Hayley Barker,
University of Michigan

Degree: B.S. in Movement Science

How did the Stamps Scholarship help shape your undergraduate experience?
I wouldn’t have attended the University of Michigan if it weren’t for the Stamps Scholarship, and at this university, I felt I was really able to grow into myself. I made friends through the scholarship that helped me through some of the hardest times; I always had a support system encouraging me and accepting me and cheering for me. I am so grateful for that.

Tell us a piece of wisdom you’ve learned over the past four years.
Everyone has scars – visible or invisible. Those scars, those experiences, are part of the vast number of differences that make each of us unique and beautiful. And everyone deserves to be treated equally, despite of the differences we might have.

Who has had the greatest impact on you throughout your college career and how so?
My Stamps Scholars family (I’m looking at you Alma, Julia, Sam, Kevin, Jacob, and everyone else) has been so important to me from the beginning. I have to give a special shout out, though, to Houraa Daher, who has been so integral to my college career. She’s helped me figure out how to walk on my own two feet, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without her.

What’s your favorite Stamps Scholar memory?
I have so many memories I’d love to share, but the one that always sticks out to me is my first Alternative Spring Break trip to New Orleans during freshman year. That week was the week I realized how important the scholarship was to me and how many amazing people I had the opportunity to meet. From driving in the world’s worst ZipCar to dancing wildly with Julia, that week has forever impacted my college career.

What comes next?
I’m not afraid to say that I’m still sorting some things out. In the next couple of years, I hope to work and conduct research in rehabilitation and maybe even do policy work for disability rights.

Please share your favorite inspirational quote.
“Keep your eyes on the stars and your feet on the ground.” – Theodore Roosevelt