How Life Design helped a first-generation student find his place in higher education

BGSU senior Devin Darr found clarity, confidence and support through the University’s innovative Life Design program

Bowling Green State University senior Devin Darr simply can’t imagine his college experience without Life Design.

The innovative program – designed to help students learn how to go to college – has been a profound part of his journey at Bowling Green, helping him navigate uncertainties and build confidence in his decisions.

Darr is not only a reflection of the power of Life Design, but also a passionate advocate for the program and its ability to redefine the undergraduate experience.

“I have grown so much since first arriving at Bowling Green,” Darr said. “I see myself as a completely different person now in the best way possible. I owe a ton of gratitude to BGSU and Life Design for helping me build such a strong foundation for my future.”

When Darr first arrived at Bowling Green in Fall 2021, he wasn’t sure he was following the right path. The complexity of his physics degree and the challenges of being a first-generation student led him to question whether he had what it took to succeed in college.

Life Design changed all of that.

Darr fully embraced the initiative, gaining the tools to better understand and overcome the obstacles he faced and the confidence to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth. Life Design is also where Darr learned about the Thompson Working Families Scholarship Program, which has provided him with an additional layer of support.

During his sophomore year, Darr joined Life Design as an ambassador, providing support in BGSU 1910, the University’s introductory course to design thinking, and assisting students in and out of the classroom. This led to a role as a lead student ambassador, with the added responsibilities of training and supporting the student ambassador team.

“It has been incredible to pour my heart and soul into a program that, in turn, poured its heart and soul into me, empowering me to become the person I’m meant to be,” Darr said.

Since its launch in 2020, Life Design has steadily expanded across the University, encompassing courses, one-on-one coaching, career readiness and integration across academic programs, establishing Bowling Green as a national leader in Life Design.

Throughout the past four years, Darr has continued confidently on his path toward earning a physics degree with a minor in astronomy, intentionally pursuing career readiness opportunities that connected his work and learning.

He has conducted undergraduate research, worked as a planetarium and observatory assistant and recently received a scholarship from the Ohio Space Grant Consortium to conduct research alongside Andrew J. McNeill, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the BGSU Department of Physics and Astronomy.

After graduating in December, Darr plans to attend graduate school. Of all the lessons Life Design has taught him, he said learning to embrace the process stands out as the most meaningful.

“I’m really proud of how far I’ve come and all I’ve accomplished, and I owe so much of my success to Life Design,” Darr said.