University of Michigan
BlavinScholars.org: What degree(s) will you be receiving this spring and what inspired you to pursue that particular major?
Angelica: I am studying Materials Science and Engineering — I chose this major because I loved the mechanical aspect of engineering as well as the chemical side. This major was a perfect intersection of the two.
BlavinScholars.org: What awards or honors have you received?
Angelica: I am a Gates Millennium Scholar.
BlavinScholars.org: What is your favorite U-M memory or experience and why?
Angelica: Living on North Campus was a great experience for me. I really loved the community and people (not so much the bus rides – ha ha).
BlavinScholars.org: What are your short-term goals for after graduation?
Angelica: After graduation, I will be going to Malawi for 6 weeks to teach math and science to high school students to help them pass board exams. I will then spend 1 year as a missionary with University Christian Outreach.
BlavinScholars.org: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Angelica: I see myself working at a company focused on human centered designs for space. I am really interested in non-terrestrial material applications, so it would be really cool to work on material design for satellites or space shuttles.
BlavinScholars.org: How have you grown as a person since first entering college?
Angelica: Very much so! I think that I would not be able to recognize my freshman self.
BlavinScholars.org: What excites you most about your future?
Angelica: Being able to have a little bit more control over my schedule and my time. I am also really looking forward to having a more hands on job.
BlavinScholars.org: What advice about higher education and life, in general, would you give to high school students who have experienced foster care?
Angelica: DO NOT GIVE UP! Having a college degree puts you miles ahead of other kids of the system who weren’t fortunate enough to have the opportunity. Continue to do the best that you can.
BlavinScholars.org: What advice would you offer to incoming Blavin Scholars?
Angelica: Stick with the program! You get out of it, what you put into it.
BlavinScholars.org: What’s your biggest takeaway from your experience as a Blavin Scholar?
Angelica: Having those extra resources made me really feel like there were people on my side who wanted me to stay in school. This is something that changed the game for me, and made it possible for others to hold me accountable for my academic and financial progress. It was also really nice to have donors who ACTUALLY wanted to know me. Amy and Paul are really awesome and good people and that also helped me to feel like I had a team of people that wanted me to succeed.