Riley Romer is a senior at Saginaw Valley State University, where she is a double major in International Studies and Spanish with a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language. Originally from Macomb, Michigan, Riley grew up in a single-parent household with several siblings. College felt like an impossible dream. However, with the support of private and university scholarships — including the Global Foundation Scholars program, the Founders and Valley Housing Scholarships, the Robert & Ellen Thompson Scholarship, the Sebastian and Ida Ramet Scholarship for the Study of the Arts and Humanities, the Ricardo Pastor Spanish Scholarship, and the Student Association Scholarship — she was able to make college a reality.
While at SVSU, Riley studied abroad in both South Korea and Spain, further developing her independence, adaptability, and confidence. Given her global interests and perspective, it is no surprise that she served as vice president of the International Students Club, participated in Model United Nations, and worked with the study abroad office, forming meaningful connections with students from around the world. In addition, as a member of SVSU’s competitive speech team, she earned national recognition, winning competitions that highlight her strength in public speaking, confidence in communicating complex ideas, and advocacy.
Donor-funded scholarships played a key role in Riley's journey, allowing her to fully engage in her education, pursue global experiences, and graduate debt free.
We recently asked Riley to reflect upon her experiences at SVSU and the impact donor support has had on her education and growth:
Q: How have your study abroad experiences in South Korea and Spain shaped your academic journey and personal growth?
Studying abroad in South Korea and Spain has been, by far, the most transformative part of my life. In South Korea, I was pushed outside my comfort zone daily as I navigated a new language, adapted to a completely new culture, and made friends while still taking classes. It was definitely challenging, but I would do it all over again. In Spain, I wanted to continue developing my Spanish skills and fully immerse myself in the culture I have studied for years. Speaking Spanish constantly quickly improved my abilities and allowed me to connect with locals in everyday life. While academic growth was important, the friendships I formed abroad and the confidence I gained were equally meaningful. Both experiences strengthened my independence and curiosity about global issues.
Q: What are your plans after graduating from SVSU, and how have your experiences prepared you for that next step?
It is difficult to plan for the future in this changing world, especially because my major opens so many different pathways. I hope to one day pursue opportunities in international relations, ideally working with a government agency or nonprofit organization. For now, I plan to build my resume through internships and teaching abroad before preparing for graduate school. My academic experiences, studying abroad, and campus involvement have given me the tools to navigate diverse environments and think critically about global challenges and their solutions. While I am still exploring my exact path, I feel confident in my ability to continue growing and contributing to the world.
Q: How have donors impacted your life?
Over the years, I have been very lucky to receive various donor-funded scholarships. It is because of them that I will be graduating without any debt. Attending university always felt like a heavy burden to overcome, and without this support, higher education may not have been accessible in the same way. This support has not only relieved financial stress but also allowed me to fully engage in my academic journey and take every opportunity available to me. Donors have given me the freedom to focus on building my future rather than worrying about barriers, and I will carry that with me long after graduation.
Riley Romer’s experience at Saginaw Valley State University reflects the powerful impact of donor support on student success. As she graduates debt free, she is deeply grateful for the opportunities made possible through this generosity and hopes to one day give back in the same way.
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