The summer before Patrick Fitzsimons joined the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, he wasn’t quite sure where to start when it came to finding resources to help him transition to college life. As a first-generation college student who had been through foster care, guardianship and was now independent and taking care of himself, the idea of attending college without some kind of support system appeared daunting. It wasn’t until he heard about MSU’s Fostering Academics, Mentoring Excellence (FAME) program that he realized support was not only possible, but it was within reach.
Getting Involved
FAME is a resource center for foster youth alumni attending MSU, as well as youth who were in kinship care, have experienced homelessness, or are independent. The program provides these students with support and resources, such as coaching, mentoring, social events, funding, and donations, as they navigate their collegiate experience.
“There was a point for me in my first semester of FAME when I realized that students of the program were very similar to me, having little to no family support and being on their own,” said Fitzsimons. “I saw these people succeed, be happy, and graduate, and then I realized that me making it through college was possible.”
Working toward a Bachelor of Science in Advertising Management with a minor in sales leadership, Fitzsimons — who is expected to graduate next spring — had completed his first semester and began balancing his time between school and the program where his involvement soared.
“The more events I attended and resources I received, the more I felt a passion and connection to the program,” he said. “Although the program is based in the School of Social Work, some of the FAME students are in similar majors and studies to me, so I was able to relate to my peers.”
Fitzsimons' presence and continuous involvement in the program did not go unnoticed, and he was eventually asked to be a part of the Speakers Bureau, a select group of students who attend events, fundraisers, and tablings to speak on behalf of the program.
“I found a lot of enjoyment in that position, being able to meet many different people and explain my story felt great and allowed me to grow my confidence in myself,” he said.
Making an Impact
Fitzsimons’& confidence grew exponentially at the end of his sophomore year while speaking with a woman from a State of Michigan youth program who expressed her profound admiration when hearing his story and the work he had done with the program and in his studies.
“She told me something that made me think about myself and smile,” said Fitzsimons. “She said that I need to keep doing what I am doing and share my story, because she believed I was such an inspiration...that there are many other kids like me who do not believe that they can succeed because of their background, and I am proof of that belief being untrue.”
It was after hearing this that Fitzsimons truly saw the value of his experiences and how he could continue to be a source of support for students at MSU, in his program, and in his future profession. Working toward a career in sales, Fitzsimons sees the knowledge and skills he’s gained from both ComArtSci’s advertising management program and FAME as valuable resources when it comes to entering a field that relies heavily on communication, making connections, and helping others.
“This program has been the biggest resource of my college years,” he said. “Being able to receive necessities, guidance, funding and a group of people has helped me a lot. This program has also given me the opportunity to grow my skills and become more of a leader.”
He adds that these experiences have been “especially beneficial to me and my time in the ComArtSci program, as I get to use the newfound skills connecting with new people, reaching goals, and finishing my degree.”
As he prepares to enter his final year of study, Fitzsimons is looking forward to completing his summer internship with State Farm in Dewitt, Michigan, as well as joining the Global Sales Leadership Society student organization in the fall. Both experiences will contribute to expanding his skills in his minor and prepare him for life after graduation.
On top of pursuing his sales career, Fitzsimons plans to continue working with youth programs and other community initiatives similar to FAME after he graduates.
“What I have come to find [through FAME] can inspire others who are like me, who have dreams but do not know how to accomplish them,” he said. “The biggest thing that FAME taught me was that you may not have the resources or support you want right now, but you just have to discover and work for it. And once you do, you will truly succeed.”
By Casey Halas