Student Spotlights

Student Spotlights

Karolina Heathcock Quote

“My TRiO advisor taught me advocate for myself and to take initiative without being afraid, simply because I am First-Gen. This community empowered me to schedule office hours with my professors and have conversations with my internship managers with ease. Now, I try to provide the same uplifting community for other First-Generation students that TRiO first provided for me. One thing I help to advocate for are the resources for food insecurity on campus. In the future, I hope to work in environmental policy on Capitol Hill, where I plan to advocate for nature’s resources during a time when urbanization is so common.”

Karolina Heathcock

Junior, Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture Major

Aisha Williams Quote

"I aspire to work in international business, hopefully with opportunities to travel abroad and meet new people. As a TRiO ambassador, I’ve been participating in Maroon Leads, which has really helped me to prepare to fulfill those dreams. Through the reflections and course discussions, I can translate those skills to my business coursework, tailoring me into a better, more well-rounded professional. Additionally, as a part of ISAB, I have gauged what it would be like working with people of different cultures and backgrounds. I really feel like my involvement in both programs is laying the foundation for me to land a great career or internship by my senior year."

Aisha Williams

Sophomore, International Business Major

Ijerius Brown Quote

“Being the first in my family to attend college does not mean I have to navigate this journey alone. I had to get the thought out of my head that I have to do everything by myself and realize that there are people here to help me accomplish my goals. Your network is your net worth, and it is a breath of fresh air: knowing I can rely on people I met through these programs and offer them the same support in return.”

Ijerius Brown

Senior, Electrical Engineering Major

Alyssa Fayard Quote

“As a First-Generation College Student, TRiO helped me to build the confidence needed to ask questions about my career field, while building connections with other people and organizations on campus without feeling left out. A lot of my peers have parents who are doctors or have other post-graduate degrees. Without TRiO, I probably would have not have been as involved my freshmen year and may have even missed a lot of my pre-requisite classes. Because of the support provided by TRiO, I am classified as a senior in my third year of college, and hopefully, will soon be applying for medical school.”

Alyssa Fayard

Senior, Biochemistry Major

Tonka Davis Quote

“My first time on campus was Promise Scholars Day in 2023. From the time I stepped on campus, the atmosphere and community were awesome. It just felt like family. Being involved in different programs like THRIVE connected me with resources that have helped me, from my personal life to my career placement. Now, as an ambassador, it’s my goal to introduce other First-Gen students to these resources so they can make the most of their experience as well."

Tonka Davis

Sophomore, Finance Major

Michael Ray Wilson Quote

"Being a part of the MBCI, I love learning more about other people, because they don't know much about us. In ISAA, we invite the campus community to participate in our cultural events throughout the semester, which reflects what I'm going to do in the future. As I work towards being accepted into the Master of Anthropology program, I feel more accomplished knowing I am a First-Gen student who is able to teach people about my tribe, especially when many don't even realize a tribe exists an hour and 15 minutes away from campus."

Michael Ray Wilson

Senior, Anthropology Major

Summer Lewis Quote

“Being in TRiO exposed me to so many opportunities and experiences out there for me. Going on grad school tours and seeing what they have to offer helped me to realize that I don’t have to go back home after graduation. Now, I want to branch out and continue to explore what else is out there for me. Home will always be there.”

Summer Lewis

Senior, Kinesiology Major

Malakai Charlie Quote

"Being in the Holmes Center has helped me to learn valuable leadership skills, like building personal relationships with people I encounter. Before becoming Vice President, I served as the treasurer of ISAA, and through that experience, I was able to apply the tools and strategies I learned in class to the planning process of our programs and events. "

Malakai Charlie

Senior, Business Administration Major