A personal reflection on the 2026 Kiwanis Scholarship Luncheon, community encouragement, and continuing our education together.
Returning to college has given me new goals, new challenges, and meaningful reminders that we do not have to build our future alone. Our experience at the Kiwanis Scholarship Luncheon was one of those reminders.
On October 13, 2026, my daughter, Dominique Brown, and I attended the luncheon at the Morris Lawrence Building at Washtenaw Community College. We both received scholarship certificates, making this a special milestone in the educational journey we are sharing as mother and daughter.
As a United States Air Force veteran, returning student, mother, and business owner, I understand how much determination it takes to keep moving forward. Being welcomed and encouraged by people who support our education made this experience especially meaningful.
What the Kiwanis Scholarship Means to Us
I am grateful to the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor Foundation for supporting our education. Scholarship assistance helps reduce financial pressure and gives us more room to focus on learning, completing assignments, and working toward our goals.
For me, this support also represents second chances and the value of lifelong learning. Returning to school means bringing years of experience into the classroom while remaining willing to ask questions, practice unfamiliar skills, and grow.
Dominique and I each have our own work to complete, but we encourage one another along the way. Receiving this recognition together gave us another reason to appreciate how far we have come and stay committed to what comes next.
A Warm Welcome at the Kiwanis Scholarship Luncheon
Some of the moments I remember most were the conversations at our table. We shared the luncheon with Robert and Linda Johnson, Alan Burg, Ken Hillenburg, Wendy Bridges, and Andrew Dillon.
Linda took time to ask about our education, Dee & Dee Brown LLC, and how we were doing. That interest mattered to me. It gave us an opportunity to share the people and experiences behind our goals, beyond the assignments and deadlines that fill our school days.
There was laughter, too. Wendy joked about outrunning another table for its centerpiece, and we brought home autumn pumpkin and succulent centerpieces. Those small details made the day feel personal and gave us something cheerful to remember it by.
We left feeling welcomed, encouraged, and grateful. The luncheon showed us how much a thoughtful conversation can add to an already meaningful occasion.
A Personal Conversation with President Rose Bellanca
Another meaningful moment was speaking personally with WCC President Rose Bellanca. I had written to her about my ongoing illnesses, how those conditions have affected my appearance, and my determination to remain at Washtenaw Community College and continue my education.
In her September 21 reply, President Bellanca explained that she had reviewed my letter with Nikki Borges, the college’s Chief Philanthropy Officer, and referred my email to her for follow-up.
Nikki responded on September 22, acknowledging my health challenges and the support the WCC Foundation and Student Resource Center had provided. She explained that the Foundation could not address the particular health-related needs I had described, suggested other avenues for help, and said they would continue supporting my academic journey as they were able.
At the luncheon, President Bellanca remembered my email and asked whether Nikki had reached out to help. I appreciated that she took the time to check on that follow-up in person. Her interest made the conversation especially meaningful as Dominique and I continued working toward our educational goals.
She also complimented us and said that we both looked wonderful. After sharing such personal concerns in my email, her kindness meant a great deal to me. It was a reminder of how much listening, encouragement, and a thoughtful follow-up can matter to a student.
Returning to College and Continuing to Grow
At Washtenaw Community College, we are building knowledge that connects with our everyday lives and our business. Studying accounting, workplace writing, and social media helps us understand the decisions we make as students and entrepreneurs.
That learning takes effort. We review material, practice skills, work through confusion, and keep trying when something does not come easily. Returning to college has taught me that progress often comes through consistent work, even when the steps feel small.
Community encouragement helps us stay focused during that process. The Kiwanis Scholarship is part of the support helping us continue our education and work toward a stronger future.
Building Dee & Dee Brown LLC with Purpose
Our educational journey is closely connected to Dee & Dee Brown LLC, the veteran-owned business I co-founded with Dominique. Through resale, content creation, and developing educational resources, we are putting what we learn into practice.
An accounting lesson can help us better understand business records. A writing assignment can improve the way we communicate. A social media lesson can help us plan content with a clearer purpose. Each skill gives us another tool to use as we grow.
Our motto is Learning. Applying. Building. It describes that ongoing work. We are learning as students, applying those lessons through experience, and building a business that reflects our values and goals.
Three Lessons This Experience Reinforced
- Education remains valuable at every stage of life. Our experiences can become a foundation for new learning, new skills, and new opportunities.
- Encouragement can strengthen determination. Taking an interest in someone’s goals can help them feel supported as they work toward those goals.
- Shared progress is worth celebrating. Being able to celebrate this milestone with Dominique made the experience even more meaningful.
Moving Forward with Gratitude and Purpose
Thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor Foundation, Washtenaw Community College, and everyone who helped make the luncheon welcoming. We appreciate the scholarship support and the time people took to learn about our journey.
For Dominique and me, the next step is to keep doing the work: studying, completing our courses, applying new skills, and making thoughtful decisions about our future.
The certificates mark a milestone we are proud to share. The conversations, encouragement, and kindness are also part of what we will carry forward.
I am grateful that we get to continue this chapter together, with a community that sees value in our education and the future we are working to create.
About Dee & Dee Brown LLC
Dee & Dee Brown LLC is a veteran-owned, mother-and-daughter business founded by Donnetta Brown and Dominique Brown. We share our experiences with resale, education, and entrepreneurship as we continue developing practical resources and building our business.
Learning. Applying. Building.
Continue Our Journey
Read my related reflection: Rotary Service Above Self Scholarship: My 2026 Recognition.
Explore more of our Dee & Dee Brown LLC journey.