For Florence native Micah Metcalf, the University of North Alabama (UNA) has always been a consistent part of life; however, he wasn’t always certain he’d get the chance to attend the university. As a first-generation college student, Micah overcame many obstacles to get to where he is today. “One of my main roadblocks was when I was diagnosed with epilepsy at a young age,” says Micah. Despite these roadblocks, Micah’s love for UNA and its culture motivated him to take a chance and apply—and he couldn’t be happier that he did.
Before attending UNA, Micah had many worries that fueled his uncertainty about being a student here. He worried most about his attendance, the possibility of having a seizure during class, and his ability to make friends. During his senior year of high school, he missed a minimum of two months of school due to doctors’ appointments. Additionally, Micah wondered how he would make friends on a college campus as a first-generation student.
Micah’s fears were put to rest, however, after he learned about UNA’s resources. “I learned about TRIO and Disability Support Services and they really helped tremendously,” Micah says. “They welcomed me with open arms and made me feel really, really, special coming into UNA.” UNA’s resources helped Micah stay on top of his classes, earn scholarships, network, and make new friends.
UNA’s Aubrey and Annie Looney Disability Support Services (DSS) provides students with appropriate accommodations for on or off campus instructional sites as well as online instructional sites. UNA’s DSS services are designed to assist students with academic challenges and enhance their learning experience.
The UNA TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO SSS) offers students individualized support to achieve their academic, career, and personal goals. They also offer students a multitude of resources including success coaching, peer tutoring, life coaching, TRIO workshops, and SSS advising check-ins. TRIO SSS is committed to making sure that every student has the support they need to succeed.
Now that Micah has graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports and Recreation Management, he plans to obtain a job as a sports agent. Alternatively, he may work in media for a pro sports team. No matter his path, the UNA sport and recreation management program prepared him for whatever comes next. That’s because the department is dedicated to providing students with all they need to succeed, including courses aimed at giving students a strong understanding of marketing, management, finance, facility operations, and program planning.
Micah shares that a common fear among first-generation college students is the possibility of not graduating. That said, UNA has helped him, and many others students, overcome this fear. Micah says, “UNA, they overlooked that. They want you to graduate; they want first gens to graduate.”
Micah encourages future students with similar conditions and concerns to keep going. “I would tell them the sky’s the limit. Don’t let epilepsy be a roadblock. Break through that barrier and just keep moving forward.”