- What are you most excited about working in the Michigan policy space? What gets me really excited about diving into the Michigan policy space as a TICAS fellow? It’s the opportunity to make a real difference for students navigating higher education. Over the past three years in college, I’ve been hands-on with front-end work, answering questions, and adhering to various policies. This experience has shown me just how much these regulations impact students’ lives every day. Exploring the Michigan policy landscape offers a fresh perspective and lets me see the bigger picture of how we can enhance education for everyone. Collaborating with other passionate individuals who are dedicated to making education more accessible and equitable is incredibly inspiring. I’m all about those dynamic collaborations, sharing ideas, and forging real changes together.
- What impact would you like to leave for students in the higher education policy space? My aim is to create lasting, meaningful changes rather than quick fixes. I believe that everyone, especially high school students, should feel confident that they have a fair shot at affording college and thriving in the higher education landscape. I want to go beyond surface-level solutions and address the root causes of the challenges students face. This means advocating for policies that ensure college affordability, expanding access to financial aid, and providing resources that help students navigate their educational journeys more smoothly. I hope to leave a legacy of equity and opportunity in the higher education policy space. I want to help build a system where every student, regardless of their background, has the resources and support they need to succeed. That’s the kind of lasting impact I’m passionate about making.
- What is something you wish people knew about pursuing higher education in Michigan? One critical aspect I wish more people understood is how the Great Recession significantly impacted higher education funding in the state, and how those consequences are still felt today. During the Great Recession, Michigan, like many other states, had to make difficult budget cuts. Unfortunately, higher education funding took a substantial hit. These cuts led to reduced financial resources for colleges and universities, which in turn affected everything from tuition rates to the availability of academic programs and student services. The repercussions of those funding cuts are still evident today. A primary consequence has been the rise in tuition rates as institutions attempt to compensate for the lack of state funding. This increase has made it more challenging for many students, particularly those from lower-income families or marginalized communities, to afford a college education. Additionally, the transparency around how funds are allocated and used within higher education institutions has also come under scrutiny, as schools strive to make do with limited resources.
