Carla George-Lewis, 30, began her academic journey at Wayne State in 2008, when she enrolled in developmental mathematics courses, spending much of her time in the Math Resource Center. “The center was great. They worked with me and led me through to an understanding of mathematics, which was always a challenging subject for me.”

A first-generation college student, the lifelong Detroiter said she watched her best friend and godsister — who both attended Wayne State — earn their bachelor’s and master’s degrees while she was still working on her undergraduate degree. “No matter how long it took, I just had to get it done. Regardless of all the obstacles that came my way, I was focused on achieving my goal.”

Along the way, George-Lewis faced daunting challenges that not only interrupted her studies, but threatened her life. “I have sickle cell anemia, which has forced me to withdraw from courses several times. In 2009, I contracted H1N1 and ended up on life support for several days. But, I slowly made it back and am thankful for all of the support I received.”

Eventually, she reached out to Disability Student Services to obtain accommodation letters, and for the last five years has worked non-stop toward her bachelor’s in elementary education with a concentration in mathematics in the College of Education. “I plan to teach the subject that was so challenging to me and show other students that they can do anything.”

This semester, George-Lewis is student teaching as an intern in the Detroit Public Schools Community District. The district recently asked her to participate in a panel discussion during orientation for incoming interns.

George-Lewis plans to pursue a master’s in the fall and enjoy more time with her husband, Christopher, a 2017 College of Engineering graduate, and their 10-year-old daughter, Casha.