Success Stories

Breanna Karlichek, a native of Flushing, Michigan, discovered her passion for reading and writing at a young age. "By my junior year of high school, I knew I wanted to major in English," says Karlichek, who will enter her third year at the University of Michigan-Flint this fall.

Building Expertise

She hopes to one day work in publishing in New York City — ideally with a renowned house like Simon & Schuster. To gain hands-on experience, Karlichek currently serves as assistant editor of Qua, the university's student-run literary and fine arts magazine that showcases the work of writers and artists from Flint and surrounding communities. "I have enjoyed working with Qua. It has given me the opportunity to connect with other students who have similar interests and career goals," she says. "We hosted a launch party for the magazine a few weeks ago, and the turnout was incredible. It's so rewarding to be part of something that supports and uplifts creative voices. It has been something really special."

Choosing a Path

Karlichek says that college was a personal decision. "My family supported me, but there was never any pressure — especially from my father, who started his own business, and my mother, who earned a degree in education from UM-Flint and taught elementary school," she says.

With her future dreams in mind, Karlichek applied to UM-Flint. She was elated when she learned that she had qualified for U-M's Go Blue Guarantee. "I received the Go Blue Guarantee when I was going into my first year of college, just as I was figuring out my financial aid plan," she says. "The Go Blue Guarantee has significantly shaped my academic experience. It has encouraged me to take more challenging courses and has removed financial stress. I can focus on academics without worrying about student loans. Having access to this caliber of education is obviously a huge privilege. My parents were very happy, too. My mom had to take out loans when she attended college."

Melissa Karlichek, Breanna's mom, was delighted to learn that her daughter was a recipient of the U-M Go Blue Guarantee. "When Breanna applied and was accepted to UM-Flint, and we saw her financial aid package, we were shocked in the best possible way," says Melissa. "The support she received was such a huge relief for me and my husband. It meant that Breanna wouldn't need to take out loans. It really was a weight off our shoulders."

Karlichek strongly urges any student who is hesitant to apply to UM-Flint based on financial concerns to do so anyway. "There are plenty of opportunities for tuition support here," she says. "If pursuing a degree is the path you have decided on, UM-Flint is an exceptional choice."

Steadfast Support

Karlichek expresses deep gratitude for the unwavering support and encouragement of her parents. "I've always been able to talk to them about anything," she says. "If I was feeling stressed about college or anything else, they were always there to help."

One piece of advice from her father to "stay humble" has remained especially poignant throughout the years. "It may sound simple, but it's something I've always remembered and try to live by," says Karlichek.

Journey of Growth and Change

Reflecting on her personal growth, Karlichek takes pride in her transformation from a quiet high school student to an engaged college student, discovering her voice and purpose. She credits her advisors at UM-Flint for playing a key role in that journey. "Whenever I was confused or needed help with my classes or making sure I was on track to graduate, my advisors were always there to guide me," she says.

Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience

One of Karlichek's biggest challenges since starting college has been managing her time effectively. "I commute to campus and work 30-35 hours a week, so balancing my job with my coursework has definitely been a challenge," she says. "But this past semester, I really got a handle on it and managed my time well."

She notes that, since starting at UM-Flint, she has come to realize that when she truly commits to something, she is capable of achieving it. "In high school, I tended to play it safe and avoided challenging classes. But now I've learned that I can handle more rigorous coursework and succeed when I push myself," says Karlichek. "I'm genuinely proud of how far I've come. From middle school through high school, I mostly kept to myself and rarely took academic risks. My college experience has taught me a lot about who I am and what I'm capable of. I've come a long way, and I'm doing really well."

Awarded Scholarship

This month, Karlichek received the U.S. Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. The prestigious scholarship is designed to support American undergraduate students eligible for Pell Grants to study or intern abroad. Karlichek will study at The American College of Greece during the winter 2026 semester.

Moving Forward

After graduation, she says what she will miss the most is the welcoming atmosphere on campus. "I've always felt uplifted here, whether I'm in a class, at the library, or at any of the buildings on campus," she says. "I will also miss the extracurricular activities at UM-Flint. I hope to make the most out of everything here before I graduate."