Real Story: Briana Garcia

Briana Garcia

CSM Class of 2023, Arts and Sciences Professional headshot of CSM graduate and current University of Michigan doctoral student Briana Garcia. She has long, dark hair, is wearing a light pink shirt, and is smiling at the camera.

Transfer Institution: 

  • University of Maryland Class of 2025, Bachelor of Science in Government and Politics
  • University of Michigan doctoral student in political science


Accolades, Accomplishments, and Highlights: 

  • Graduated CSM with Highest Honors
  • Work-Based Learning intern. CSM Government Relations office
  • Legislative intern for state Senator Michael A. Jackson
  • Recipient, Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship
  • Testified before the Maryland General Assembly regarding the Promise Scholarship

I graduated from Calvert High as a straight-A student who had always dreamed of going to college someday. My parents shared that dream with me, and like them, I was not entirely sure what that vision would look like. I am a first-generation college student, so going to college became a familial effort, embarking on an academic journey that continues for me to this day.

With perfect grades and a strong college application, I was accepted into a limited-enrollment program in government and politics at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD). And yet, a series of events  led me to say no to UMD—and yes to the College of Southern Maryland.

UMD had offered me no financial aid, and my parents’ cultural misconceptions led them to encourage me to attend a school close to home in Calvert County. They always told me to walk before I run and to take small steps to reach the very top. I share my story now with great pride and enthusiasm, though I cannot deny that the decision was difficult at first. Without a doubt, attending CSM has been the best financial decision I’ve made in my life so far.

Everything I did at CSM began with small steps and grew into something meaningful. Over the course of my two years there, I was awarded more than $20,000 in scholarships and became actively involved in the Student Government Association (SGA), where I advocated on behalf of the student body. I built lifelong friendships, interned with CSM’s Government Relations office, and found incredible mentors who guided me along the way. I participated in Advocacy Day, where I urged state representatives to continue funding scholarships like the Maryland Community College Promise Scholarship, which makes college more affordable for students at CSM, just like the ones who are reading this story now (yes, that means you).

I eventually earned my associate degree from CSM, transferred to the University of Maryland, and received my Bachelor of Science in Government and Politics. While I was a student at UMD, I had a legislative internship for Maryland state Senator Michael A. Jackson and, as a past recipient of the Promise Scholarship while at CSM, I had the opportunity to testify before the Maryland General Assembly in favor of a bill expanding the Promise Scholarship.

Now, I am a doctoral student of political science at the University of Michigan with the aim of sustaining a journey of learning and advocating for students throughout my life.

I want to leave you with a piece of advice that, though it may sound radical at first, I hope will inspire you: Trust in God so wholeheartedly that you believe—even the impossible can be achieved.

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Last updated: 7-21-25

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