Macomb graduate Vinisia Eilo sets sights on law school
Friday, May 23, 2025 12:00 AM
For many students, college is a milestone. For Vinisia Eilo, it’s a legacy in the making.
Vinisia recently graduated from Macomb with an associate degree in Criminal Justice. She is the first in her family to attend college, which is an achievement that marks the beginning of a new chapter for her and a new path for future generations of her family.
“Growing up, college always felt like a distant dream,” she said. “But I was determined to turn it into a reality.”
That determination has carried her through years of hard work, balancing academics with jobs at a law firm, all while staying committed to her goal of making a difference in the criminal justice system.
Legal journey begins at Macomb
Her passion for justice led her to study Criminal Justice at Macomb, where she found not only academic rigor but also a community of mentors and peers who believed in her potential.
Vinisia credits much of her success to the support she received from Macomb’s faculty, many of whom bring real-world experience to the classroom. “They don’t just teach, they guide, mentor and challenge us to think critically and ethically,” she said.
Her journey has not gone unnoticed. Vinisia, who was selected to speak at commencement, reflected on her experiences as a first-generation college student and encouraged others to believe in their ability to overcome obstacles.
“Being the first means figuring a lot out on your own,” she said. “But it also means becoming a role model. I want to show my younger family members and others like me that it’s possible to chase big dreams and achieve them with hard work and resilience.”
Vinisia will transfer to the University of Michigan-Dearborn to pursue degrees in Criminal Justice and political science, with the goal of attending law school and becoming an attorney.
“I’m not just earning a degree, I’m creating a legacy,” she said. “And I hope to use my experiences to give back, serve others, and create a positive impact wherever I go.”
To learn more about the Criminal Justice program please visit our webpage.
Vinisia recently graduated from Macomb with an associate degree in Criminal Justice. She is the first in her family to attend college, which is an achievement that marks the beginning of a new chapter for her and a new path for future generations of her family.
“Growing up, college always felt like a distant dream,” she said. “But I was determined to turn it into a reality.”
That determination has carried her through years of hard work, balancing academics with jobs at a law firm, all while staying committed to her goal of making a difference in the criminal justice system.
Legal journey begins at Macomb
Her passion for justice led her to study Criminal Justice at Macomb, where she found not only academic rigor but also a community of mentors and peers who believed in her potential.
Vinisia credits much of her success to the support she received from Macomb’s faculty, many of whom bring real-world experience to the classroom. “They don’t just teach, they guide, mentor and challenge us to think critically and ethically,” she said.
Her journey has not gone unnoticed. Vinisia, who was selected to speak at commencement, reflected on her experiences as a first-generation college student and encouraged others to believe in their ability to overcome obstacles.
“Being the first means figuring a lot out on your own,” she said. “But it also means becoming a role model. I want to show my younger family members and others like me that it’s possible to chase big dreams and achieve them with hard work and resilience.”
Vinisia will transfer to the University of Michigan-Dearborn to pursue degrees in Criminal Justice and political science, with the goal of attending law school and becoming an attorney.
“I’m not just earning a degree, I’m creating a legacy,” she said. “And I hope to use my experiences to give back, serve others, and create a positive impact wherever I go.”
To learn more about the Criminal Justice program please visit our webpage.