Memories of Goodrich

The Goodrich impact to me, in a pure reflective state, was vast. I failed to see it at the time, the higher standards, the never settle attitude, the advisors taking an initiative and supporting me, was something that I undervalued and under utilized. I wish I would have relied on my advisors more, picked the brains of the faculty more, and pushed myself to strive for higher. --Michael J

The Goodrich impact for me was 100%, hands-down the people and the community - my fellow Goodrich Scholars and the Goodrich Faculty/Staff. I felt supported by the faculty - they knew my name, cared about me and my experience, and challenged me to grow. The Goodrich Program opened my eyes to the diversity in worldview, experience, and culture right here in the Omaha area. I would not be who I am today without the support of the Goodrich Faculty and Staff! There are so many memories -- from hayrack rides at Vala's and Goodrich bowling outings, to Elmwood Park BBQs (and getting to 'pie' a faculty member!). And yet, the classes and individualized time with faculty and cohort members were my favorite. The Goodrich Program provided a welcoming community to me - a tight-knit group in an otherwise large institution. The Goodrich Program is a place where everyone knows your name - that is something special and unique! --Matt N

The Goodrich impact on me is massive. Without this scholarship, I would not be an Electrical Engineer. Without Goodrich, I may not have earned a bachelor's degree. Without Goodrich, I may not have earned an internship and a full-time position with OPPD. Without the Goodrich mindset, I may not have created the African American Network at OPPD which is all about spreading diverse perspectives across the company. Without the Goodrich mindset, I may not have met my fiancé while volunteering. I say all of this to say that Goodrich is the catalyst that put me in position to do the best I can to make life better for people who come behind me. My favorite moment with Goodrich was all of the service learning opportunities. Giving back and volunteering helped me get in a routine that I still follow to this day. Helping others is the core of Goodrich and that has become my core now. I know that life is not about me, it's about making life better for people who come behind me. --Maurice K

Goodrich opened my eyes to a variety of cultures. I grew up sheltered and lacking diversity. Goodrich challenged me to acknowledge my privilege and be empathic for different backgrounds.
Patty was the person that pushed me to be more, when I was at my lowest she helped me refocus and achieve. My favorite memory was writing autobiographies in Troy's class. --Mason G

The circle of the Goodrich Family has been beyond what I had imagined. The perfect blend of care, support, and academic rigor has shaped my life in countless ways. I am still in awe of the continuing impact Goodrich has on me and those close to me. Goodrich is still my inspiration for teaching and mentoring with compassion. I will always hold my Goodrich experience, friends, and family in my heart and always with gratitude. Goodrich, thank you for believing in me and the authentic warmth and care you extend to all your students. This is the Heart of Goodrich and being in the Goodrich community. --Mary GZ

Goodrich impact was starting my college education with a community of support to help navigate new territories. My fellow Goodrich friends and I became close with all the classes we had together, and the professors challenged me daily and prepared me for the rest of my college career. My favorite memory was taking the autobiography class and learning about all my classmates and the unique backgrounds we all came from. --Melissa H

Being a part of the Goodrich program helped me build and expand my writing and communication skills that have set me apart from my colleagues throughout my career. Furthermore, being able to graduate with minimal student loans allowed me to reach financial security post-graduation and I'm on track for financial independence and early retirement well before my peers, many of whom are still paying off their student loans more than a decade after graduating.
This financial security has allowed me the privilege to choose my career path based on where I feel I can add the most value as opposed to where I needed to go to get paid the most, and also the privilege to give back to my community. --Melanie L

The Goodrich impact was having a group of faculty and instructors that actually cared about me succeeding. I knew they were always there for me to lean on. I enjoyed all of our events within the GSO such as the bowling fundraiser, hayrack ride, and teacher pie in the face. --Melissa D

Growing up, I struggled a lot with being accepting and fitting in with my peers as a Black, Muslim, hijab-wearing woman from an immigrant-background. I really had no sense of direction in my life all the way up to high school. I think it had a lot to do with my lack of self-esteem and confidence. I had a hard time relating to my peers and my parents were unfamiliar to how a lot of things worked in this country. As soon as I entered the program, I was greeted with warmth and kindness I had not experienced before in my education. They helped me with so many things from class scheduling, financial aid, and additional scholarship opportunities. I got to meet and work alongside students with similar backgrounds to me in courses that emphasized multiculturalism and important academic skills. It allowed me to graduate debt-free and took a huge financial burden off my chest. It was because of Goodrich I was able to study abroad in Korea for a semester (shout-out to Todd and Patty especially!). It was a dream of mine for quite sometime and it was an experience I always cherish. I always felt closest to my Goodrich professors in any of my courses at UNO so I used them as recommendations for graduate school and got accepted (thank you especially Todd and Troy). It is hard to say if I had ever been to accomplish as much or overcome these hurdles without such support. Thank you Goodrich faculty from the bottom of my heart. --Maryan F

The sense of belonging and security that the Program and Faculty gave me. Of course, the academic assistance that the Faculty provided as well! In addition to all of the classroom interactions with Goodrich faculty, I remember the help I received from Penny Nordahl. Penny was such a caring, kind soul. --Mark M