“I pushed on because I needed to show my girls that if you persisted and put in the hard work you would achieve your goals and be successful at anything you put your mind to.”

Elizabeth Foster is a tenacious digital marketing student and mother of three completing her bachelor’s degree at the University of Michigan – Dearborn. A first-generation student who independently supported herself from the age of 18, Elizabeth had to pave her own way to college. Elizabeth persisted in her education while juggling pregnancies, kids, and work, even returning to the classroom just 1 month, 3 weeks, and 1 week after having each of her daughters. Through ongoing childcare challenges as well as many long hours studying with children in her lap, Elizabeth continued to show up, reflecting, “I pushed on because I needed to show my girls that if you persisted and put in the hard work you would achieve your goals and be successful at anything you put your mind to.”

Elizabeth’s professors and mentors at U-M Dearborn remark that she is a “smart, hardworking, and resilient student” with “amazing abilities as a photographer, content creator, and editor.” In addition to excelling in her studies, Elizabeth serves as a peer mentor for SOAR, helping others navigate the university as nontraditional students.

Following her graduation, Elizabeth intends to pursue a career in marketing and eventually start her own business. Her ultimate goal is to make an impact in the community that her business is in, especially by starting a scholarship for college students in need. Above all, she is guided by her determination to provide a life full of opportunities for her children, and to help others as she has been helped.

CEW+ commends Elizabeth’s persistence in her education and commitment to giving back and names her a Molly H. Dobson Scholar.