Franklin Ware leans into HFC resources to master his writing craft

Although HFC is not student Franklin Ware’s first foray into higher education, it is where he found his path to the next level as a writer.

The lifelong Detroiter and Jalen Rose Leadership Academy alumnus completed coursework at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and Wayne County Community College District, and then he took a break from academics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he decided to work full-time in what he described as a “few good internships and myriad dead-end jobs.” Realizing he needed to return to college, Ware enrolled at HFC.

“As I journeyed through high school, I’d developed a strong liking for digital and animated design. Because of that, I found myself enrolled in the digital and graphic arts program here at HFC,” said Ware. “I came to HFC because I decided to reintroduce myself to furthering my education in the hopes of bettering my professional writing and graphic design skills. My dream is to one day write that generation-defining novel.’”

Gaining crucial insights into writing

Two HFC faculty members who have had a positive impact on Ware include English instructor Lori Slaber and Media Communication Arts chairperson Susan McGraw.

“Although I find all my classes enjoyable, these classes and their instructors directly involve writing, which is a skill I want to develop for a career in the mass media,” he said. “Professor McGraw’s Media Writing course is definitely one of the high points of my experience here at the College. The way she structures her class gives you freedom to explore independent concepts and ideas while still fitting the course’s lessons into the mix. I’ve been working on a story concept since I was in 8th grade, and in taking her class and seeing if it has what it takes to make a good movie, I’ve used her tools in tandem with Professor Slaber’s Intro to College Writing class to further elevate my craft.”

In March 2025, Ware was one of 16 HFC students who attended Pulitzer on the Road event at Michigan Central Station in Detroit. At this event, Justin Chang of The New Yorker and Lyndsay C. Green of the Detroit Free Press discussed writing and the role of the journalist and critic in today’s ever-evolving media landscape.

“Even though these two journalists weren’t in my specific field, I still was able to gain crucial insights in how the writing industry functions for new and more established authors,” he said.

First-gen student aspiring to be a defining voice of his generation

Ware is the first person in his family to go to college. He will graduate from HFC in 2026, earning his associate degree in graphic design. He is unsure where he will transfer, but he’s keeping his options open.

“Franklin is wise beyond his years – fearless, endlessly creative, and refreshingly positive. Watching him grow as a writer has been a joy, and I have no doubt he’s on the path to becoming a defining voice of his generation," said McGraw.

For Ware, the best part about attending HFC is the College’s professional development opportunities and its accessibility.

“Through HFC, I’ve gone to job fairs, attended résumé workshops, and taken professional development courses numerous times,” he said. “HFC, in my experience, gives ample resources, facilities, and references to find what you need, learn and observe, and apply the knowledge to get the best results. HFC is a great place to enroll for college. Its accessibility helps students acclimate and get the most out of their education. Enrolling at HFC was one of the best moves I have made in life so far.”