Annual banquet honors Trio members:
By: LAUREN JOHNS ART & LIFE EDITOR:
On the evening of April 25, a wide array of food was being served and students and staff were awarded for their contributions to the TRIO Program, specifically the Leadership Board. “We look at which students are successful and make a big impact, not just in TRIO but everywhere,” said Sanela Mesic, director of TRIO. “Officers decide on ‘Club Member of the year’ and ‘Volunteer of the Year’. Advisors and I decide on staff awards, and the program and club collaborate on remaining awards.”
Speeches, starting with one by Mesic, began promptly at 6 p.m. Throughout her presentation, she discussed the various endeavors in which students partook: trips to Disney World, Memphis, college tours to Southeast Missouri State and on-campus workshops.
“We explored the National Civil Rights Museum in memphis to go along with Black History Month and learned a lot about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,” said Marisa Lowenstein, TRIO Vice President. “In Disney World, we learned more about leadership, communication, innovation and customer satisfaction. Then we were able to bring our newfound knowledge back to Campus.”
According to Mesic, on-campus activities included: Halloween parties, TRIO Club fundraisers, selling hoodies and merchandise, ‘TRIO Tuesdays, where events were held during weekly meetings and workshops for transfer planning, resume building and study skills.
Aside from events, the speech also commemorated the founding of TRIO.
“President Lyndon Johnson and Dr. Martin Luther King were having conversations about how to improve college access for everyone,” said Mesic. “They wanted to make sure first generation college students could go to college and receive financial aid and support. Now, as a result, there are high school programs, college programs and even graduate programs.”
To further these efforts, a new concept was put into place at the beginning of the semester. The Myers Briggs Type Inventory Test was no novelty, but when paired with the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the program reached new heights. Each set of personality traits matched with a specific house (with names changed to avoid copyright).
“This year we wanted to do something fun, so we decided to throw out all the things we know and just start from scratch,” said Mesic. “We have advisors who are MBTI certified so they interpret the results. From there, you can discover things from how you handle stress to potential career options.”
Mesic also believes the house system helps bring people together, reaching out to members who don’t have tutors or mentors or don’t spend as much time in the TRIO Lab.
During the banquet, Loewenstein received the Emereldian Award for her particular house and for attending every house meeting (separate from normal TRIO meetings). Overall, she says that her time in the program has had a profound influence on her.
“My experience here has been nothing but amazing. All the TRIO staff and students are so friendly, nice, outgoing and energetic,” said Lowenstein. “As I always tell new students that come into the office, TRIO is a family.”
To conclude the banquet, Briana Robles, soon-to-be graduate, reflected on her failures, successes and everything in between.
According to Robles, she struggled to navigate college as a first generation student and didn’t understand that it was ok to be ‘Undeclared’ and it was ok to ask for help.
“My mom couldn’t finish her associates degree because she couldn’t pass college level math. Now, 20 years later, I tutor first generation students in math, study skills and biology and create strategies to motivate them.”
Outside of TRIO, she was a founding member of the Student Honors Council, publicized for various events and more. “I feel so lucky to be a part of a program that won’t let disadvantaged students fall through the cracks,” said Robles. “I may be an academic coach, but the TRIO students are my inspiration. And on May 10, I will be one of the prideful alum.”
Looking towards the future of the program, the Department of Education has limited funding and is hoping that the institution will take successful events and programs to a college wide level.
“The only requirements to be involved in Trio are that you need to be either a first generation college student (neither of your parents received a Bachelor’s degree), be registered with the access office or be a Pell Grant Recipient,” said Mesic. “However, because we are federally funded, we only serve 160 students.”
