Success Stories

Kiara Colin's path to higher education has been shaped by both personal determination and great adversity. In her first year of high school, Colin's father was incarcerated in a federal prison, where he is currently serving his term. At the same time, her mother was deported. It was then that Colin's older sister and brother-in-law took her and her younger siblings into their home in Ann Arbor. "It was a challenging, complicated time for all of us. But we are okay today," says Colin.

When Colin first arrived in Michigan, her brother-in-law was pursuing a PhD in robotics at Michigan Engineering on the University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus. Greatly inspired by his experience, she decided that U-M would become a part of her story as well. "My parents did not have the opportunity to pursue higher education. This has made my academic journey even more meaningful," says Colin, a first-generation Mexican-American college student at the University of Michigan-Flint. "My older sister, who was the first in our family to attend college, encouraged me to follow in her footsteps to earn a degree of my own."

Today, Colin is pursuing a major in communications with a minor in general business through the College of Arts and Sciences. Having lived in various parts of the United States, Colin brings a diverse perspective to her academic and professional interests. "I moved around a lot while growing up, and ended up relocating to Michigan during high school."

Laying the Foundation

Initially, Colin was uncertain about which U-M campus she wanted to attend, but knew that continuing her education was important. During her last year of high school, she chose UM-Flint, in large part because of its proximity to her home and the opportunities it offered. It was about the time the COVID-19 lockdowns started."

"I applied to UM-Flint, but I wasn't really expecting a call back," says Colin. "Not long after, I received an email response suggesting I would be a good candidate for the seven-week Flint Promise Scholarship, a special program that seeks to bridge the gap between high school and college for first-generation college students."

Promise Scholars are eased into a college preparatory course called the Summer Bridge Program, currently known as the King Chavez Parks (KCP) program, where they participate in workshops, and work with peer mentors who provide life coaching and guidance. Students are also required to meet with academic advisors and engage with the campus community, while maintaining a 2.5 or better GPA over the course of four years. "Without KCP, I would not be where I am today," she says. "John Girdwood, the Promise Scholars program manager, has been an amazing support throughout."

Greater Opportunities

Colin notes that her path to the U-M Go Blue Guarantee was not immediate. "I took summer classes while in the KCP program and maintained a really good GPA. I actually qualified for the Go Blue Guarantee coming into my freshman fall semester," she says. "I'm very grateful for the Go Blue Guarantee. Without it, I could not have afforded college. The Go Blue Guarantee has removed a lot of pressure and worry so that I am able to really focus on my education."

Charting a Career Path

Colin aspires to a career in human resources, driven by a commitment to improving workplace culture and communication. Her aim is to foster transparency, rebuild trust, and ensure that employees feel genuinely supported. "I am passionate about reshaping the perception of human resources," she explains. "There is often a sense of disconnect between employees and HR departments."

Right now, Colin is undecided about what job sector she would like to work in when she graduates. "I see my career not only as a valuable opportunity for myself, but also a meaningful way to support and guide students during formative stages of their lives," she says.

What intrigues Colin most about her field of study is how deeply it explores the ways individuals and society function. "It has helped me understand the many factors that influence human interaction. I'm fascinated by how everyone brings their own unique experiences, perspectives, and emotions to conversations," says Colin.

Finding Community

She notes that one of her favorite experiences at UM-Flint has been participating in Latinos United for Advancement (LUNA), a group made up of students from a Hispanic background. "One of our main annual events is the Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, celebration, which brings students from various backgrounds together, and educates the campus community about the cultures of Hispanic groups in the United States," she says.

For Colin, LUNA is not just about promoting cultural awareness — it's also about creating opportunities for connection and being part of a community that celebrates Latin American heritage. "I have found this group to be a wonderful opportunity, not only in terms of cultural engagement but also in building strong friendships," she says.

As part of that engagement, she has found tremendous support from professors, fellow students, and the broader campus community. "I have never felt like I was going through the college experience alone," says Colin. "That's one of the most meaningful aspects of joining a student organization: the lasting memories you create and the people you meet. These relationships and experiences can truly shape your time at college in a positive way."