Success Stories

Justin Maldonado, a marketing major at the University of Michigan-Dearborn College of Business, began laying the foundation for his future career earlier than most. Throughout all four years at Lincoln Park High School in Lincoln Park, Michigan, he was an active member of the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), an international organization that prepares students for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. "Through DECA, I had the opportunity to participate in competitions, attend conferences, and network with industry professionals — all of which helped me develop my business and leadership skills," says Maldonado.

Leading with Purpose and Impact

Maldonado carried that focus with him to UM-Dearborn, where he currently serves as president of the UM-Dearborn American Marketing Association (AMA). "I have been fortunate to be a part of this organization, and quickly rose to a leadership role," he says. "We compete nationally. We actually just came back from a competition in New Orleans. Next year, I want to raise enough money to go to Chicago with our team."

Currently in his third year of study, Maldonado says that the UM-Dearborn AMA has presented an invaluable professional opportunity for him, especially in this leadership role. "When I joined AMA, I knew I wanted to be a part of something bigger, and to create memories and experiences that I could hold on to," says Maldonado. "I feel like this entire semester is going to be something I'll remember forever, because I'm putting a lot of work into it."

Discovering an Unexpected Path to Higher Education

Maldonado first learned about the U-M Go Blue Guarantee shortly after he graduated from high school. "My mom actually sent me a picture of a Go Blue Guarantee posting from Facebook. At the time, I didn't even know what it was," he says. "I wasn't really planning to go to college because I didn't want to be in debt. So I was actually in disbelief when I learned about the benefits of the Go Blue Guarantee."

Maldonado applied to U-M and was accepted. "When I learned I was eligible for the Go Blue Guarantee, I was in shock. I felt this crazy feeling of joy come over me. It's still a shock factor, even though I put in so much work in high school, being a part of every club, having great grades, and being in all the sports," says Maldonado. "The Go Blue Guarantee quite literally saved me. If I didn't have this financial support, I probably would not have gone to college. I don't even know where I'd be in life, realistically. It has been life-changing, especially for someone like me who came from a challenging financial upbringing."

Elisabeth Sagardia, Justin's mom, believes that the U-M Go Blue Guarantee will ultimately have a significant impact on Justin's future. "He's been able to build a strong network. He's taking on leadership roles, thriving academically, and enjoying the friendships and experiences that come with being part of a school like the University of Michigan-Dearborn," says Elisabeth. "That kind of support sets a strong foundation for his future."

An Important Learning Curve

Maldonado points to an important life lesson that took place during the financial approval process. "I experienced a major setback. I was devastated," he says. "I almost lost the Go Blue Guarantee because my mom and I did not know we needed to apply for the FAFSA every year."

He credits his girlfriend for helping him get back on track. "I met an amazing woman at the time who is now my girlfriend. She helped me situate everything and lock it in," says Maldonado. "She said, 'Now that you know you have to apply for the FAFSA every year, make sure you continue to stay on top of it.' Truthfully, I wouldn't be here without her, and I wouldn't have a graduation plan right now. Ultimately, I was able to correct my FAFSA just in time and get the classes I needed."

Maldonado notes that this setback has informed many areas of his life. "Now, when I run into roadblocks and things that don't go my way, I'm able to pivot and find another route. Ever since then, I've been really careful to make sure that my grades are good, the FAFSA is filed on time, and everything is running smoothly with my classes. I pay attention. I focus on how to bounce back."