ÂÜÀòÉç

February 5, 2025

Blog Post Written by Bryanna Worthy

That day was strange. No one came to school except me and a few close friends. The image of running through the empty halls is clear in my mind. We were all clueless and had no idea what was happening. The government had announced that we were going into a pandemic and that, for a short period of time, the schools would be closed. At first, I was optimistic about having some time away from classes, but I was entirely wrong. After that day in March, running through the halls of a seemingly abandoned school, I didn’t realize it would be my last time there.

The first year of the pandemic was difficult. In addition to a general uncertainty about what would happen, my grades took a massive hit. I had begun my freshman year of college, and by the end of my first semester, my overall GPA was low. I mean really low. My motivation was gone.

When I began my sophomore year it was quite the journey. The lockdown had been lifted and I was back in a physical classroom after almost two years at home. While I was excited to have in-person classes again, it didn’t feel like a real experience. People were spaced out and wearing masks, and the lack of human connection made me feel distant.

However, it was during my junior year that everything changed. It was a few months after my mom had a heart attack and a year after going back to in-person classes. My mom’s health scare was an event that shook me and put a lot into perspective. No longer would I sit in the passenger seat. That’s when I decided to make a change.

I transferred from my local community college to the University of Michigan-Dearborn. As I entered the College of Arts, Sciences and Letters auditorium, I was amazed at the very thought of me making it here. As the weeks flew by, I met so many amazing people who would change my life forever. I met Teaching Professor Jerilyn Mannion who encouraged me to get involved in the French department. I also met Associate Professor Margaret Murray who helped me transition into becoming a public relations student and later find employment as a Language, Culture, and the Arts Student Ambassador.

I remember the first time I visited the French Club. The experience I had was amazing and enlightening. I was so fortunate to have met Professor Mannion, who helped me realize that I still had a passion for the language. She also helped me receive a minor in French studies. Never would I have imagined that after a few months working alongside Professor Mannion — and previous French Club President Jay Cormier — it would lead me to the position I’m in now.

Later that year, I won multiple awards. My grade point average improved — a lot. I made it onto the French Honors Convocation list and the Dean's List, and it's all because of the chance I took here at the University of Michigan-Dearborn (with the encouragement of my family). I elevated myself by going after my dreams, and the vast resources available here at the university helped me do so.

Even though I started as a not-so-motivated college student in the middle of a pandemic, I was fortunate enough to have such a great supportive system that led me to where I am today.  I’ve found that, in the face of adversity, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. It’s just waiting for you to make that first step.