Mary Schlitt
Share Your Story
As a high school senior from a small rural community, there was only one university I dreamed of attending: the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. While my mother held an associate’s degree and my father a high school diploma, they were both deeply committed to ensuring that all five of their children would pursue higher education—and each of us did. With the unwavering support and encouragement of my parents, Jack and Mary Sergent, I was accepted to Michigan. As the youngest in my family, I was especially grateful when my father came out of retirement to help me supplement my college loans to cover my expenses. Meanwhile, my mother nurtured my academic interests and enriched my life beyond the classroom through extracurricular activities, travel, and opportunities to experience the arts and culture. They did what they could to get me to Michigan, but it was my hustle and resilience that kept me here for my undergrad degree in LSA, graduate degree through the Ford School of Public Policy, and now my work with the Barger Leadership Institute. I’m proud of all these facets of my first-generation experience, as they made me a better student, a better parent, and ultimately a better leader.
Your advice for other First-Gen students
Don’t hesitate to seek support—your professors, GSIs, advisors, and support staff are here to listen, connect you with resources, and help you successfully navigate your college journey.