I’m a transfer student at Wayne State University, born and raised in Detroit. I’ve always been a straight-A student with a 4.0 GPA, and I’ve worked extremely hard to stay on that path—even while facing serious financial struggles.

But because I’m not a “first-time freshman,” I don’t qualify for Wayne State’s free tuition programs like the Heart of Detroit Tuition Pledge or the Wayne State Guarantee.

That is deeply unfair.

These programs claim to promote equity and access—but they leave out students like me who have already proven our academic potential and dedication. I didn’t come to college straight from high school. I came back later, with more responsibilities, more obstacles, and more motivation to succeed.

Transfer students are often some of the most hardworking and committed students on campus. And yet we’re excluded from support that is given automatically to others—just because of when they enrolled.

I’m asking Wayne State to fix this. Please include eligible transfer students—especially those from Detroit and those with strong academic records—in these tuition-free programs.

We deserve the same opportunity to succeed.