UM-Flint's Read finds purpose, community far from small-town roots

Mylee Read grew up in the small Michigan town of Ionia, where few people went to college — and those who did tended not to return to the community. "I didn't have a model for what success in higher education might look like, so all this is new to me," they said.

Now a graduating psychology major with a minor in Women's & Gender Studies at the University of Michigan-Flint, Read has been named a Maize and Blue Distinguished Scholar, and their professor says this recognition is only the beginning.

"I watched Mylee go from 'another student graduating' to 'a published author producing research in their field who is on a path to grad school,'" said John Girdwood, a sociology lecturer who nominated Read for the award. "It has been a privilege to watch that growth and development."

Read was initially caught off guard by the nomination. "It's kind of crazy," they said. "I really thought, when I was told I should apply for this, that I wouldn't get it. I was really focused on academics — I didn't think I was a community person. But now I'm honored to know that others see my impact on my community."

Girdwood first encountered Read in his Introduction to Sociology course in fall 2025 and has tracked their development through their involvement in the Office of Educational Opportunity Initiatives Scholars program.

"Mylee is somebody who, if you say 'Just go ahead and do something great,' they will," Girdwood said. "It has been a privilege to see Mylee come to me with an academic research idea, and all I say is 'Yeah, go for it' — then they take it from an idea and concept to a fully formed research paper."

That self-direction, Girdwood said, sets Read apart.

"Mylee brings their own ideas, priorities, and interests to the class and then conducts research to further the examination of those interests. I really like seeing Mylee's eyes light up when they bring a topic of interest to me."

Read said their path to psychology was shaped long before they arrived on campus. In high school, they were the friend others leaned on.

"I was the therapy friend," Read said. "I really value that part of myself — being someone who listens to others."

Read chose UM-Flint in part because it reminded them of home — they wanted a small campus and a manageable environment. What they found, however, was something their hometown had never offered: diversity.

"Coming from such a small town, with little to no diversity, and coming here where there are so many paths of life going on at the same time was eye-opening," Read said. "My high school was just white, straight people. I didn't like that it was the standard. The diversity on and off campus here in Flint — the larger community, more going on in general — helped me see how much I need to take into consideration when I start working with people in the community, too. It's inspiring."

Read said UM-Flint's LGBTQIA+ community has been a meaningful part of their experience. "I think there's a large LGBTQIA+ community here. My relationship is accepted, and it's nice that I don't have to worry about that," they said.

Girdwood said Read's ability to manage the pressures of college life while continuing to produce strong academic work reflects a maturity he rarely sees in students.

"Mylee handles their business no matter what is going on in the background," he said. "They have a life outside of school and have told me about some of it — long work hours, things happening back home — yet they show up to class and do their work. They do that in a balanced way, not letting one aspect of life take over. That type of balance is rare for college students."

Read's influence, Girdwood said, has extended well beyond their own coursework. Through EOI, they have become a quiet but powerful presence for newer students.

"It is sometimes difficult to explain the magnitude of impact Mylee has because they quietly go about their business in a professional manner," Girdwood said. "Mylee has connected EOI scholars to perspectives that they would not otherwise have been able to see. They have been the bridge that has created a sense of community and belonging for so many EOI scholars in sociology courses, especially those going through their first-year experience.

"I applaud Mylee for being a true leader and someone who makes an impact without a lot of fanfare."
Girdwood said the Maize and Blue Distinguished Scholar Award is an appropriate milestone — but not a ceiling.

"It has been great to see Mylee seize opportunities at UM-Flint and really take it to the next level this past year," he said. "This is the time when we can all recognize Mylee for their tremendous leadership and inclusive approach to welcoming and supporting all scholars at the university."

Read originally envisioned a career in counseling and has since narrowed their focus toward counseling psychology, with a particular interest in the foster care system. They're considering a master's degree in social work as the next step.

For students considering UM-Flint, Read offered the following guidance.

"No matter where you're coming from — a small town, states away, a different country — here you can find a place to connect," Read said. "There are options for you to make friends and meet new people. There's so much support among the students and professors. You just have to take the chance, and it will work out. You just have to believe in it."