Pilar Alynn Joyce Perry

This was my first Semester at University of Detroit Mercy. Since starting the Winter 2026 semester there is room to learn true confidence and be content wherever I am in life. No matter the challenges that show up like changing my major, failing a class or it's still really hard to make friends. The end goal is to graduate, like if it happens in 6 years or 5. I’m going to enjoy going to school no matter the consequences. I'm going to use this time to focus on self-awareness to make the best decisions going forward. College is what you make it. This stage in life can be something that earnestly shapes your long-term health and mental well being. By constructing this Success plan I’m going to frame decision making into a straightforward process. Instead of seeing this age as a space for mistakes that invalidate progress. College can be the one step you take to overcome perfection, and develop the skills required to make sustainable informed choices outside of the classroom.

Goals are important to name specifically and thoroughly, because there can always be problems that arise along the way. For example, while choosing a college to attend the decision was made with hubris. The environment didn’t align with my identity or academic needs. Throughout the first 2 months of school there was an immediate feeling of wanting to go to a historically black college or university. It was difficult to admit that choosing a college or university to attend. A lot of the goals I stated questions, “Is there room to repeat the same mistakes?” After feeling unbalanced in older choices, my ability to succeed is tied to my self-worth and whether I can “get it right this time” is up in the air.
There's a lot of resources on campus that offer a lot of support from guidance counselors and teachers. Since most clubs will be open, there are Trio/Student Support Services on campus that offer Academic, and Financial support, Mentorship and counseling as well as Graduate school guidance. I’m interested in lots of clubs on campus, hoping to join a sorority to find a sense of belonging anywhere. With available support from guidance counselors and other teachers I have access to several resources offered on campus to overcome these challenges. Office hours are the best option for academic advising. It gives you the chance to ask questions about homework, lectures, grades that can be changed and any other advice.