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
Ava Barth
- Class Year: First Year
Being a part of TRIO SSS has helped me grow by giving me reassurance that no matter what obstacles life throws at me — personally, academically, medically or mentally — I will make it through, and I have a family at TRIO SSS no matter what.
The TRIO SSS program has helped improve me academically by holding me accountable for tutoring and providing such an accessible tutoring program. TRIO SSS has also helped me navigate financial stress by explaining what everything means and guiding me step-by-step, including helping me connect with financial aid services when I didn’t know where to start.
One of my most meaningful experiences was when my advisor supported me through emergency surgery and personal challenges during my first semester, helping me figure out how to move forward both academically and personally. TRIO SSS is a united family, showing me that even in difficult times, I will be okay because TRIO SSS is here for me.
Hunter Eberhart
- Class Year: Junior
TRIO has helped me manage my time and stay organized, especially as a transfer student balancing academics, athletics and campus involvement. With their support, I achieved my highest GPA during a demanding baseball season after creating a day-by-day plan and meeting with each professor.
My advisor worked closely with me to build weekly and semester schedules, track deadlines and create detailed plans that kept me on track academically. They connected me with key campus resources including the writing center, career fairs and Student Financial Services, which opened doors to new opportunities and helped me minimize student debt.
TRIO also fostered a strong sense of community, helping me collaborate with other students and advisors to improve my coursework and feel more supported on campus. TRIO has been such a valuable program to me personally!
Alexis Albright
- Class Year: Senior
TRIO SSS has supported me academically, personally and professionally throughout my time at Plattsburgh. From my first meeting, when I was struggling both in class and in life, I was met with compassion and guidance that gave me hope and a clear path forward. I’ve had the same SSS advisor for all four years, and I can genuinely say she has helped me through some of the toughest points of my life and academic career with unwavering support and full confidence in me.
With SSS, I’ve accessed tutoring, campus events and resources that made understanding financial aid and managing student accounts far less stressful.
Beyond practical support, SSS has provided a true sense of community. Knowing that advisors and fellow students genuinely care about my success has been empowering, and that encouragement has shaped both my academic journey and personal growth. Thanks to SSS, I’m preparing to apply to graduate school and will carry the support, skills and connections I gained with me into the future. Even a single meeting with an advisor can transform your perspective, and I would recommend SSS to anyone. It can truly change the trajectory of your college experience.
Grace Murray
- Class Year: Sophomore
Meeting with my advisor has not only helped me plan and organize my workload for the semester, but has also made it possible for me to take 18 credits each term. My advisor has been incredibly supportive in so many ways and continues to guide me toward academic success.
I have been part of the TRIO program for about six years, beginning with the Upward Bound Program in high school. Over the years, TRIO has helped me grow both academically and personally. The TRIO SSS program has continued to motivate me to challenge myself by taking more advanced classes and even adding another major that aligns with my interests.
My TRIO advisor has been especially encouraging, continuously reminding me to prioritize not only my academics but also my mental health, always ensuring the best for my overall well-being. This program makes me feel like I do not have to go through college alone or figure everything out for myself. They are there for me if I ever need anything. If you’re thinking about joining TRIO, you absolutely should. They provide strong support, and the program is open to those who qualify.
Sofia Tabares
- Class Year: Sophomore
I personally love TRIO because of my advisor. She has been a great support system throughout each semester and has always pushed me forward when I feel like slacking. She continues to believe in me and is one of the main reasons I strive to keep going.
A memorable experience with TRIO would be when I attended one of our financial workshops and learned of a HESC scholarship that could potentially remove me from debt and pay for my full cost of tuition. It was very insightful and I felt heard enough to be given different resources and helped in finding specific aid for my situation.
TRIO has offered me resources in tutoring, scheduling, personal care, financial aid, etc. My advisor encourages me in my academics, as well as in my extracurriculars and was amazing with showing me my resources and available help.
Gabrielle Wrisley
- Class Year: Junior
Knowing I have TRIO SSS as a support system, between academic advising and self-care events like Midterm Relievers, the balance between work and peace is just what I need while balancing school, work and internships.
With community events like the classic Walking Tacos, to coming together or making Halloween-themed sweet cups, meeting up with familiar faces brings a sense of comfort, making me feel less alone.
My advisor has and always will be a great source of financial advocacy and help! Whenever I feel like I've exhausted my options, she is always there to give additional resources to look out for.
Connecting with the staff, especially my advisor, gave me the confidence boost I needed to secure an internship I never thought possible. Then, when I was anticipating the result of the news reporter and marketing internship with NEXSTAR media, meeting with my advisor will always be a personal highlight — having my energy of anticipation and excitement matched left me feeling so fulfilled emotionally! I’ll never forget the kindness shared within that very moment!