Sean Pitcher

How did you first become connected with FAME?

I first became connected with FAME during the summer of 2018, about a month before I started my freshman year at MSU. FAME had sent me an email about their program and for some odd reason I thought it wasn't meant for me and ended up ignoring the email. I then randomly got a call with a Lansing area code and was greeted by one of the life skills coaches. Through a pretty long conversation and reassurement that I do fit the criteria for FAME, I signed up to be a part of this wonderful program. I am so thankful for that phone call since I can't even imagine a time at MSU where I wasnt participating in FAME.

What services do you recall utilizing through FAME?

When it came to FAME, every event and resource they had I pretty much was there. From the start I participated in the coaching program which helped me through all four years at MSU and gave me the skills to become a better student and person (shout out to Khadija, Erin and Katie). I was involved in the mentoring program which was a great way to connect with someone from the Lansing area. I made sure I had the free time to attend the various life skill workshops that the coaches would host. Anytime I was in Baker Hall I had to get cleaning supplies from the FAME care closet. During my senior year when I was preparing for various graduate school applications, I utilized the writing center contact which was very beneficial in helping me write my personal statement. One of the services I was most involved in was the FAME Student Activity Board where I served a year as the Secretary and two years as the President.

How was FAME beneficial?

FAME is one of the reasons for who and where I am today! During my freshman year my dad was diagnosed with a brain tumor and I can't even think of the words to describe how stressful that was. It was hard being away from home and juggling the balance of being a good student, a new young adult, and making time for my dad who at the time I didn't know if he would still be alive by the end of my first year. As I am writing this in 2025 my dad is doing good, he has officially retired so now he gets to deal with getting lectured at by my mom for sleeping on the couch too much. The meetings I had with my coach gave me a place where I could be vulnerable but also gave me life skills that I still utilize to this day. Being involved on the FAME Student Activites Board was very beneficial as I saw myself growing as a leader and developed more confidence in hosting meetings, setting agendas and public speaking. Lastly, I want to add that FAME was beneficial to me socially as I made many connections and memories with people I wouldn not have met outside of the program. By going to my first FAME event, I met someone who clicked instantly with my personality. This person became a close friend for all four years during my time at MSU and brought me into their friend group so I had people to attend football games with and people I could go to the dining hall with.

What kept you engaged in FAME (with being so busy with academics and other on-campus organizations)?

If I wasn't studying in the library, volunteering at Sparrow hospital or playing Mario kart with my friends, then odds were I was at a FAME event in Baker hall or on zoom during the COVID years. My time on the FAME Student Activities Board kept me engaged since we would have bi-weekly meetings where we would have a fun time planning various events for the other FAME students. In fact, some of my favorite memories are from when FAME would host different events in the Baker hall basement such as the Halloween party, cookie decorating or my personal favorite the murder mystery party.

When did you graduate from MSU?

I graduated from MSU in Spring 2022. I was very lucky to be able to have an in-person graduation since the threat of COVID-19 was no longer new. It is crazy to think that as I am writing this It will have been almost three years since I graduated and that just goes to show how fast time can fly by. That's why you have to make sure you live and enjoy the moment!

What has life after graduation looked like? What are you up to now?

After graduation I worked as a phlebotomist with the Red Cross and a dialysis technician through Davita in order to gain clinical experience. In July 2024 I started my master’s program in Biomedical Sciences at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of medicine. In May of 2025 I will be graduating with my master’s and then a few months later in July 2025 I will be starting medical school at Western Michigan University as well. I am so excited to begin this journey since I have wanted to become a doctor since the age of 12. I have to give so much thanks to everyone and all the services offered by FAME. I truly believe that FAME gave me all the resources I needed to succeed and achieve my goals. I want to give special thanks to Ashley, Andrea and Chiquita, for always believing in me and giving me a place that felt like a home away from home.