Gigi Damboba
How did you first become connected with FAME?
I first connected with FAME through the financial aid office during my freshman year. I learned about additional aid for which I was eligible, and a staff member from the financial aid office gave me some information about FAME. This led me to reach out and attend several events, not realizing at the time that would become my most significant resource throughout my college experience.
What services do you recall utilizing through FAME?
In my freshman and sophomore years, I attended numerous events and connected with many wonderful people. Unfortunately, when COVID-19 struck at the end of my sophomore year, everything changed. I continued to utilize the available resources as much as I could, such as monthly coaching and mentoring sessions, as well as finals week survival kits. However, it was challenging with the campus essentially shut down.
How was FAME beneficial?
I truly believe that FAME supported me when I needed it the most. Especially during such formative years of my life, I was growing and learning a lot. The people I met, the resources I received, really helped me get through so much. I also was able to build a great relationship with my mentor and we still stay connected post-graduation. I am so grateful for everything that FAME helped me through and so happy to have been part of such an amazing community.
What kept you engaged in FAME (with being so busy with academics and other on-campus organizations)?
What kept me involved with FAME was the support I received! The support I received from Andrea Martineau and Chiquita Whittington was unmatched, they helped me feel accepted and understood. FAME was truly a community; it was a nice feeling to connect with people who shared similar experiences with me. My only wish is that COVID-19 didn’t take so much of it. With the pandemic hitting, it did feel like it took away my last two years of undergrad, but I am still grateful for all the experiences I had.
When did you graduate from MSU?
I graduated from MSU in the Spring of 2022. Although, COVID-19 was still around, I was still lucky enough to walk across the stage. I am the first to graduate from college in my entire
family and a first-generation student, so it was extremely humbling to make my parents proud.
What has life after graduation looked like? What are you up to now?
Life after graduation has been interesting to say the least.
• I have traveled to several countries, including Dubai, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Ghana, and went home to visit my family in Ethiopia.
• I decided to go back to school full time, so I am still a Spartan and will be graduating this winter (December 2024) with my MPH!
• I have been working full time as a Clinical Research Specialist at Corewell Health in the Grand Rapids area.
• After graduation this winter, I am hoping to relocate and find a job as an Epidemiologist!
I am excited to for what the future holds and ready to start the next chapter of my life!