Jazzmin Milety

I have had many difficulties that have caused a delay in my academics. At one point I considered dropping out and joining the work force full time to help my family with finances. However I’ve stuck it out and it has been an immensely tough road. I have committed to doing all that it takes to graduate whether it takes me 4 years or 10. I have a family that looks up to me and depends on my success. Being first generation college students weighs heavily but I’ve committed to breaking the mold and achieving the mountain of success in academics. 

Since high school my family lost our home, jobs, car we hit rock bottom with the harsh economic downfall. My family relocated to Florida and despite a rough start, they are building back up. I came back to Michigan to finish school as out of state tuition would be yet another setback. I’ve moved on campus and while I had a rough transition, I still remain on campus and have been working to be involved. Things are difficult and discouraging at times but I’ve found that instead of selfishly dwelling on my struggles, I’d like to give back. I work two jobs and am part of 4 student organizations. I am part of the Wayne State Gospel Choral, Righteous Movement Bible Study, I’ve recently joined the Pre Professional Medical Society, and have helped to found Wayne States very own Residence Hall Association. My way of giving back on my campus is by encouraging students to being more involved in campus life.  More specifically with RHA,  as part of the Executive Board, we aim to making our residence life synonymous with home, promoting inclusion and celebrating diversity. We have worked hard to bring our residents tons of community building events, leadership conferences and opportunities, hall council trainings and overall increasing resident involvement. We have successfully accomplished in one year what most Universities do in three years. Our upcoming events include are our Leadership Conference in November and we are excited to announce that Wayne State’s Housing department has approved our request to getting our very own office built in addition to a Collaboration Center sponsored by RHA for all WSU residents. 

My road to success has been long. There have been tons of milestones that I have hit and even many times where I have wanted to throw in the towel. However my drive and desperation for success keeps be going. Being able to inspire other students and residents to keep going and to keep reaching for success makes me feel like I’m doing something right. And overall, I know that no matter how long my road takes, my family looks up to me and I am building a new legacy for the younger ones watching behind me. I am proud to say that I am a Wayne State Warrior and I will continue to fight for success.

Thank you Ric Gonzalez Memorial Foundation for pouring into me in the beginning of my journey and thank you so much for reaching back out to check up on my progress. You are immensely appreciated. 

Best, 

Jazzmin Milety

National Communications Chair, Residence Hall Association

Wayne State University

Western International High School