Success Stories

Arriyanna Houston, a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was in the fourth grade when she proudly announced to her mother that she would go to college one day — a dream she's now living out as a social work major at the University of Michigan-Flint College of Health Sciences. "I've always loved school and learning," says Houston. "Being able to educate myself is one of the greatest privileges I could have. I knew I would be happier going to college because I would be able to find stability in my life."

Exploring Fields of Interest

Houston says she initially had no interest in pursuing a health care-related field. She briefly considered psychology, but found it wasn't the right fit after taking a few classes at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids. "I looked into social work next and realized how many different paths you can take with a social work degree," she says. "You can work as a case worker for the state of Michigan, or even as a therapist in a juvenile detention center. I liked the idea of exploring different areas to see which one aligned best with my personality."

An Unexpected Gift

As Houston continued to raise her GPA at Aquinas College, she took a chance and applied to UM-Flint. A few days later, she received the good news that she had been accepted, and that she qualified for the U-M Go Blue Guarantee. "The Go Blue Guarantee has changed my life. It's something I had not expected. It has made it so much easier to focus on school rather than how to pay bills. I have had such a clear mind with regard to my schooling," says Houston. "Without it, I probably would have dropped out. School is a challenge, no matter who you are or where you're going. The Go Blue Guarantee has definitely made the experience so much nicer."

Latoya Johnson, Arriyanna's mom, is very grateful for the U-M Go Blue Guarantee. "There are so many kids out there who want to go to college but can't afford it," says Latoya. "Programs like this make it possible. This program matters, and is saving so many futures."

Classroom Highlights

Houston says she has thoroughly enjoyed her classwork, especially the courses taught by Caitlin Rossman, MSW, a social worker and adjunct lecturer in social work, UM-Flint College of Health Sciences. "Every class I've had with Caitlin has been an amazing experience. The level of discussion and community among students is exactly what I've always wanted in a college experience," she says.

Pathways to Growth

It's clear that Houston's college years have provided invaluable personal growth. "I learned that I was very strong-headed, which is not necessarily a good or bad thing," she says. "I also learned that it is okay to ask for help. I used to sit and struggle with things until I figured it out. But that can't happen every time you're trying to deal with an issue. So being able to learn how to ask for help was a huge struggle for me, but it was a struggle I needed to go through in order to be where I am now."

Spreading the Word

Houston says she tries to help others who might be considering college at one of the U-M's three campuses. "I always recommend applying to the University of Michigan," she says. "It sounds crazy because I'm pushing for people to go to a school that is probably the largest in Michigan. But that's the best part about it. It might be a bit scary, but you have so much to gain from your experience, no matter which U-M campus you attend."

Building a Career

After graduation, Houston envisions a gradual start to her career. While some students secure a job immediately after college, she prefers to take her time and explore different opportunities. "Given the valuable connections I have made, I believe a slower approach will allow me to fully understand and engage with my options, rather than rushing into a role and potentially moving from job to job without clear direction," says Houston.

She also plans to go back to school for her master's degree in social work. "The UM-Flint MSW program is exceptional," she says.