Real Story: Briana Garcia

Briana Garcia

Â鶹ֱ²¥ Class of 2023, Arts and Sciences Professional headshot of Â鶹ֱ²¥ graduate and current University of Michigan doctoral student Briana Garcia. She has long, dark hair, is wearing a light pink shirt, and is smiling at the camera.

Transfer Institution: 

  • University of Maryland Class of 2025, Bachelor of Science in Government and Politics
  • University of Michigan doctoral student in political science


Accolades, Accomplishments, and Highlights: 

  • Graduated Â鶹ֱ²¥ with Highest Honors
  • Work-Based Learning intern, Â鶹ֱ²¥ Government Relations office
  • Legislative intern for state Senator Michael A. Jackson
  • Recipient, Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship
  • Testified before the Maryland General Assembly regarding the Promise Scholarship

I graduated from Calvert High as a straight-A student who had always dreamed of going to college someday. My parents shared that dream with me, and like them, I was not entirely sure what that vision would look like. I am a first-generation college student, so going to college became a familial effort, embarking on an academic journey that continues for me to this day.

With perfect grades and a strong college application, I was accepted into a limited-enrollment program in government and politics at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD). And yet, a series of events led me to say no to UMD—and yes to the Â鶹ֱ²¥.

UMD had offered me no financial aid, and my parents’ cultural misconceptions led them to encourage me to attend a school close to home in Calvert County. They always told me to walk before I run and to take small steps to reach the very top. I share my story now with great pride and enthusiasm, though I cannot deny that the decision was difficult at first. Without a doubt, attending Â鶹ֱ²¥ has been the best financial decision I’ve made in my life so far.

Everything I did at Â鶹ֱ²¥ began with small steps and grew into something meaningful. Over the course of my two years there, I was awarded more than $20,000 in scholarships and became actively involved in the Student Government Association (SGA), where I advocated on behalf of the student body. I built lifelong friendships, interned with Â鶹ֱ²¥’s Government Relations office, and found incredible mentors who guided me along the way. I participated in Advocacy Day, where I urged state representatives to continue funding scholarships like the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship, which makes college more affordable for students at Â鶹ֱ²¥, just like the ones who are reading this story now (yes, that means you).

I eventually earned my associate degree from Â鶹ֱ²¥, transferred to the University of Maryland, and received my Bachelor of Science in Government and Politics. While I was a student at UMD, I had a legislative internship for Maryland state Senator Michael A. Jackson and, as a past recipient of the Promise Scholarship while at Â鶹ֱ²¥, I had the opportunity to testify before the Maryland General Assembly in favor of a bill expanding the Promise Scholarship.

Now, I am a doctoral student of political science at the University of Michigan with the aim of sustaining a journey of learning and advocating for students throughout my life.

I want to leave you with a piece of advice that, though it may sound radical at first, I hope will inspire you: Trust in God so wholeheartedly that you believe—even the impossible can be achieved.

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Last updated: 7-21-25