Cintia Darice
Share Your Story
As a first-generation, nontraditional student at the University of Michigan, my journey to higher education has been anything but linear. Before becoming a Wolverine, I spent over 15 years building a career, developing professional skills, and navigating the responsibilities of adulthood. I was already a wife, a mother of two, and an established professional when I decided to pursue a new path in dental hygiene. Starting over wasn’t easy, especially in an academic environment where the traditional educational journey often feels like the standard. For a while, I quietly questioned whether my background measured up. My academic foundation included an associate degree and professional certifications, while many of my peers had followed more conventional paths. I sometimes found myself focusing on what I hadn’t accomplished rather than recognizing everything I had. What I didn’t immediately understand was that I wasn’t starting from scratch. I was starting from experience. My previous career taught me how to lead, adapt, communicate, solve problems, and connect with people from all walks of life. Those skills became invaluable as I navigated the demands of a rigorous dental hygiene program, a long commute, family responsibilities, and the challenges of returning to school as an adult. Along the way, I’ve had moments of uncertainty, academic setbacks, and experiences that tested my resilience. But I’ve also discovered opportunities I never anticipated. I’ve served as a peer tutor, represented my classmates in student leadership, and had opportunities to mentor and encourage students following behind me. Perhaps my greatest lesson has been learning that I don’t have to fit the traditional mold to make a meaningful contribution. I’ve come to appreciate that my experiences outside the classroom are just as much a part of my education as the lessons I learn within it. My perspective, maturity, empathy, and professional background allow me to contribute something uniquely my own. Today, as I approach graduation, I see my journey differently. What once felt like a disadvantage has become one of my greatest strengths. Being first-generation means more to me than being the first to pursue a particular educational milestone. It means challenging expectations, creating opportunities, and showing my children that growth doesn’t have an expiration date. I didn’t take the traditional route to get here, but every turn has shaped the person and future healthcare professional I’m becoming. And I’ve learned that belonging isn’t about arriving with the same experiences as everyone else. It’s about recognizing that you have something valuable to contribute, exactly as you are.
Your advice for other First-Gen students
Don’t compare your beginning, your timeline, or your accomplishments to someone else’s. Whether you’re entering college straight from high school, returning after years in the workforce, or balancing your education with family responsibilities, your experiences have value. Seek mentorship, build meaningful relationships, advocate for yourself, and don’t be afraid to take up space in unfamiliar environments. Allow yourself to be both a beginner and someone with valuable life experience. Most importantly, don’t become so focused on what you have yet to accomplish that you overlook everything it took to get you here. Your path doesn’t have to be traditional to be extraordinary. You don’t just belong in these spaces; you bring something to them that no one else can.