“I often say, either these kids are going to be successful or they're going to go to prison, and they can't get to either place on their own,” said the professor, who recently taught at the University of Michigan. said Elizabeth Ashley. She – She graduated from the University of Flint with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and was a Maize & Blue Scholar.
And Ashley should know. Since elementary school, she has suffered from competing mental health diagnoses, including oppositional defiant disorder, and her PTSD, resulting from a series of traumatic events she experienced at school. Eventually, she was transferred to another school, placed in a special needs classroom, and nearly expelled by the time she reached high school.
“In my middle school and high school, it was a common joke, not only with my peers but also with teachers and staff, that the only institution I should be heading to was prison,” Ashley said. “I felt like no one cared about me at school and I didn't believe I could succeed at anything. So I didn't believe in myself either.”
After receiving a two-week suspension for behavioral problems, Ashley went to class to find her sitting to take the SAT. She listed UM-Flint as one of the colleges she was interested in on her exams.
“Honestly, I didn't remember doing that, but a few months later I received a letter from Flint University saying I had been accepted into the Promise Scholars program,” Ashley said. “I was shocked! And not just me, so was everyone I knew! In fact, the guidance counselor told me to contact UM-Flint to see if they were really going to accept me. It really hurt. The counselors didn't even give me any money, they didn't think I would actually go, so they gave me information about aid and scholarships. But UM-Flint accepted me and for the first time I felt like someone believed in me. ”
Ashley needed to raise her GPA to qualify for the Promise Scholars program. She spent the rest of her high school years studying hard, and then she attended her eight-week campus experience at UM-Flint, which didn't get off to a great start.
“My low self-esteem kept me from really being proactive. I just didn't feel like I was as good as my peers or worthy of being there. ” said Ashley. “I was at a really low point and considered dropping out, but Dr. Janice Jones, who was the head of the program at the time, stepped in and convinced me to stay. completely changed.”
Once Ashley committed to UM-Flint, she gave it her all. Guided by her own experiences, she pursued a major in elementary education to work with and support students who may exhibit similar behavioral and mental health issues. She also made a promise to herself that she would no longer be an outsider. She will serve on the campus activities committee from fall 2019 until fall 2021, and in winter 2022 she will join the Phi Sigma sorority and become an active member of the Future Teachers organization. Also a member.
“People have misconceptions about Greek life. Greece has a very bad reputation, but becoming Phi Sigma has allowed us to build a sisterhood and feel a real sense of belonging. '' Ashley said. “Because the chapter was so small, I had the opportunity to serve as philanthropy chair. Within a month, we hosted one of our largest scholarship fundraising events, the Erin’s Dinner. We raised $3,500 for the scholarship fund, which led to my appointment as chapter president in 2023.”
Ashley (center) with her fellow Phi Sigma Sigma sisters on graduation day
Ashley’s focus on building an inclusive community was first recognized in 2023 when she was named UM-Flint Inclusive Leader. She received this award at the Wolverine's Celebration of Excellence Ceremony in April 2023.
“I've never really thought of myself as a leader. I just didn't have a lot of confidence and didn't see myself in a positive light,” Ashley said. “But I really wanted to belong to UM-Flint, and that meant making other people feel like they belonged too. There was no such thing. Diversity wasn't allowed. You're all the same, or you're an outcast just like me, so others felt welcome and UM-Flint was welcoming. It's important to me that everyone feels like a valued community.”
Ashley received more than 20 merit-based scholarships and awards throughout her studies at UM-Flint. She completed her academic transformation by receiving the Maize & Blue Graduate Scholarship and being named one of the 13 Winter 2024 Maize & Blue Distinguished Scholars.
“Look, I graduated high school in the bottom 10% of my class, and no one really expected me to be successful,” Ashley said. “Receiving the Maze & Blue honor was very emotional for me and for those who have supported me in my life. I think it's proof of what you can accomplish if you put your mind to what you believe in.”
“I've dedicated myself to service to the campus community, whether it's helping first-year students, preparing for move-in day, or participating in Wolverine Welcome. I've always felt like I don't belong. I welcomed them with open arms. It meant a lot to me that Maze & Blue respected my passion for inclusivity. That’s it.”
Bianca Torbert, manager of the Morris Hood Junior Educator Development Program, is among the administrative staff at UM-Flint who are impressed with Ashley's academic career.
“Elizabeth is an outstanding student who excels academically and is a valuable asset to the entire student community,” Torbert said. “Her leadership skills and willingness to help others have been noted, and she has been on the UM-Flint dean's list throughout her time here. Her success is due to hard work, passion, and unwavering determination. It is doubtful that Elizabeth will continue to achieve greatness in her future endeavors. ”
Looking to the future, Ashley plans to pursue a master's degree in social work while continuing to work as an elementary school teacher. Ultimately, I would like to earn a doctorate and work in education policy at the state level.
“I'm interested in child psychology or educational psychology, some kind of path where I can use my personal experience to help children,” Ashley said. “The funny thing is, even though I hated school for so long, I now can’t imagine not continuing my education. UM-Flint is where my heart is and my experience here has been truly transformative.” After being told I was blind, I applied for scholarships and received 23 merit-based scholarships throughout my undergraduate career.
“I want anyone reading this, anyone who lacks self-confidence, anyone who feels like the world is stacked against them, to know that if I can do it, you can do it too. I will continue to work hard and persevere.” ”
