Blog post written by Andrew Marshall
Finding the right college wasn’t easy. I was overwhelmed with options and unsure of where I truly belonged. But the deeper I dug into my research, the clearer my direction became. That’s when I found the University of Michigan-Dearborn. I knew I didn’t want a massive campus where I’d just be another face in the crowd, so discovering a Michigan campus with a close-knit environment felt like the perfect balance. It’s a place where opportunity and community come together, where diversity isn’t just present, it’s valued. As you read my story, you’ll come to understand that UM-Dearborn is more than just a college; it’s a home filled with people from all backgrounds and experiences. My journey to UM-Dearborn wasn’t a straight path. In fact, it surprised me in more ways than one.
When I moved into my apartment during my first year of college, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. Everything felt new: the environment, the people, and the journey I was about to begin. The complex I moved into is right across the street from campus, and in turn, many of its residents are incoming and current UM-Dearborn students. As I moved in, the experience went beyond unpacking; it was my first real introduction to the community I would soon be a part of.
As I made trip after trip from my car to my apartment, I noticed something immediately: everyone was different. Some were moving in with the help of their families or friends, while others arrived independently with nothing but determination. There were athletes, international students, first-generation students, and people with stories entirely different from mine. It was eye-opening to see how many unique individuals had all chosen this same place to start their futures. What stood out the most was how open and welcoming everyone seemed. Even though we came from differing backgrounds, there was a shared energy in the air. It was a feeling that we were all here with a purpose. Throughout the day, I met several students who would go on to become close friends. Each of them had their own story of how they ended up at UM-Dearborn, and hearing their experiences helped me realize this campus was more than just a place to earn a degree.
After I finished unpacking and said goodbye to my family, I took a moment to absorb the reality that a new chapter of my life had officially begun. The very next day was the Go Blue Bash—a big campus event where students gather to explore organizations, meet new people, and learn more about campus resources. As I walked, I crossed paths with countless new faces. One of those people was Shayan, a content creator who had an easygoing personality and a strong creative passion. As we talked about content creation, I found myself becoming increasingly interested in the field. Now, whenever I need advice or guidance, he’s someone I know I can reach out to. By the end of the event, I had already begun building friendships and connections that would play a meaningful role in my college journey and future goals.
Just a few days later, The Union (the apartment complex where I live) hosted a welcome block party for students, and that event completely changed my college experience. While I was speaking with people at the event, a student I had never met approached me. He introduced himself, and mentioned that he hadn’t seen me around before. We struck up a conversation and exchanged information. What I didn’t realize at the time was that he was involved in Greek life. The more I learned about his organization, the more interested I became. Through that initial connection, I was introduced to a community of people who welcomed me like family and treated me with genuine kindness. Today, I am proud to be a member of Phi Beta Sigma, and the relationships I built from that single event have become some of the most meaningful in my life.
As I started attending classes, engaging with professors, and exploring campus resources, I realized that UM-Dearborn offered opportunities and support systems I never expected. The first semester began, and I quickly realized that my professors were nothing like the strict instructors I had imagined college would have. Instead, they were approachable and genuinely invested in their students’ success. If someone missed an assignment, it wasn’t met with an immediate penalty or judgment. Instead, professors took the time to help students get back on track. That level of compassion showed me that at UM-Dearborn, education isn’t just about earning a grade. From the very first lectures, I could feel that the professors weren’t just teaching material; they were teaching us how to think critically, apply knowledge, and develop skills that extended beyond the classroom.
What truly amazed me was the diversity of my professors’ backgrounds. Some had served as judges, others were engineers, artists, researchers, entrepreneurs, or professionals actively working in the fields they were teaching. Their real-world experience brought lessons to life in ways that no textbook could. I remember one professor I had who was a musician and did concerts, and another shared stories from their career in media production that showed how creative thinking can solve real-world problems. Another thing that truly surprised me was the amount of freedom I had to explore my interests. I started my college journey as a robotics major, then shifted to criminal justice, and eventually found my passion in journalism and media production. Each time I changed direction, I expected to face criticism or disappointment, but instead, my professors encouraged me to follow what felt right.
Looking back on my first year at UM-Dearborn, as a current sophomore, I realize that my journey has been full of surprises and incredible opportunities for growth. Being surrounded by a whole bunch of unique people helped me understand that diversity is one of my greatest teachers. It pushed me to think beyond my own experiences and to collaborate in ways that strengthened my confidence and broadened my worldview. The diversity on campus is not just something you see; it’s something you feel in every conversation. UM-Dearborn has become more than just a school; it’s a place where diversity fuels opportunity. This is where I have found the freedom to grow into the person I’m meant to be.
