Haleigh Wiley, Class of 2022
Why was it important for you to attend college?
College has always been something that I wanted to achieve. I wanted to have a life that was different than everyone thought. I wanted to prove everyone wrong that has ever doubted or given up on me (like my biological parents).
What has been the greatest challenge so far in your college experience?
When I failed my freshman semester, I was ready to give up completely. I had gotten in contact with a navy recruiter because I just wanted to leave. This was the greatest challenge by far. I had to relearn how to love myself and how failure is okay. With failure comes some of our greatest achievements. I was so scared and angry at myself. I couldn’t see that I had the chance to make it right.
What has helped you the most so far in college?
The answer is not about what has helped me- it’s who. My TRIO advisor Michelle Ricketts has been the one constant in my years here at Shepherd University. She has helped me overcome my fear of failure and has turned me into an overachiever. Having a support system has always been one of my “weaknesses” because I never had it. Michelle has been a part of that support system that I wish I had growing up. She listens and isn’t afraid to tell you the harsh truth. She constantly motivates you to do better and knows that everyone makes mistakes. The biggest thing about Michelle that has helped me is that she doesn’t judge like many people/ advisors do.
What are your career goals?
When I complete my four years here at Shepherd and get my degree, I will be continuing on my education to become a child advocacy and civil rights lawyer. It isn’t about doing just something you love. It’s also about trying to fix the things you hate.
Outside of academics, what are your hobbies/extracurricular activities?
Outside of my academics, I love to spend time with my little sisters, Peyton and Brooke. Another thing that I enjoy doing (sometimes too much) is binge watching my favorite TV shows like Law and Order SVU, Grey’s Anatomy, or documentaries like When They See Us or The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez (if you haven’t watched them, do, because they are incredible + true stories!).
How has being a first-generation student influenced you?
Being a first-generation student is something that is so special. You get to make a name for yourself and earn the respect that many people just hand out to some. In my case, I feel that being a first-generation student has played a huge role in my life. I have always wanted to be better than my parents, make a name for myself and make my own choices. Going to college was my own choice and I couldn’t be more proud of myself for doing so.
What would you tell your first-year self now?
Looking back on my first year here at Shepherd, I was not prepared at all. I had gone through a lot the summer before and it didn’t end there. I was alone and didn’t have anyone to turn to and count on to be there for me. I would say to my first year self, “Freshman year has been one that you will never forget. One that was worth all of it. It was worth the failure, stress and anxiety. It was worth it in the end, for all the hard work that you did and that you will still have to do to get to the point in which you want to be. Just know that you are strong, and you can do anything you put your mind to. Don’t let anything or the people that doubted you get in your way. Never lose faith and just know you do belong here”.