Having an IMPACT
Incoming Grand Haven freshman, Ke’bah Wilson, chose to attend Central Michigan University after attending a North American indigenous summer camp.
That's where she met Director of Native American Programs Colleen Green and other native student leaders. She said they showed her she has a community at CMU that will support her throughout her college experience.
Choosing to attend IMPACT did something else.
Geared toward welcoming students of color to campus, Wilson said the program helped her see herself as a future leader at CMU, and for her native community.
The three-day, on-campus, program was held from Aug. 22-24. Events included bonding activities, dancing, guest speakers, games, and other resources to help students find their home away from home at CMU.
“IMPACT has been an amazing experience for learning more about leadership as an underrepresented student, gaining a better understanding of campus life, and how to get the most of my college experience,” Wilson said.
Students are divided up into groups of ten to twelve, headed by two IMPACT mentors. These upperclassmen help IMPACT students with their transition to college life by providing advice and resources.
Wilson said her IMPACT leaders provided much needed inspiration.
"I am hoping to also apply to become a part of the IMPACT program and help the next incoming freshman class,” she said. “Seeing mentors who were passionate about making the IMPACT program as memorable and insightful as it was for them, allowed me to understand the importance of continuing the cycle of leadership."
