Graci W. grew up on the Iron Range in the small community of Nashwauk-Keewatin, MN. As one of the few people of color in her community, she felt unrepresented and unaccepted for most of her childhood. After many years of feeling out of place in school, she knew she wanted to be an educator so that her students could have a different experience – one of acceptance and belonging.

She chose the University of Minnesota because of its commitment to diversity and inclusion, along with the diversity of people. As a first-generation college student, she’s grateful to the advisors and other staff who answered all of her questions during the application process and was very impressed with their kindness.

Graci is a junior majoring in early childhood education with a minor in racial justice in urban schooling. She shared: “I love everything about these two programs, and know it is the perfect fit for me. I have never felt so passionate about what I’m learning.”

She appreciates how genuine everyone in her program is. Not only are professors and advisors extremely willing to help, they also truly care. She shared: “I’ve had countless important conversations with professors within my program that have allowed me to feel accepted and heard.”

Graci is grateful for the scholarship support she has received and the generous donors who make scholarships possible. “I truly wouldn’t be able to be here without your help. With only a single parent to lean on for financial support, scholarships have made attending the University of Minnesota possible,” Graci says.

After graduation, she intends to apply to earn her MEd. Once she obtains her master’s, she’s considering teaching kindergarten in a school district in a big city like Minneapolis or abroad in Ethiopia, where her family is from.

As a teacher, Graci hopes to be a voice for children who may need extra help, support, or acceptance.