MRS customer perseveres by focusing on ability

Prior to her graduation, Kiara was referred to Michigan Rehabilitation Services (MRS) by her high school due to an Individualized Education Program diagnosis of a learning disability. Kiara wanted support with her post-secondary goal of becoming a physical therapist. She was also interested in a summer work-based learning experience.

Initially, Kiara participated in several Pre-Employment Transition Services through MRS, including self-advocacy, job exploration, post-secondary education, workplace readiness, and work-based learning experiences. MRS also helped her with driver’s training and provided assistance with tuition and textbooks for college.

In Fall 2019, Kiara was accepted at Mott Community College and earned her associate in arts degree in 2022. She then went to the University of Michigan-Flint (UM-Flint) and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in public health in December 2024.

She participated in multiple internship projects with the Flint Free Medial Clinic, AmeriCorps, Flint Neuropathy Study at Hurley Medical Center, and with UM-Flint Student Wellness Center.

Despite a few hardships – including the death of her father – Kiara consistently maintained focus on her post-secondary and employment goals and reliably achieved a grade point average above 2.0.

Despite some struggles with her first position after graduation, Kiara was not deterred from her employment goal. She kept looking until she obtained a rewarding full-time job as a Success Coach at Flint Community Schools earning a competitive salary plus benefits!

Kiara is truly a shining example of how personal motivation and MRS supportive services can bring success through a focus on ability.