With the analytical skills of a math major, sophomore Vanessa Porter considered a local commuter college before zeroing in on Eastern Michigan as her college of choice.  “I wanted some independence,” said Porter, of Blissfield, Mich.  “And the thought of a big school excited me.”

The selection of math as her major was even easier.  Porter’s mother, Debra (Dean) Porter (’74), teaches middle school math, so graphs, equations and formulas are embedded in Vanessa’s genes.  “Math had always been my strong subject, something I excelled in.  It was just a natural choice."

But as Porter considers her future, other subjects have been vying for center stage.  As a freshman, her acting experience in high school plays made theater seem like a tantalizing option.  Her current math major may morph yet again into a science-related field.  “I really like the practical application of math, which is why I enjoy physics and chemistry,” said Porter.

“I’m interested in so many things it’s hard to decide on one,” she added. 

EMU’s alumni scholarship first came across Porter’s radar when she heard a public address announcement in high school.  She was not able to take advantage of the scholarship as a freshman, but after a year of mounting bills, she jumped at the opportunity for some financial relief. 

“I feel like I don’t need to work as much to pay off my student debt,” said Porter.  “I didn’t have to take out loans this year, so that really helped out.”

Porter still puts in quite a few hours in the work world.  On some days, she takes a quick jaunt to her job as a sales associate at Ann Arbor’s Old Navy.  At other times, she drives 45 minutes to the Monroe County Drain Commission, where she draws on some of her other talents as a mapping technician. 

With her heavy class and work schedule, Porter still finds time to serve as Clerk for EMU Student Government.  Two of Porter’s roommates are Student Senators.  They told her the Senate was in desperate need of a clerk since they had not had one for an entire semester.  Porter is now responsible for creating agendas for Senate meetings, taking minutes, and editing legislation and resolutions.

“I just picked this up at the end of October, so there’s still a lot of things I’m trying to figure out,” said Porter.