Student Stories
The best way to learn about SSS is to get to know our students! While there are many, many stories and accomplishments we could highlight, here is a small peek into the life and experiences of a TRIO student.
2019: Graduate School Tour, Boston
What students had to say:
- "The most rewarding part of the grad school tour was being able to meet with first generation students and professors are big institutions. Being told the stories of their journey was very inspiring."
- "The three most consistent themes I heard over and over are the importance of having mentors, having the necessary support systems, and most importantly understanding your worth as a student of color while using that privilege to pave the way for others to do the same. Once you make the climb, leave the ladder down for others."
2018: McNair Research Conference, University of Maryland
"If I learned anything from this conference, it is that we can do anything we set our mind to. Here I was, already coming so far in my educational journey and I was limiting myself and my capacity to complete future educational goals. I had already shut down even the possibility of me pursuing a PhD program. I am now inspired and encouraged to be open-minded to opportunities and never underestimate my own skills and abilities." - Rebekah, Psychology major, Class of 2018
TRIO Legacy Award
The TRIO Legacy Award honors a graduating CSUMB TRIO SSS or SSS STEM-HS student who, throughout their college career, has demonstrated the values central to TRIO: persistence, resilience, growth, and determination. Throughout their time at CSUMB, these students have sought academic and personal excellence, as well as ways to give back to their communities and peers.
"TRIO has furthered my prospects in and out of academic spaces, allowing me to find a new path toward the fulfillment of my happiness. TRIO's guidance in my endeavors has brought me to find my inner passions amidst the work I submerged myself into as a campus and student leader. I have been able to share my own gained knowledge to aid my fellow students and community, share insight into my own first gen student experiences and gain a sense of belonging amongst my peers."
"The TRIO Legacy is a reminder of how powerful support programs are and continue to be necessary for future generations. TRIO is a family and I feel grateful knowing that I received support and made an effort to also empower others during my time at CSUMB. We push forward with resilience and optimism while rooting for each other! TRIO has impacted my future aspirations by reminding me that I am exactly where I need to be in life. I feel ready to graduate from college knowing that I have valuable life skills and knowledge to reflect on."
"Being part of TRIO has been a blessing. I have found guidance and wisdom, the opportunity to grow and expand my horizons and worldview. I would not be where I am today without the support of my incredible TRIO mentors who have been part of my journey and now it is my turn to take on that role. I want to inspire students to give back to their community and make a difference."
After graduating from CSUMB, Esmeralda began studying for her Masters in the Stanford Teacher Education Program.
"Being a part of the TRIO program has meant my academic and personal success at CSUMB. The program gave me the economic and social capital to support all my endeavors while completing my degree. My TRIO legacy will be sharing the knowledge and understanding the program has given me... I hope to provide the same type of support that was given to me by the wonderful staff and students at TRIO."
Alexandria is pursuing her Masters and PhD in Math Education at the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign.