Blog post written by Hunter Amo
The summer of my junior year of high school consisted of road trips and more university campus tours than I can count on both hands. I had always been interested in writing and communication, so I had a vague idea of what I wanted to major in, but choosing a school for post-secondary education is more challenging than simply searching for a good program. I am a first-generation college student, and while there was support coming from my family, they couldn’t provide me with much guidance or advice.
My first two colleges
By the end of my senior year, after many miles driven across the state, I had settled on a university on the west side of Michigan, about three hours away from home. It was a big change in my life. I was living in a dormitory, eating in a cramped dining hall, and juggling classes five days a week while trying to fit in with my classmates. Something about my first university wasn't sitting right with me. I would think about being back at home with my friends and family, and I wanted to be closer. It was in November 2023 that I decided it wasn’t the right fit for me, marking the beginning of my first transfer journey.
I came back home and applied to a local community college just in time for the winter registration period. While attending, I started a few on-campus jobs. My first was working as an assistant for the registrar’s office. I built connections with my coworkers and bosses who, to this day, still reach out to ask how I am doing. I then moved to working as a writing tutor, where I became passionate about helping others feel more confident in their writing skills. Despite my contentment, I knew that my time at community college was soon coming to an end, and I was once again faced with needing to transfer.
When the time came to graduate with my associate’s degree in general studies, I had to think about the same question that was on my mind in high school: “Where to next?”
Deciding on UM-Dearborn
I applied to a variety of different local universities and even considered moving to another state, but I wasn’t satisfied with what any institution could offer me. I spent hours researching course transfer equivalencies and felt defeated knowing that most of my credits wouldn’t count towards an English degree at many schools. I struggled with finding answers about what classes to take and, overall, what to do as a transfer student. Having never attended college, my parents tried their best to help me through my frustrations, but I was still alone and lost. It was as if I had succeeded in jumping over one hurdle just to trip over the next.
In the summer of 2025, while still admitted and registered at a different university, I decided to apply to UM-Dearborn and hope for the best. I deliberately chose not to tell my parents about my application; in fact, I didn’t tell anyone. About a week later, I received an email from UM-Dearborn. To my surprise, I was not only admitted into the school, but I was also offered a transfer scholarship. It was during dinner time that I finally pulled out my computer and showed my family the admission email. I was holding my breath, but my parents simply laughed at my silly “secret” application and hugged me. Their faith in me to choose a school that makes me happy, without even hearing about the logistics of it, really motivated me to accept the admission offer.
Only a few days later, I was looking at my new academic advisor through a pixelated Zoom call. During my online advising appointment, my advisor reassured me that I wouldn’t be behind my peers and that 54 out of my total 61 credits would be transferred. He helped me sign up for my first semester of classes, marking my first real step toward the English degree that I have dreamt of for so long.
Before applying, I was concerned about what the cost of attending would look like. I spent some time combing through the university’s Admissions & Aid webpage and discovered all of the different types of financial support that UM-Dearborn offers, and that’s where I learned about the “Go Blue Guarantee.” It covered the full cost of my tuition after financial aid, so I didn’t have to worry about taking out student loans and falling into debt. This opened up financial possibilities that I didn’t know existed for my family and me.
Obtaining official Wolverine status
With my classes scheduled, financial aid secured, and graduation plan set in motion, I was finally ready to become a Dearborn Wolverine. On my first day, I nervously sneaked into small, cozy classes with friendly professors, followed by a walk around campus. I was so surprised at the sheer size and beauty of this quiet university tucked away in Dearborn, Michigan! The buildings that I walked by were large and modern; the cafeteria was bustling and loud with laughter, so full of energy that I had to pause and take it all in for a moment; and, peeking through all the noise, I saw friends quizzing each other for upcoming tests while sitting in the dewy grass. After my self-guided tour, I quietly smiled while driving all the way to my house.
Transferring universities can be terrifying. With UM-Dearborn, though, I haven’t had to worry. I have found a diverse and welcoming community that makes me feel like I belong. I’m more than just another student on the roster— I’m someone who is seen and valued. I couldn’t be more grateful to watch as my fellow students roam around the halls and, on some special occasions, try to tread water after tumbling out of a cardboard boat during Homecoming Week. Each day brings yet another fun surprise, but to me, the greatest surprise of them all is this: after all of my uncertainty, fear, and transfers, I have finally found a second home.
