These girls are headed to Michigan. I’ve accepted an offer from the University of Michigan to attend their Master’s in Public Policy program this fall and will be transitioning to Ann Arbor from Colorado Springs later this summer. I didn’t think that a master’s program would be in reach for me. I told myself I wouldn’t pursue grad school unless I had a clear understanding of what I wanted to do. But my previous experiences, doors opened and opportunities provided by so many incredible leaders, and my role with the City of Colorado Springs helped define my understanding of the work I’m meant to be doing. I tried multiple times to take the GRE and failed over and over again. Completely consumed by pandemic response, I had to give up on taking the test. An honors student throughout school, I had never felt more like a failure. But some schools waived their GRE requirements due to COVID, opening the door to programs that had been far above my reach without a test score. After years working with startup companies and as a Peace Corps Volunteer, I had returned to the US with no savings and no idea how I would pay off my existing student debt, let alone any new loans I might have to take on. But in November I made my last loan payment, and I was honored to be offered a significant fellowship from Michigan that will allow me to attend tuition free. Words cannot express my gratitude for everyone who has been with me through this process. From hours spent on essay feedback and letters of recommendation to helping me think through my story, the person I am, and the leader I want to be. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside so many amazing people for nearly four years, serve as a member of the City’s Economic Development team, and to contribute to the exciting growth and redevelopment efforts in Colorado Springs. As I wrap up my last days in my role, I am overwhelmed by the love and kindness of you all, and I can’t wait to see what is in store for this next season. #FordSchool #FutureFordies #GoBlue #AndStillAHawkeye https://www.instagram.com/p/CQfKxLqlYCOcWy9FEIjG51Uqv3dR8q7gI-EF2A0/?utm_medium=tumblr