Briana Dobson: engineer, writer, creator

Briana Dobson initially planned to attend a university directly after high school. Her change of plans, to enroll at HFC, was the best decision she could have made.

“I was determined to pursue my education. HFC gave me the opportunity I needed,” said Dobson, of Taylor. “The best part about attending the College is the sense of community. Because it is a smaller school, it is easier to connect with others, build relationships, and learn about opportunities through networking. HFC has prepared me academically and in other ways.”

Maximizing her time at HFC, exploring multiple areas of study

Born in Detroit, Dobson is the eldest of eight. Her younger sister, Micaiah, also attends HFC. Dobson is an alumna of Annapolis High School in Dearborn Heights. She earned her associate degree in liberal arts from HFC. She is also working toward her associate degree in pre-engineering at HFC and will graduate at the end of 2026. She will then transfer to Western Michigan University and study aerospace engineering.

“I chose to pursue another degree at HFC after realizing how my credits contribute to multiple areas of study,” she explained. “I want to maximize my time here and gain as much knowledge and preparation as possible before transferring. I believe it will only help set me apart.”

Dobson spoke about her interest in pursuing an engineering degree.

“I was inspired to pursue engineering by [Oscar-winning filmmaker] Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar, along with ideas I had as a child. Some of my previous sketches of inventions and imagining what I could build in the future sent me down the path of engineering. Those those early interests stayed with me and grew into a passion for engineering,” she explained.

HFC chemistry instructor Dr. Fadia Cudry sees Dobson as an exemplary student.

“Briana has been a consistent and engaged presence in my class,” said Cudry. “She shows up, participates, and isn’t hesitant to ask questions or seek clarification, which has supported her growth over time. I’ve also appreciated her willingness to provide thoughtful feedback and reflect on her learning. What stands out most is her persistence. She continues to put in the effort to improve, and that kind of mindset is important for success in engineering pathways.”

“When talent walks in the door, we all take notice”

Recently, Dobson won second place for her short fiction, “Chain Reaction,” at the Barrett Awards Ceremony. HFC English instructor Ruth Ann Schmitt, whom Dobson called a mentor, introduced Dobson.

“When talent walks in the door, we all take notice,” said Schmitt.

Dobson read “Chain Reaction” to the crowd, including her mother and two of her younger siblings. She will apply her winnings to her tuition.

“When I found out I had won second place in the Barrett Creative Writing Awards, I was walking with my lab partner discussing physics. I checked my email to see if our professor had sent a formula sheet. I saw the award notification. I was genuinely surprised and excited, which prompted me to call my mother,” recalled Dobson. “I write a lot of fiction and enjoy experimenting with different genres. Since beginning my engineering studies, I have noticed that my writing has continued to strengthen and evolve. I definitely plan to merge engineering with professional writing.”

Dobson has been writing since she was 6. She penned more than 80 stories across a wide range of genres and even self-published Children of the Reverie Hour and Children of the Reverie Hour II, both of which are reflective, faith-centered collections of poetry that explore inner stillness, resilience, and spiritual grounding.

“I plan to continue developing and circulating more of my work,” she said. “My goal after completing my degree in aerospace engineering is to enter the film industry and bring my stories to the big screen. I have already begun exploring scriptwriting, including plays and screenplays. So far, I have completed a full screenplay called Lost in an Hourglass, along with multiple scripts for television concepts.”

Looking beyond the surface to explore meanings of storytelling

Dobson is also involved in the Engineering Club and the Theatre Club. She performed in 2023’s Leo’s Big Day Out and several short plays written by her fellow students. Thanks to her education at the College, she feels ready for the next step in her academic career.

“I would absolutely encourage aspiring students to attend HFC,” said Dobson. “It is an excellent place to start with many resources that help open doors to new opportunities. It is also a place that helps shape character and allows students to find their direction, even if they are unsure at first.”

Schmitt and HFC Chairperson of Media Communication Arts (MCA) Susan McGraw have had many opportunities to work with Dobson, both in and out of the classroom.

“Briana’s work is a delight to read; it is conceptual and philosophical, taking the reader on unexpected paths that feel familiar,” said Schmitt. “We recognize our own thought patterns in each of the characters, and yet we simultaneously understand that what each of them wants is wonderfully impossible. We should expect great things from this student.”

Added McGraw: “Briana stood out in our film class for the way she engaged with stories – always looking beyond the surface to explore deeper, implicit meanings. She is a talented writer and a genuinely thoughtful, unique individual, and her award-winning piece reflects that depth, intention, and intellectual curiosity. I’m incredibly proud of Briana and excited to see the impact she will continue to make in the world.”