Memories of Goodrich

The Goodrich impact for me has been knowing that there are people who are rooting for my success. Whether it is Goodrich professors, staff, or other Goodrichers, I know that there are people excited for me to succeed. That carried over, and it is easy for me to imagine myself achieving the biggest of goals now. I wouldn't have found that confidence when I did if it wasn't for Goodrich. --E Brandon

I Am Because We Are...
The Goodrich Scholarship Program impacted me in meaningful and measurable ways. Because of Goodrich, I write well and think critically. Because of Goodrich, I know how to speak about race and intercultural issues in a meaningful and mature way that will turn on (not off) those with opposing views and different perspectives. Because of Goodrich, I am an excellent instructor in the classroom and know how to use multi-media in a meaningful way to engage students when discussing uncomfortable topics. Because of Goodrich, this non-traditional student (me) with a family (four children) was able to double major and graduate with honors in four years. Because of Goodrich, I was able to write a doctoral dissertation. Because of Goodrich, I am a success!!! Dr. Robinson

Goodrich made college feel less scary. I came from a high school with less than 500 kids in the entire school and graduating with 74. Goodrich allowed me to be comfortable at school. It gave me an automatic cohort and helped me assimilate to a huge school. I made life long friends due to this and could not be more thankful. Dr. Smith impacted me in a way that's much harder to define but felt in my heart. She taught me to work hard and show people who I truly am and that if I'm myself I have limitless potential. Her women of color writers class is one of the only college classes where I kept the books, they also were deeply impactful. --Dani V

Early in my college career there I missed the deadline to register for fall classes. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with myself or what discipline I wanted to pursue in college and so I dragged my feet until the deadline came and went.
The following week I received a phone call from Penny Nordahl who noticed I wasn't registered and basically ripped me a new one over the phone. What I remember more than anything from that conversation was two things: 1. Someone was paying attention, and 2. No small amount of shame at letting her (and the other Goodrich faculty and staff) down. It was one of the first of many formative moments for me. I used to play racquetball with Dr. Romero and Dr. Carroll 1-2 days a week and Mike always beat our asses even though we were in our 20s (aka "our prime") and he was 3x our age. Troy and I spent hours talking and scheming ways to beat Mike but neither of us ever scored more than 4 or 5 points a game. Then we brought Gabe, Troy's younger brother to play with us and we played Mike and Gabe vs. Troy and I it was the first time I ever heard Mike swear! --Cynric W

I was a first generation college student with working class parents who never graduated high school. When I experienced an unplanned pregnancy during college I would have failed out for sure without the support of the Goodrich program. I wouldn't be where I am without Goodrich. I've gone on to have a successful career and I owe it to Goodrich. --Crystal R

Aside from the teaching staff, who were all excellent instructors and people, there were two classes that remain impactful to this day: USAmerican Culture and Critical Reasoning. USAmerican Culture not only taught me about the different ways that American life is experienced but also how to focus and WRITE frequently, prolifically, and thoughtfully. It was an intense class that made all future writing assignments much less intimidating, including my grad school capstone project. Critical Reasoning was so very valuable and eye-opening to me. In this age of misinformation, I believe it should be included in curriculum at grade school and high school levels. --Graham H.

When I applied to nursing school I came back to the Goodrich office seeking references. Patty Shearer had always been my go-to when I needed advice or help with something. She was quick to help me with a reference for nursing school. I came back once again to share the news that I had been accepted! Patty was so supportive during my time at Goodrich and after when I was applying to nursing school. Troy Romero was someone I always looked up to during my time with Goodrich, as a professor and mentor. He reached out to me after learning of my cancer diagnosis/fight shortly after I had finished treatment. His words were so uplifting, supportive and kind; even years after I had finished my time at UNO and Goodrich. It just goes to show - Once a Goodricher, always a Goodricher.

I was the first member of either side of my family to graduate from college. I really didn't have anyone to lean on for guidance on how to navigate college. I was grateful for the entire Goodrich staff that provided the guidance and encouragement to get me to graduation. I would not have made it without them. Mike Carroll was my English composition teacher. He assigned a major composition paper. Mike would meet with us after grading our work to give us feedback on our work. I struggled with the assignment and though I turned in an inferior paper. I feared meeting with him because I knew I was going to get a terrible grade. I avoided meeting with Mike to discuss my paper. I had to meet with another Goodrich staff member and I knew I would have to pass Mike's office. I tried to quickly walk past his office in hopes that he wouldn't see me. I thought I had made it past his office, when I heard Mike yell my name out loud. I stopped thinking my day of deliverance had arrived. I stepped into his office and instead of harsh criticism, I received his congratulations. He pulled out my paper and told me that I had received one of the highest grades in the class. Instead of fear, he instilled confidence in me. From that day forward, I knew that I could succeed despite my doubts. --E Zendejas

The study tour to Washington DC had a profound impact on my knowledge of how the government works. The DC study tour was one of my favorite memories as a member of the first class of Goodrich scholars. --Darniece

I would not have been able to attend or graduate college without the Goodrich Scholarship. The staff and faculty were always extremely supportive and encouraging- in the good times, but especially during moments of struggle. --DianaWhether it was a place to be, fellowship with students, or faculty and staff, I always felt supported as a Goodricher. These relationships made me feel I belonged, reinforced to me the skills and intelligence I cultivated, and rooted me in a rich community. I was able to carry this confidence forward so I felt empowered to reach for any opportunity and choose my vocation; actively shaping my life.