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TRIO Student Profiles

Meet a few of our current students and hear why TRIO Student Support Services has made their dreams possible.

Meet our Students

Ariel Sookram

During my first year, I felt lost and unsure of how to plan my college schedule. My TRIO advisor worked closely with me to map out a four-year plan, which gave me clarity and confidence. Through these conversations, I found my path and became more comfortable on campus. Additionally, the support I received from TRIO staff helped me secure a community assistant (CA) position on campus. This role not only assisted me financially but also helped me grow personally and develop my leadership skills. I’ve had the chance to serve on campus panels and gain confidence in expressing my voice.

TRIO SSS has taught me how to present myself professionally and find meaningful opportunities to advance my future career. TRIO SSS has enabled me to build strong connections with staff and obtain recommendations that strengthened my internship applications. I was connected with the University Police for an internship. Over the summers, I interned with the Department of Probation and am currently interning at the District Attorney’s Office in Plattsburgh. These experiences have provided valuable insights into my goal of becoming an attorney.

TRIO SSS is like a home away from home. The bonds I’ve built with the staff and their unwavering support have been a cornerstone of my college journey.

Ayla Chavez

TRIO SSS is my college family. It’s been my source of encouragement, support and honest advice — from reminding me to attend class to picking me up when I felt down. SSS has been a cornerstone of my college journey. Lauren, my SSS advisor, guided me through financial challenges by assisting with FAFSA applications, financial aid processes, and acting as a liaison with Student Financial Services. As a first-generation student, she helped me understand the complexities of financial systems and provided clarity on confusing terminology.

Being a part of TRIO SSS gave me valuable professional experience, including working in the office, collaborating with staff, meeting deadlines, and navigating a professional environment. I served as a peer mentor and TA, and I am currently leading a plant initiative across three campus spaces, including the Oasis Green Space. These roles allowed me to connect with both students and staff and make a positive impact on campus.

Joining TRIO SSS is one of the best decisions you can make. It provides the support you didn’t know you needed, helping you navigate college life with confidence. TRIO should be available to every student — it’s an incredible program that has shaped me into the person I am today.

Isabella Rodriguez

Without sounding cliché, TRIO SSS truly is a home away from home. It’s a place where I can unapologetically be myself and feel proud of my unique experiences. The program has helped me overcome setbacks, build confidence, and recognize the impact of my contributions. TRIO has taught me to appreciate my efforts and take pride in the difference I make.

TRIO SSS has been instrumental in helping me grow academically. I took ENG130 and CLP103 through the program, and both courses were transformative. ENG130 helped me refine my writing for graduate school applications. In CLP103, I learned coping skills and discovered new ways to improve my wellness — yoga, for instance, turned out to be something I really enjoyed! Over time, I realized I’d lost touch with my creative side because I always felt everything had to be perfect. This class taught me that creativity doesn’t require perfection and can still be a meaningful outlet for self-expression.

Professionally, my experience as a social work intern with TRIO SSS has been invaluable. It prepared me for the “real world” of social work, allowing me to support students with real-life challenges and unique experiences. As my caseload grew, I felt more confident in my abilities, and it’s rewarding to have students recognize and trust me enough to seek help. Hearing positive feedback after our sessions and knowing I’ve made a difference in their lives has been deeply fulfilling.

When I was a first-year student, I was scared and hesitant to join TRIO SSS, and looking back, I realize that hesitation hindered my college experience. I didn’t understand at the time how much support was available to me. To any student considering joining, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help — you won’t regret it. I only wish I had joined sooner.

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