Mariam Nassuna never imagined jumping from high school junior to college freshman majoring in architecture.
Eight years ago, she immigrated from Uganda to Michigan, where her mother would pursue her Ph.D. at the University of Michigan. She remembers feeling “stoked” upon arriving at Angell Elementary in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
“Angell Elementary was an eye opener,” Nassuna said. “I was like, Oh my God, there’s so many possibilities in this country.”
At the time, Nassuna dreamed of becoming a neurosurgeon. Over the years, Nassuna realized that she preferred studying the world through the lens of architecture.
“In Uganda, during colonial periods, the British came in and used different methods to wipe out the native culture. And one of the methods was through architecture,” Nassuna said. “For instance, the British built the courthouses you see today in most developing countries — the ones with the tall giant towers in the middle — and disrupted how natives think about themselves and their culture.”
Nassuna said she did not intend to leave high school a year early.
She is currently on a J-2 visa as her mother’s dependent. Once her mother completes her Ph.D., she only has a few months to decide between pursuing her Postdoc or leaving the United States. Her mother suggested she begin university early and apply for an F-1 student visa.
She said that she sometimes wished the American immigration system was smoother.
“Waiting in line for hours to renew your visa is total hell,” Nassuna said. “It feels as if they don’t want you here even though your contributions mean a lot to this country.”
She found applying for colleges stressful.
“It was such a rushed process for me. My mom and I mostly had to figure it out ourselves,” Nassuna said.
She hopes to see more college counselors at Huron High School.
“There are some decisions I regret to this day,” Nassuna said. “No one knew how to get financial aid for me. I don’t qualify for financial aid because of government funding and my J-2 visa, which is confusing to most counselors.”
She is starting her undergraduate education at Washtenaw Community College and plans on transferring to Virginia Tech for the 2024-2025 school year. She aspires to attend the University of Michigan to follow in the footsteps of her mother and brother.
Nassuna is grateful for the support of her counselors, teachers, and family.
