 From Milwaukee Area Technical College Marissa Nicholson, if life is a game of connect the dots We're all the rest of the dots. You see I've been on a downward spiral of what felt like brokenness for 19 years Day in and day out. I struggle with finding my purpose Through prayer and faith. I picked up my life from Michigan and dropped it in Wisconsin At that very moment. I learned that life is not a game. It just got real It got so real that my feelings of confusion and emptiness turned into a new beginning When I enrolled in Milwaukee Area Technical College because of this fresh start that I received from MATC I wanted to restore that same feeling of fulfillment in the lives of other students Stuck in between the lines of limited thinking and lack of awareness I knew that something needed to change Due to the countless opportunities that Milwaukee Area Technical College has provided me I have grown tremendously Three years ago, if you would have told me that I would be the vice president of the Black Student Union or proposing solutions to Congress and Advocating on behalf of other students. I would have looked at you like a deer in the headlight I am so grateful to be part of a diverse technical college system that not only supports my career My educational career, but my military career as well Even while taking semesters off To serve in various parts of the country. I am always welcome back with insightful information that will continue That will continue to help me serve as a student veteran Having said that MATC has been the birthplace of creativity and ambition. I look forward to the continuous wisdom I look forward to the continuous wisdom Knowledge and inspiration that my professors and administrators pour into me. I Am a brand you are a brand. We all are a brand We represent something great in this world Just being on this earth alone is a brand my brand is golden because not only do I represent myself I represent my institution. I believe I was brought to this institution to make a difference in the lives of others I am on a mission to encourage positive behavior attitude and dedication all while being humble. I am not finished yet This is just a start I am committed to my technical college because I strive to witness adults uncover hidden layers to reach their full potential This is my moment and I am determined to live in it The dots in my life started to connect as I pursued my development at MATC Now only did I begin to see leadership qualities in myself, but MATC was able to see to witness them as well. I Am honored to be part of such a strong institution He has assisted me in understanding my campaign for change in student advocacy and understanding my purpose and understanding that it turns it turns out That ended up right where I belong here at MATC so great features really do start at MATC