Devon France, 30, has dreams of starting her own nonprofit offering services to people who struggle with mental illness and addiction. She’ll be one step closer on Dec. 15, when she receives her master’s from the School of Social Work.

A first-generation college student, the Port Huron resident earned a bachelor’s in Social Work at Wayne State in 2018. France said a major driving force behind her academic success was the support of her family, friends and staff at Wayne State.

“Throughout my years of obtaining my graduate degree, I have struggled with my own mental health recovery and recovery from addiction. I have been sober since Oct. 27, 2011, at which time I decided I wanted to be a part of the professional people who help others overcome addiction and mental health issues. As I continued through my college career, and especially through this pandemic, I have struggled with my own mental health symptoms of bipolar disorder.”

France said she has received support from Wayne State’s advisors, the team at Student Disability Services and her professors. “I don’t know how I would have made it this far without the great help that they provided along the way, especially with the pandemic.”

Following graduation, France will continue to work full time as a support specialist with St. Clair County Mental Health and hopes to eventually pursue a Ph.D. She said she’s especially excited at the prospect of spending more time with her two children and boyfriend, Jason.

“My family has been very supportive and encouraging as I’ve maintained demanding work and school schedules. For graduation, I look forward to eating at home with family.”