We’re looking for stories for “Where It Starts 2025 - Community Voices”
The “Where it Starts” series strives to inspire others and show what’s possible through persistence, community, and purpose. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other members of our U of M Black community are invited to share your story about how you overcame an obstacle, found your community, or realized your purpose.
Use this form to tell a story about a point in your life’s journey that led you to where you are today. By highlighting your own path, you may inspire others. Please try to limit your entry to 300 words. Answer any or all of the questions.
Submission Form
The University of Minnesota may use your answers as part of the Where it Starts series and on various University of Minnesota channels, including social media.
Selected "Community Voices" submissions will be displayed between Feb 1-28, 2024. We may edit your submission for brevity, clarity, and content. Please leave your email address and we will contact you and confirm any changes we make.
All submissions become the property of the University of Minnesota, to be used by the University in a manner consistent with the University’s educational mission. The University does not guarantee that an entry will be used. If you have questions following your submission of this form, please contact [email protected].
Community stories
- StaffCollege/Department/Program:College of Veterinary MedicinePreferred pronoun(s):She, her, hers
Tell us about a time in your life where you overcame an obstacle in your path, found your community, or found your purpose
My stumbling block came when I was in third grade, when my teacher struck me and humiliated me in front of the whole… Read the full story of Rosemary Klass
- Undergraduate studentCollege/Department/Program:School of Physics and Astronomy, CSE, Astrophysics & Physics major, Minor in Computer Science (class of 2026))Preferred pronoun(s):she/her/hers
Tell us about a time in your life where you overcame an obstacle in your path, found your community, or found your purpose
When I was a freshman and sophomore studying astrophysics and physics, I felt completely alone. I never saw anyone who… Read the full story of Aseila Awad