Michael Broussard, a junior biological sciences major from Scribner, always knew he would be a Husker.
As a child, he was a dedicated Nebraska football fan, watching every game and hoping that one day he himself would sport scarlet and cream. After later being accepted to the university, the transition from his high school class of 18 to a college of over 25,000 was daunting — but also a fulfillment of one of Broussard’s biggest dreams.
During his freshman year, Broussard’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. The diagnosis was difficult for him to handle, and he witnessed the effect it had on his two younger sisters. As a sophomore, he stumbled across Nebraska’s chapter of Camp Kesem —a nonprofit organization that supports children through and beyond their parent’s cancer diagnosis.
After his own sisters attended the camp, Broussard saw the positive impact it had on the children who attended and knew he needed to become a part of the team.
“Ever since then, I’ve been a full supporter of the vision,” he said.
For Broussard, one of the most rewarding parts of being involved with Camp Kesem has been helping those children understand and cope with the uncertainties revolving around their parent’s illness.
“Seeing the way they [kids] thought of cancer and what it was and seeing how they reacted made me want to get involved,” he said.
Broussard calls his experience at Nebraska so far “amazing,” citing the organizations he’s joined, the people he’s met and the obstacles he’s encountered along the way that have made him a stronger individual.
“[Nebraska has been] life changing. It’s the best experience,” he said. “They say college is the best time of your life, and they aren’t lying.”
