Category: TRIO Student of the Month

Living with mental health issues can often keep people from choosing to continue their education beyond high school. Without additional support and understanding, the typical challenges of college become even more overwhelming.

Rachel Fredendall knows this all too well. She has an array of mental health barriers, plus a learning disability. But Anne McPherson, SC4’s Coordinator of Academic Success and Disability Services, recommended the college’s TRIO Student Support Services program, and it’s been a great help to Fredendall.

“It’s really hard for me to get motivated because of my depression and OCD issues,” Fredendall explained. “After I have a depressive episode, I go into a 24-hour manic episode of hyper-motivation, where I really take advantage of time. It really came down to the two annoying (just kidding!) people that pestered me to keep on track. I couldn’t have gotten this far without my fiancé and my best friend.”

Thanks to TRIO and several great SC4 professors, Fredendall is on track to graduate in May. She regularly spent time between classes in the TRIO space on campus, where TRIO Director Shawne Jowett helped her develop an effective study plan. She also singled out Criminal Justice professor Jim Jones, Earth Science professor Bob Hunckler, and retired English professor Cliff Johnson for being understanding and accommodating when it came to her physical and mental health disruptions.

“There are no words that can describe how thankful I am for them,” Fredendall said.

Fredendall is transferring to Saginaw Valley State University to work on her bachelor’s degree in secondary education, focusing on English and general social studies. Her ultimate goal is to become a teacher at her former high school.

“I’d like to be on a first-name basis with my old teachers,” she laughed. “After that, we’ll see!”

For her success in the classroom and beyond, Rachel Fredendall is the May TRIO Student of the Month. Congratulations, Rachel!

Soon after starting at SC4, Adam Baszewski experienced something many new college students do: a need for some extra help to get through some of his more challenging classes. He heard about SC4’s TRIO Student Support Services program and decided to check it out.

“I needed some support with some assignments that I was having difficulties with,” Baszewski explained. “TRIO helped me by providing a tutor for an advanced class, which helped me succeed.”

He soon discovered that TRIO offers more than just academic help.

“They also offered to help me with my career planning,” he said. “I plan to use that to my advantage soon.”

Baszewski lives in SC4’s Campus Housing, which gives him some additional peace and quiet.

“I’d recommend TRIO to others because it helps people with disabilities,” he said. “and they can help you plan your future.”

Baszewski will be seeking a job as a website developer with a “company with a good reputation.” For all of his success and growth as a student, Adam Baszewski is the TRIO Student of the Month for April 2021.

Ann Mole had some information from an insider when she decided to return to school to pursue a degree in graphic design: Her husband.

“He would talk about how much his instructors cared and helped him to achieve his goals,” she said, “so I chose to attend SC4, too.”

The TRIO Student Support Services program has proved to be an important part of Mole’s educational journey at SC4, and it’s provided extra support and encouragement for her when needed.

“The one-on-one advisor appointments gave me the encouragement to get through the semester,” Mole explained. “I’m grateful to Shawne Jowett, Amy Hengehold, and Jessica Brown, who I could always talk to when I needed somebody.”

“My graphic design instructor, Craig DesJardins, also helped to build up my confidence,” she continued. “Andrea Coleman helped me with my grammar and suggested the Grammarly program, which was very helpful. Adobe Creative Cloud software was new to me when I started, but with help from the instructors and other students, I was able to overcome that barrier.”

Mole would recommend the TRIO program to other students because of the feeling of support she’s received that has helped her reach her goals at SC4.

“Along with my husband, the TRIO program helped build up my confidence,” she said.

She’s planning to return to the classroom next year to continue toward her bachelor’s degree in graphic design. For her successful decision to return to school, Ann Mole is the March 2021 TRIO Student of the Month. Congratulations!