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From Couch Surfing to a Career in Medicine: Meet Whitney Degroot, Colorado State University
Meet Whitney DeGroot, one of GlobalMindED's class of 2025 First Gen Leaders, Colorado State University Sean Breeze GlobalMindED Scholar.
Tell us about your journey.
I am a first-generation college student and a mother of four, currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University. My journey to higher education has been anything but traditional. In high school, I experienced periods of instability, living out of a trash bag and sleeping on friends’ couches. I also overcame an abusive relationship as a young adult, which challenged me to rebuild my life with strength and self-worth. Despite these hardships, I stayed focused on graduating and worked to support myself.
To support my children, I became a licensed in-home childcare provider and ran my own daycare, specializing in the care of medically fragile infants. That experience not only provided for my family but deepened my calling to serve others in healthcare. Today, I am committed to becoming a medical professional and using my journey to serve others with empathy, compassion, and strength.
What pivotal experiences shaped your current path?
One pivotal experience that shaped my path was realizing I was worthy of investing in myself, not just for my future but for my children’s. For a long time, I believed that being a good mother meant putting my goals last. That changed when I began advocating for my daughter, who has special needs. Navigating the healthcare system on her behalf opened my eyes to how many families feel overlooked and unheard. It made me realize that by pursuing my education, I could become the kind of compassionate medical professional families like mine need. That moment shifted everything. I reclaimed my path and committed to building a better future for my children and the communities I hope to serve.
What drives your desire to contribute and make a difference?
I want to be a voice for those who feel forgotten or silenced. My dream is to advance health equity by ensuring that all individuals, have access to medical care and truly understand their options. I want to serve marginalized communities, bring hope, and help people live their healthiest, most empowered lives. I believe that through education, compassion, and human connection, we can create lasting change.
What motivates your passions, purpose, or the work you do?
My greatest motivation is my children. I want them to see what is possible when you persevere through hardship. My personal experiences have shaped a deep empathy in me, which fuels my desire to help others. I am passionate about becoming a medical professional not just to treat illness, but to listen, advocate, and uplift. I believe medicine is not only a science but a form of service, and I want to be a part of that healing process for others.
What are your highest hopes for Democracy?
My highest hopes for democracy center around inclusion, equity, and empowerment. I envision a system where all people, regardless of background, income level, race, gender, or family circumstances, have an equal voice in shaping the policies and decisions that affect their lives. This is why I believe a truly strong democracy must go beyond basic rights. It should actively listen to and uplift marginalized communities.
My dream is that democracy creates a society where our differences are respected and where compassion and lived experience matter just as much as credentials or power. Because when more people are included in the conversation, we build a world that works better for all of us.
Beyond your own journey, what are your hopes for your community, generation, or people?
I want a future where people from all backgrounds have access to education and the support needed to succeed. I also hope to inspire others, especially women and mothers, to pursue their dreams no matter their age or past struggles.
I want to see greater visibility for nontraditional and first-generation students and to help create a culture that values persistence just as much as performance. I believe we can break generational cycles and build a future where every person feels seen, supported, and capable of achieving their goals.
What role has GlobalMindED played in your personal, academic, or professional journey?
I was blessed to be selected as a Sean Breeze Scholar, which gave me the opportunity to attend the GlobalMindED conference. I am incredibly grateful for this experience. It was inspiring to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who are committed to breaking barriers and creating change.
Meeting other first-generation students and hearing speakers share how they defied the odds and succeeded through education reminded me that I belong in this space. The conference gave me renewed confidence, deeper purpose, and a strong reminder that higher education opens doors not just for ourselves but for generations to come.
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