Associate degree-Liberal Arts graduate
2026 student responder

At 25, Mikayla Brown said she had a personal wake-up call, one so clear and true that she knew she had to act on it.

"That wake-up call said I needed to do something with my life," she says.

She looked around and took inspiration from someone very close to her – her mom, who was taking classes at Gateway and looking at graduating with an associate degree in Liberal Arts. A couple of years later, Mikayla decided to follow her mother's lead.

Mikayla was one of two 2026 commencement student responders – considered the "voice of the students" – and graduated with her own associate degree in Liberal Arts.

Mikayla said life was moving forward without her, and she wanted to change that dynamic. She was somewhat hesitant about enrolling in college, but said once she started taking classes, she never looked back.

"When I made the decision to come back to school, I didn't know exactly what to expect," said Mikayla. "But what I found here at Gateway was more than just an education. I found support, encouragement and a place that welcomed me with open arms."

Mikayla will attend UW-Milwaukee starting in Fall 2026, entering as a junior because of all the transcripted credit agreements between Gateway and the four-year college.

"I love that I’m entering as a junior with my credits – another reason to love Gateway," she said. "With the credits transferring, it doesn’t make you feel like you’re starting over."

Mikayla said her Gateway journey had an impact on her life and career. "Gateway gave me a purpose in life. I feel I was lost, but once I was here, I felt I had something to look forward to. Gateway has changed me for the better, and that means a lot to me."