Category: TRIO Student of the Month

TRIO program provides support, helps student match courses to interests

David Moldenhauer chose St. Clair County Community College due to his interest in both the arts and social sciences. It didn’t hurt, of course, that his father is Robert Moldenhauer, a longtime SC4 professor of anatomy.

“I am grateful for the fact that I have a family member who is a college professor, and that SC4 is just a short drive away from my home, which makes getting to the college and back really easy,” Moldenhauer said.

Like many students, Moldenhauer has been faced with potential barriers and has worked hard to overcome them.

“I had to take some required courses for graduation such as English and some sciences that I had no interest in,” he said. “Once I was in the classroom, I was willing to do whatever it took to get a good grade in those courses, though, and I managed to pass the classes without any problems.”

Moldenhauer received assistance and support from SC4’s TRIO program.

“TRIO helped me figure out what I should do in order to progress through my time at SC4 in a successful and progressive way,” he said. “It also helped me figure out what college courses are best suited for my interests and abilities.”

According to Moldenhauer, who will soon graduate with an Associate Degree in Arts, he recommends new students connect with TRIO or the Achievement Center right away.

“I’m very grateful for the support of TRIO and its staff,” he said. “They really did help me maximize my success.”

Non-traditional student finds additional support with TRIO program

As a non-traditional student, Michelle Ward wanted additional support when she enrolled in St. Clair County Community College’s Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program. She found it in SC4’s TRIO program.

“I heard SC4 had a great nursing program, but enrolling in college at my age combined with years of feeling inadequate only increased my lack of confidence,” Ward said. “I applied to the TRIO program for the additional support.”

Thanks to TRIO resources such as tutoring and printing, combined with TRIO’s helpful staff, Ward found the support she was looking for – and then some.

“Little did I realize how valuable this program would be to me,” Ward said. “The TRIO staff has been encouraging and supportive beyond my expectations. They have helped me overcome obstacles in a variety of ways. Every test I have taken and passed, assures me that I can do this and keeps driving me to face the next challenge. The support I have received is immeasurable.

“Specifically, I would thank Shawne Jowett for her commitment to her students, great listening skills and helpfulness. Jessica Brown’s professionalism, willingness to help and positive energy make a huge difference. Without Amy Hengehold’s help, I would have been lost. Kristy Jevens is a breath of fresh air. Always positive, encouraging and helpful.”

With the positive support and sense of belonging Ward received from TRIO and SC4, she remains focused on accomplishing her goal of graduating from the LPN program in December. She also looks forward to working in hospice home care and serving future patients with the utmost care and respect.

TRIO Student of the Month: Lori Aftab

I chose to attend SC4 because I had wanted to go back to school for years but was afraid I couldn’t do it. I began looking into it after I got a divorce. I lived nearby so SC4 was the first college I looked into. I was accepted into the Health Information Technology program and it was a perfect fit.

I am a single mom, and I decided to go back to school as my oldest son was beginning college. Despite the challenges I faced, once I made the decision to go back to college, I quit letting problems become road blocks and treated them like speed bumps. We will always have challenges, but it is up to us how we react to them.

My first semester at SC4 I met someone who was part of the TRIO program, and she encouraged me to check it out. TRIO has been a great tool for me. I tend to do my homework in the Achievement Center, so TRIO is very convenient. Shawne Jowett has been a tremendous help with counseling on classes, financial aid and more. Amy Hengehold is always there to talk and help out in any way possible. I really appreciate the one-on-one counseling. It is priceless in this environment to have counselors who know you and understand your situation. I would definitely recommend the program to students. In fact, I already have, and many are now members.

There are so many people I am grateful for at SC4. When I’m here, I really feel like I am at home. My program director Karen Wilson and instructor Michelle Kelch deserve so much recognition. They made the program a pleasant experience and created a friendly, supportive environment.

After graduation, I will be working on my RHIT certification. Once I accomplish that, I am going to work on getting a job in the medical coding field. I will be moving more toward Detroit, where there are more coding jobs available. Once I am settled in, I plan to continue my education at Ferris State University, where I will pursue my bachelor’s in health information management.

TRIO Student of the Month: Tonya Taormino

I chose to attend SC4 because it was close to home and offered a great criminal justice program with a strong reputation.

As an older, nontraditional college student, I had a hard time developing the skills needed to handle the heavy load of schoolwork and a demanding home life. I applied for the TRIO program to take advantage of the more personal tutoring help they offer. The program has helped me keep on track by monitoring my grades and offering early registration to help me get into classes I need that usually fill up fast. After juggling some responsibilities and getting help from TRIO, I have excelled and even received Presidential Honors in three different semesters.

I can’t recommend the TRIO program enough. The staff takes a personal interest in your success, and I would not have made it to graduation without their help. Advisor Shawne Jowett has spent countless hours helping me get into the courses I need to graduate and laying out a detailed plan for the years I’d be at SC4. I’m a planner, and I needed to know what I was going take every semester. Shawne was invested in me and helped me reach my goals.

In the fall, I plan to return to the SC4 campus as a Ferris State student, taking classes at the University Center to earn my bachelor’s in criminal justice. I hope to find a rewarding career at a drug treatment center.