{"id":13914,"date":"2026-01-28T13:00:37","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T13:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/collegetrack.wpenginepowered.com\/?post_type=press&p=13914"},"modified":"2026-07-09T03:43:18","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T03:43:18","slug":"qa-with-michael-college-track-aurora-alum","status":"publish","type":"scholar_story","link":"https:\/\/collegetrack.org\/es\/scholar-stories\/qa-with-michael-college-track-aurora-alum\/","title":{"rendered":"Q&A with Michael, a College Thrive Scholar"},"template":"","community_tax":[156],"partner":[],"program":[],"class_list":["post-13914","scholar_story","type-scholar_story","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","community_tax-aurora-co"],"acf":{"details":{"featured_image":13918,"authors":"","abstract":"","helper_taxonomies":{"article_type":false,"community_tax":[156],"partner":false,"program":false,"role":false,"region":false}},"page_layout":[{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_wysiwyg","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_wysiwyg":{"content":"WASHINGTON, DC (January 29, 2026) <\/strong>As the spring semester kicks off for scholars nationwide, we caught up with Michael, a former College Track Aurora<\/a> scholar and current College Thrive scholar, to hear how his first year at American University is unfolding. Now studying political science in Washington, D.C., Michael is embarking on college life, discovering his passion for law, and learning what it means to grow, lead, and thrive in a new city.\r\n

\"\"Michael, College Track Aurora alum and current American University scholar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

\r\n\r\n
1. Michael, can you start by telling us a bit about yourself?\u00a0<\/em><\/h5>\r\nMichael:<\/strong> I graduated from high school in Aurora, Colorado. Joining College Track Aurora was really fun. We'd have events, sit down, eat, talk, and just have fun. It was just a very nice and fun experience overall. My two older sisters had been in College Track, so I figured I should do it too. They had a ball, and I wanted to be part of it. One went to CSU Fort Collins and is now in nursing school; the other went to CSU Pueblo.\r\n
2. Why did you decide to attend AU?<\/em><\/h5>\r\nMichael:<\/strong> I wanted to go into law, and AU had strong programs, plus Washington, DC, is great for internships and connections. I've always been drawn to helping people. I hate math and wasn't going to be a doctor, so law seemed like a way to defend people and help them speak up for themselves. I feel like studying law is a great way to go about helping people. \u00a0I transferred with some credits, community college, and my associate's degree, so I'm a little above first-year credit-wise, but for all intents and purposes, I'm a freshman.\r\n
3. How is your first year at AU going, and what are you learning about yourself?\u00a0<\/em><\/h5>\r\nMichael:<\/strong> It's going really well. My roommate is great, and the people on my floor are tight-knit. We hang out, cook, and clean \u2014 I know that I can turn to them if I need anything. I've learned that <\/span>I can't study around people. I need a clean, quiet space to focus. I've also had to learn time management, using a calendar to balance classes, the gym, meals, and study time. I've picked up small habits like keeping my room tidy and making my bed daily.\r\n

\"\"\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Members of the College Track American University cohort.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

4. Are there any classes or projects you're really enjoying right now? <\/em><\/h5>\r\n

Michael: <\/strong>I really like my comparative politics class. It's helping me understand how the world works\u00a0 \u2014 government structures, compliance, and cultural factors in democracy. It's a lot of reading and writing, but super interesting. I find myself applying what I learn to everyday life.\u00a0 For example, we talked about quasi-voluntary compliance\u00a0 \u2014 like paying taxes because people want public goods, but also avoid trouble. It makes you notice things differently in the real world.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

5. How has your transition to the College Thrive program been, and what advice would you share with other College Track scholars transitioning to college?\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/h5>\r\n

Michael:<\/strong> It's been really smooth. My coach, Constance, is great \u2014 always checking in and making sure I have what I need. College Thrive keeps us informed and pushes us to reach as far as we can.<\/p>\r\n

For other scholars transitioning to college, don't be afraid to be different or try new things. College allows you to find your people, have fun, and enjoy the experience while being yourself. Being different means some people love going out, others prefer staying in \u2014 both are fine! It\u2019s about being true to yourself and still finding community. College is about new experiences and growth, and stepping out of your comfort zone is key.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

6. What advice would you share with new College Track scholars?<\/em><\/h5>\r\n

Michael:<\/strong> Say yes to everything! Try new things, meet new people, explore. That\u2019s how you figure out what you love and what you don\u2019t \u2014 and that shapes your future. Don\u2019t slow down. If you\u2019ve reached the stars, reach higher.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

7. What are you most excited about for the future?\u00a0<\/em><\/h5>\r\n

Michael:<\/strong> I\u2019m excited to grow, meet new people, and make connections. My dream is to go to a great law school, become a lawyer, and help people \u2014 and eventually give back to others the same way College Track has helped me.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n

\r\n\r\nAt College Track, we encourage our community to embrace a life filled with opportunity, choice, purpose, and power, which is more than possible.\u00a0 Michael\u2019s words\u2014\u201cIf you\u2019ve reached the stars, reach for more\u201d\u2014capture the spirit we see in our college scholars as they move through the spring semester and beyond.<\/span>\r\n\r\nTo read about our college and university partnerships, visit https:\/\/collegetrack.org\/partnerships\/.<\/a><\/strong><\/em>","":null,"drop_cap":false,"helper_width":""}},{"acf_fc_layout":"layout_related_stories","_acfe_flexible_toggle":null,"component_related_stories":{"manually_curate":false,"posts":""}}]},"yoast_head":"\nQ&A with Michael, a College Thrive Scholar - College Track<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/collegetrack.org\/es\/scholar-stories\/qa-with-michael-college-track-aurora-alum\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"es_MX\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Q&A with Michael, a College Thrive Scholar - 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