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Each year, University of Detroit Mercy’s Marketing & Communications department profiles members of the graduating class. Students chosen were nominated by staff and faculty for their contributions to the life of the University. Visit our Commencement webpage for more information about 2026 commencement exercises. 

For Jenna Saker, the path to success has been defined by resilience, responsibility, and a deep sense of purpose shaped long before stepping onto campus. 

“I was born into a very politically active family who loves to do humanitarian work,” she said. 

Saker, a first-generation college student at ÌÇÐÄlogoÈë¿Ú, is graduating with a degree in Political Science and a minor in English Literature, completing her coursework in only three years with plans to attend law school after graduation. 

“I took 18 credits for six semesters to graduate early. On top of that, I worked two jobs,” she said. “I work at an elementary school for an after-school program and my job on campus is a student ambassador. At one point I was juggling two jobs, 18 credits and an internship." 

Her drive is something she learned from her parents who immigrated to the United States from Palestine in the 1990s with Saker’s two older siblings. 

“My dad has been working since he was 7 years old,” she said. “My mom got her high school diploma, but my dad never got a high school education. He was always working and helping my grandfather. And they are the smartest, most brilliant people I have ever met.” 

Being a first-generation student presented unique challenges, Saker said, particularly without parental guidance on navigating higher education. 

Those challenges ranged from balancing coursework with jobs to understanding how to complete a FAFSA application on her own. 

“It made things very, very difficult,” she said. “You have to figure everything out on your own. There was nobody there to really hold your hand through things. I had to mature much quicker.” 

She added that the pressure extends beyond academics. 

“The biggest challenge is the feeling of responsibility that first- generation students have,” she said. “You feel a responsibility to succeed without having questions about anything.” 

Despite those obstacles, Saker’s journey from freshman to senior has been marked by both growth and achievement. 

“One of my proudest moments at UDM was starting the Halimah Project,” she said. “We tutor and pair refugee youth in the city of Detroit with college students, and the students become their mentors and start lifelong friendships.” 

She also earned a spot on the dean’s list for all six semesters and served as a student ambassador for the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. 

As for what’s next, Saker said law school is the immediate goal, though she is still undecided where she will attend. 

“Law school is incredibly expensive, and you are fighting for any kind of financial help,” she said. “Ever since I started at UDM I knew I was going to pay my law school tuition, which is why I have been working all these different jobs. I know what I want and I have to get it.” 

After law school, Saker hopes to work at the International Court of Justice.  

“I plan on pursuing a legal degree and focusing on international law and relations and diplomacy,” she said. 

Her ambitions are rooted not only in personal success but also in supporting her family. 

“A big part of why I am doing what I am doing is to ease the burdens of my family and ease my own burdens,” she said. “You can’t expect anything out of anyone, unfortunately, and if you want something you have to do it.” 

As she prepares for graduation, Saker offers advice to students following a similar path. 

“If I had to give words of advice to future students, be kind and patient with yourself,” she said. “It is not always going to be a linear situation. But know your peers are here for you, your professors, the staff, especially here at Detroit Mercy.” 

“It’s my responsibility to do what I have to do,” she added. “I think that’s something for a lot of first-generation students, feeling like success is your responsibility and there is no other way.”