'Coming to Utica University has been one of the best decisions I have made' - Mickale Thompson '23

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'Coming to Utica University has been one of the best decisions I have made' - Mickale Thompson '23

When he immigrated to the U.S. from Jamaica in 2019, Mickale Thompson was ready for new opportunities. At Utica, the communication and media/business management major is "making an impact in ways I didn’t think I could," he says. "Coming to Utica University has been one of the best decisions I have made."

"My name is Mickale Thompson. I was born and raised in Spring Village in Jamaica by my grandparents. I immigrated to the United States almost three years ago at 16 years old. The transition to life in New York State was difficult for me, despite the fact that I had an open mind and was ready to see something new. I had to leave everyone and everything I've ever known. I left my former high school days after hitting the winning runs in a close cricket match. Little did I know that was the very last time I would see my friends. I still cherish that final moment because I didn't even get to say goodbye.

During that early transition, changing schools in the middle of the year and having to start over was very stressful for me. Things were moving fast and I didn’t want to get left behind. I had to dig deep and tough it out to make sure I was on track. While it was difficult, I knew it was an opportunity for me to get a better life.

I first heard about Utica University from my guidance counselor in high school. I liked what I learned about the school and decided to apply. The college application process was a stressful period for me. I had no idea if or what school I would get into. When I got an email from Utica College one morning, I was hesitant to read it because I wasn’t sure what was in it. Did I get in? I wondered. I read the first words: “Welcome to the Utica community,” and it just felt right. When I came for a visit, everyone was warm and welcoming, and I knew this was going to be my home for the next four years.

I read the first words: “Welcome to the Utica community,” and it just felt right. When I came for a visit, everyone was warm and welcoming, and I knew this was going to be my home for the next four years.

Coming to Utica College has been one of the best decisions I have made so far. I’ve accomplished a lot since beginning my time here at Utica, and I can see the growth and development in my character.

My experience has been nothing but positive and productive. I am a double major in Communication and Media and Business Management, and I aspire to become a journalist. On campus, I am involved in ways I didn’t imagine, and making an impact in ways I didn’t think I could. I am a student ambassador, resident assistant, and a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. I am meeting new people from different walks of life, and I am looking forward to the rest of my time here to be even better.

I believe we have something special at this school. This is a place where people can express themselves. This is a school that has the resources to help its students and its community in every possible way. We are a community that keeps improving, keeps expanding, keeps being inclusive, and never standing still. That is why I chose Utica University.

I believe in making the most of my opportunities. Coming to college, getting an education, and making connections are important to me because these weren’t things I thought about coming from a place with little to no opportunity to strive. I have started a new life here, though I still remember where I came from and the foundation of humbleness, hard work, and patience that was instilled in me from the beginning. Those traits have helped me overcome challenges. I still continue to learn and adjust and keep an open mind, because a new challenge always will present itself. I intend to be ready for it."