video is a powerful tool,” he said. “But it’s just one part of my larger tool set. Instructional design feels like the place where everything I’m good at comes together.”

He also speaks warmly about his experience as an adult learner at UM-Dearborn. “It’s been a really smooth experience,” he said. “The resources, the counselors, the support—it all just makes sense. I love my classes, and I feel like I’ve had room to grow here.”

From community college film festivals to teaching, freelancing, and helping build a documentary that enriches the university’s history, Ben’s journey shows the power of returning to school with purpose. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to find your path—or to start telling stories that matter.

After 17 years in the hospitality industry as a pastry chef, DASI (Dearborn Adult Success Initiative) student Deanna Bodoun felt a deeper calling focused on supporting and healing others. This inspiration led her back to college to complete the degree she started in 2009 and to continue her journey toward a B.S. in Psychology with pre-med requirements at UM-Dearborn.

Returning to school after a decade was not easy for Deanna. She faced genuine concerns about financial strain, scheduling challenges, academic readiness, and whether her previous credits would still be valid. However, everything changed when she took a brave step by enrolling in a single class at Schoolcraft. This experience helped her regain her confidence, rekindled her passion for learning, and ultimately allowed her to graduate with two associate degrees. She improved her GPA enough to qualify for the Go Blue Guarantee, which facilitated her transfer to UM-Dearborn.

This semester, Deanna is balancing full-time work and full-time school while managing an evening schedule, online coursework, and a long commute with determination and grace. When things get overwhelming, she focuses on her "why" and reminds herself of the future she is building, one centered on service, stability, and purpose. 

Finding community through SI sessions and from her adult learner success coach Elissa Gonzalez has been transformative for her. "I wasn’t planning on seeking support," she shared. "But once Elissa reached out, I felt so welcomed. Meeting other adult learners assured me I’m not alone, and if they can do it, so can I."

As the semester comes to a close, Deanna is proudest of her time management skills and the confidence she has built. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder of what is possible when courage meets support. “Returning to school surprised me. It turns out I absolutely love learning again…My dream is to help and heal others, and education is my path to making that a reality.” 

"I took a leap of faith, and so far, it’s worked out." 

DASI student Destiny Austin decided to return to college after receiving meaningful encouragement from her therapist, who reminded her of her potential and helped her realize that financial barriers did not have to hold her back. Stepping into a new chapter with courage, she returned to school while balancing full-time work, her daughter's medical needs, and daily family responsibilities.

Pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education (Pre-K–K) with plans to earn a Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) endorsement after graduation, Destiny aims to work with Trenton’s DHH program, bringing compassion, personal experience, and purpose into her future classroom. 

Online learning has played a pivotal role in her journey. "Online classes are the only reason I’ve been able to do this." This flexibility has allowed her to complete nearly her entire associate degree and now her first semester of a bachelor's degree while managing her family’s demanding schedule. 

Despite the challenges, Destiny maintains a 4.0 GPA, reflecting her resilience, time management skills, and deep motivation as a mother. "My daughter motivates everything I do." She is determined to show her that anything is possible.

Destiny brings wisdom, insight, and emotional strength to her coursework, drawing from her personal experiences, healing, and growth. Her support system, which includes her husband, mother-in-law, and therapist, plays a significant role in helping her move forward. "She also shared that having an adult learner success coach has been an essential part of her success. "SOAR/DASI has made me feel welcome, supported, and capable."

Destiny’s story is a powerful reminder of why accessible pathways, community support, and programs like SOAR/DASI matter. We are honored to walk alongside her and are inspired by all she has achieved and all she is building for her future.

For DASI student Souzan Aljamous, returning to college means much more than just earning a degree; it’s about honoring her family’s legacy and creating a future full of possibilities for herself and her children. Her mother returned to school after an 18-year break and eventually earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Damascus University. Her determination—and the pride she carried in achieving her dream—ignited something powerful in Souzan. "I want others to know she returned after 18 years. Her courage encouraged me to do the same."

In her third year studying Business and Economics at Damascus University, Souzan was forced to leave Syria when the war began. She moved to Jordan but was unable to continue her studies because she had her four children and the opportunity was not available there. When she finally arrived in the United States two years ago, she persisted once again, determined to reclaim her dream. Although she had already completed three years of coursework, a credit evaluation only gave her 33 transfer credits. Most students would have felt defeated. Souzan refused to give up, “I love accounting. I love math. And I had already started this journey. I wanted to finish what I began.”

Restarting didn’t break her spirit—it strengthened it. “I returned to college because I love learning and want to grow personally. Education allows me to contribute positively to my community and make a meaningful impact.”

Currently a student in the College of Business, Souzan is pursuing her BBA in Accounting, with plans to continue to a master’s degree and eventually a PhD in accounting. She hopes this path will lead to opportunities in teaching at the university level or in leadership roles within the field. She has a sense of pride in studying at UM-Dearborn and hopes to represent Syria proudly through her education and experiences.

Balancing coursework, parenting, and home responsibilities is no small task. “My life experiences have taught me perseverance, responsibility, and time management. I strive to do my best for my family and my education.”

One of her proudest achievements and biggest challenges involved the language barrier. Because Souzan studied in Arabic in her home country, she had to adapt to English. She notes how passing the Duolingo English exam after multiple attempts to meet the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s admission requirements was a balance between studying and her responsibilities to her family and children. “It was very challenging, but with ambition, self-confidence, and hard work, nothing is impossible.” 

She credits SOAR, her DASI support coach and her academic advisor for helping her adjust and succeed in her studies. “The SOAR/DASI program has helped me immensely with registration, applications, and support. I feel safe when I come to the office. When I encounter difficulties, that’s where I go first.”

Souzan also emphasizes the strength of support and encouragement from her family. Her father played a major role in her educational journey due to his strong love for learning and his dream to see her accomplish her goals and succeed. She also credits her husband for encouraging her to follow her dreams and helping in their home with the children so she could study and prepare for exams. 

Souzan hopes her story encourages other adult learners who may hesitate to return to school, reminding them that it is never too late to start again. She highlights how her life experiences, have taught her determination and discipline. When things start to feel overwhelming, she reminds herself of a simple yet powerful truth: “Every long journey begins with a single step. My motto is ambition.”

When environmental science major Caitey Robertson returned home from her study abroad trip to Poland she felt more competent and confident about her college career. 

Like many returning adult learners, Caitey’s college journey had a ten year plus interruption because of life's unpredictable circumstances. She first pursued an arts degree at the College for Creative Studies where she enjoyed herself but realized she had other academic interests. It was not until the COVID-19 pandemic that she reevaluated her academic goals, eventually transferring from Oakland Community College to UM-Dearborn.

At first, she did not think a study abroad trip was possible for a non-traditional student, but was pleasantly surprised when everything worked out. She was concerned about being an older student on the trip and lodging with younger students and almost did not apply. But she realized that mindset would be limiting her academic potential, so she chose to forge ahead and participate in the study abroad in Poland. 

Although she is an environmental science major, Caitey is not afraid to learn outside of her field. Her classes in Poland included a history course with University of Gdansk students and an engineering course on human-centered design with UM-Dearborn Professor Georges Ayoub. She learned engineering techniques where she built a wallet out of paper, and her team created a digital platform app. An added bonus was that the study abroad class  fulfilled a Dearborn Discovery Core history and upper-level writing requirement she needed to graduate. 

Since completing the trip, Caitey says that she is proud of herself for learning about interactive design processes and engineering, plus navigating a country where English is not the primary language. She was happy to see Poland’s beautiful 11:30 pm sunsets, enjoy their Southern mountains, and take a mini trip to  Norway. Additionally, she applied her knowledge of environmental science while in Poland, noticing their similar plant-life to Michigan and observing unique metamorphic rocks not consistent with the mineral composition of the area that she was able to bring back as a souvenir of her trip.

Caitey wants to encourage other SOAR students to enroll in study abroad programs regardless of their doubts, sharing, “If you have the opportunity, do it!”

The reality of being a UM-Dearborn student set in for first-year SOAR student Reagan Irey one September morning. After dealing with hectic traffic to arrive early, she stood on the second floor of the still-empty CASL building and viewed the sunrise streaming through the lobby windows. “I realized how much hard work I'd done to arrive at this point.”

Reagan, an integrative studies major concentrating in environmental science, anthropology, and communications, found clarity in evaluating her life experiences and career goals. She chose to follow her passions over job market trends and has set personal academic goals, including making the Dean's List, securing an on-campus job, and recognizing her privileges.

Her return to college has been vastly different from her first attempt. Her college journey began at Oakland Community College, where she initially was not a fan of getting involved on campus. However, attending a student success seminar changed that, sparking her interest in campus engagement. She found her niche tutoring math at OCC. Since then, she has grown to appreciate the on-campus experience and encourages other returning adult learners to take advantage of available resources. She also finds she has more in common with her professors than with younger classmates, which has given her the confidence to ask for help. “Something we forget as returning adult learners is that asking for help is okay,” she says.

Like many returning adult learners, Reagan has faced challenges but uses her experiences to support others. Since joining UM-Dearborn, her academic confidence has grown. She relies on effective study strategies, such as reviewing material before and after class and using the Pomodoro method to avoid burnout. “I’ll stop for breaks and avoid the study burnout when trying to run through an entire assignment.” She shares these techniques with fellow students as a tutor and emphasizes the importance of asking for help as a returning adult learner.

She never imagined studying abroad but took a leap after spotting a flier in the Renick Center for the Future Cities Live program. Just two days before the deadline, she applied. In June, she will travel to Germany and the Netherlands to explore sustainable cities.

Reagan encourages other returning adult learners to celebrate their accomplishments. “You’ve got to thank yourself. Teachers give us the tools, but I did the work myself.”