Macomb Grad Earns National Scholarship and Transfers to U-M
Friday, June 05, 2026 12:00 AM
Highlights of this blog
- Ariana Dockham found her passion and earned a national scholarship at Macomb.
- Student resources helped her find success inside and outside of the classroom.
Ariana Dockham graduated in May with an Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies. In her time at Macomb, she received the Coca-Cola Academic Team Scholarship and has been accepted to the University of Michigan where she plans to continue her studies.
The Coca-Cola Academic Team scholarship is awarded to college students who show academic excellence as well as leadership and service that goes beyond the classroom to benefit society. This award is given to only 200 students in the country.
Discovering her passion in paralegal studies
Ariana also earned an All Michigan Academic Award, became a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and worked in Macomb’s Student Life and Leadership office. “I surprised myself; I found something that I like and I went all in,” she said.
According to Ariana, she didn’t try to go above and beyond in high school and dropped out of college two times, “It just felt like a high level of commitment for something I wasn’t really sure I wanted to do,” she said.
After taking some law classes at Macomb, Ariana’s entire approach to college had changed. “I’ve never enjoyed anything as much as I’ve enjoyed studying in the Paralegal program,” she said.
Student resources paved the way for success
For Ariana, Macomb’s resources are what helped her succeed. “As someone who has dropped out twice from two other colleges, I know how easy it is to fall through the cracks.” she said, “Everything that I could need to support me academically was here.”
“I had the most amazing tutors.” Ariana said.
Career Services helped Ariana get an internship with a probate office as well as her summer internship with the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.
From Macomb to the University of Michigan
Ariana begins her classes at the University of Michigan this fall with hopes of being admitted to the university’s Ford School of Public Policy, a nationally top ranked school for those interested in public administration.
“Macomb has taken me to place where I feel brave enough to go to U of M,” Ariana said, “Since starting here, I’ve accomplished all of this. Which is a testament to Macomb.”
The Coca-Cola Academic Team scholarship is awarded to college students who show academic excellence as well as leadership and service that goes beyond the classroom to benefit society. This award is given to only 200 students in the country.
Discovering her passion in paralegal studies
Ariana also earned an All Michigan Academic Award, became a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and worked in Macomb’s Student Life and Leadership office. “I surprised myself; I found something that I like and I went all in,” she said.
According to Ariana, she didn’t try to go above and beyond in high school and dropped out of college two times, “It just felt like a high level of commitment for something I wasn’t really sure I wanted to do,” she said.
After taking some law classes at Macomb, Ariana’s entire approach to college had changed. “I’ve never enjoyed anything as much as I’ve enjoyed studying in the Paralegal program,” she said.
Student resources paved the way for success
For Ariana, Macomb’s resources are what helped her succeed. “As someone who has dropped out twice from two other colleges, I know how easy it is to fall through the cracks.” she said, “Everything that I could need to support me academically was here.”
“I had the most amazing tutors.” Ariana said.
Career Services helped Ariana get an internship with a probate office as well as her summer internship with the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office.
From Macomb to the University of Michigan
Ariana begins her classes at the University of Michigan this fall with hopes of being admitted to the university’s Ford School of Public Policy, a nationally top ranked school for those interested in public administration.
“Macomb has taken me to place where I feel brave enough to go to U of M,” Ariana said, “Since starting here, I’ve accomplished all of this. Which is a testament to Macomb.”