My story on how Michigan Hockey changed my household.

That's a great story, and it sounds like you have some outstanding parents. Don't get discouraged about the finances ahead of time, go ahead and apply and see what the financial aid gods have in store for you. You sound like a fine young man from a great family, and I'd like you to be a part of my former school, and I know that a lot of other alums would feel the same way. One thing about UM is that you have to make your own way more than at a lot of other programs. Hang in there and see what happens for you!

As a child of alums that moved out of state before college, I will also say don't let financial issues deter you. I ultimately didn't go to Michigan because my instate tuition (SUNY system) + instate scholarships made a 10X difference in price/semester.  And while it's nice to be in med school not having to worry about undergrad loans, it is a choice I regret. The difference in campus atmosphere between Michigan and my school was crazy. Even not being a student there and just visiting friends, I felt at home,

I just graduated 11 months ago and it's a strange feeling being in a different grad school, having to find live streams of hockey games all the time. I agree with rockydude too; you never know what can work out if you don't try.

I'm an Indiana transplant myself. I was born and raised there then moved to Southwest Michigan when I was in 2nd grade. I've been thankful that Notre Dame didn't rub off on me, especially after the last 3 football games in the series.

Best wishes to you on your application process and wherever you go, Go Blue!

"My dream is to go to Michigan, but living in Illinois, out of state tuition is outrageous. My parents aren’t alumni, but for some reason at a very young age, I became a fan."

That was me 6 years ago.  From Illinois, I never knew any alumni, but a huge fan since I can remember.  Out of state tuition is expensive, but fuck it dude.  You've got one life.  If you get into Michigan, go there and worry about the money later.  I chose Michigan over Wisconsin (would've been $80,000 cheaper...literally) and over my parents alma mater (Augustana College), where I was offered a full ride.  Every day I think back on my amazing memories in Ann Arbor. Go to Michigan, get student loans, it's worth it.

The fact that you can write something like this, while citing Braylon as the first player to jump out for you, just makes me feel...old.

Good luck, hope you find a way.

Great post.  Don't worry that it might not be board-worthy.  I'm thinking it is nearly diary-worthy.

Thanks for sharing, Go Blue!

Love the passion. Welcome to the family.

I am also from Illinois with no direct connection to Michigan, it just stood out to me and I jumped on. Whatever choice you decide to make regarding your future, make sure you do what feels best for you whether it is Michigan or not.

Explore the options for financing and do what you can to clear your road to Ann Arbor. Even if it doesn't pan out and you go elsewhere, I can't think of a person here that isn't glad to have someone with your passion for things Michigan among the group. Kudos, sir. 

What about a kick-start campaign hosted on MGoBlog to raise money for tuition?

...but seriously, has anyone with any sway in these parts considered an MGoBlog scholarship, funded by MGoBloggers?  Wouldn't have to be athletics oriented.  If $37K was raised in 5 days to publish HTTV, couldn't a significant amount of money be raised to help someone in need get to realize the dream of a Michigan education?  Not talking about a full scholarship, but $1K here, $5K there...idle thoughts...

sure when I posted if this would be downvoted, but It's nice to know the support of the Michigan family!

These kind of things are why the much-dreided at "Michigan Man" concept still resonates with me.

I just feel it's my responsibility to say something here. Michigan is a great school, and I am honored to be learning and teaching there. But I think it's important to put things into perspective. The main reason you're going to spend thousands of dollars on college in the next few years is to learn useful stuff. In that regard, Michigan is certainly a fantastic environment, but it also not *that* exceptional. Your life will (hopefully) last a long time, and the years of college should be fun ones, but loving a team and feeling at home on campus for 4 years shouldn't be #1 or even #10 on your list of priorities when looking for a school. Look at the long game. 

I live in Michigan, only 40 minutes south of Ann Arbor, so I'm lucky. I'm also lucky to have gone to so many games over the years (including the 500th game).

I am also still in high school (senior) and my dream is to go to Michigan. They told me they'd make a final decision by April, so I'm praying! More than likely, though, I'll try to transfer after a couple years. It would still be nice to get accepted though.

Good luck during the rest of your high school career! Don't slack off. Also try to get some scholarships! It's not impossible!

This is a fantastic story bud.  I always loved playing and watching football when I was really young but the real reason I fell in love with Michigan is because I needed someone to root for in the Michigan MSU game, and lets be honest, we have way better helmets.  My first game here was in 2004 when Chad and Mike were Freshman and my friend's dad got us fourth row tickets on the 45 yard line for the Miami of Ohio game, something I will never forget and will be eternally grateful for how it changed my life.  From there I always knew where I wanted to go.  I am in state but my parents were very against me going here just because of the cost, but I worked my ass off in summer jobs and looking for scholarships, and I am currently paying for all of my expensis (tuition, books, housing, food) and have very little debt. Im sure it takes a lot more work than if I had chosen other places but this has been the best desicion of my life.  Just to put it in perspective Ive been in the library since 9am today, but if you're willing to put in the work, and it will take a lot of work, you can make it happen.  Anyways, going to Michigan was my dream, its the one thing Ive always wanted to do in life and I made it happen, so go for it, and hopefully Ill see you around here next year

I grew up in eastern Colorado and my whole family are Nebraska fans. Idont know if it was me wanting to be different or my cousins influence but I became a Michigan fan at about 10 years old and my passion for everything Michigan grows every year. Sad to say I don't get many Michigan hockey games being from the Midwest but I still keep up them. I am very proud to have hunwick wear the maize and blue and I am sad to see him moving on.



On a side note I was up in the Rockies for spring break snowboarding while decked out in my Michigan gear and heard well over 30 'go blues'. Wolverine nation is alive and well!