Deciding to pursue a college education is a choice that comes with many questions, concerns, and excitement.
The application and enrollment steps can be complicated, but first-generation college students may find even that the most supportive parents don’t know how to guide their children through the process.
The TRIO/Student Support Services program at Salt Lake Community College helps answer questions that first-generation students have about where to begin and how to move throughout their journey at school.
Jessica Rowley, a TRIO SSS advisor, has been working with the program for about a year. She says the program encourages students to be independent and gain confidence as they move through college.
TRIO SSS offers a variety of services for students, including tutoring, financial planning, individualized academic advising and transfer advising. Although many of these questions can be answered by any academic advisor, working with someone who understands the needs of the first-generation community also offers a sense that these students are not alone.
Dani Ndayisa has been a part of TRIO SSS for three years and is a peer mentor within the program. He’s transferring to the Weber State University this summer and says being part of this program has helped him become a better student.
TRIO SSS helped him transfer to a four-year institution by taking him to college tours and exploring his options.
“Getting to connect with other students and creating that bond” was key in making college a better experience, Ndayisa says, noting it should be a fun way to meet new people.
He also says TRIO has become a second home for him because of all the support it provided.
“If you join TRIO, you will succeed,” he says.
TRIO SSS holds workshops across all campuses and encourages students to get out of their comfort zones. Contact TRIO for more information.
