Category: TRIO Student of the Month

TRIO Student of the Month: Nicholas Reese

I chose to attend SC4 because it’s close to home, but I mostly chose the college for the reputation of its nursing program.

Working full-time while being in the nursing program can be tough. Working every afternoon takes time away from studying, so I’m usually staying up late to study because that’s when I can find the time. Time management is key to success when it comes to juggling a lot of responsibilities, and there have been many nights with only few hours of sleep just to get by in school. Financial barriers can also be challenging. I have been paying for half of the program costs out of pocket, but I look at the debt as an investment in my future that will pay off soon after graduation.

After I graduated high school I took two years off to manage some personal matters. I was salutatorian in high school, so I knew how to do well academically — my problem was making myself start up again. After talking with a close family friend, she recommended applying to the TRIO program at SC4. The more I learned about it, the more comfortable I felt going back to school again.

When I went to register for classes, I was clueless. I am a first-generation college student, so I had no idea how to register and what to register for. I went to TRIO for follow-up advising, and I left feeling relieved and confident. TRIO helped me complete all my prerequisites one year before applying to the nursing program, keeping me on track and able to focus on what’s important. Support services such as early registration allowed me to get the classes and instructors that I needed, and the TRIO staff has been so helpful. They are hardworking, dedicated individuals who truly advocate for students’ success.

I would strongly recommend TRIO to other students. They have even more support services than I was able to take advantage of for myself. Any person who wants a better learning experience with superior guidance should apply.

I am in my last semester of the nursing program. After graduation, studying and passing state boards are a priority so I can obtain my licensure to practice. Eventually, I would like to return to SC4 to take prerequisites for the B.S.N. program at Eastern Michigan University. When I get my B.S.N., I’ll continue to work until I find an area I want to specialize in — I look forward to figuring all of that out along the way.

TRIO Student of the Month: Mackenzie Hiller

I initially chose SC4 because they offered online classes, which I was eager to try because I was not very comfortable with the traditional classroom environment in high school. I loved being able to work independently at my own pace and create my own schedule. When I started at SC4 last summer, I was surprised to learn that college is so much more than just going to class — I realized that I can express myself. In college, and specifically at SC4, students can personalize their education to fit their interests. Though my main area of interest was the arts, I will be graduating this May with three honors degrees: associate of arts, associate of science and associate of general education.

I heard about the TRIO program when I had my first advising appointment after applying to SC4. What interested me was the priority registration and personalized advising. Throughout high school, I would have to constantly remind the staff who I was, so it was a very nice change to come to SC4 and have professors and advisors remember not just my name but many other things about me.

Some of my biggest challenges have come with being a first-generation college student. Neither of my parents went to college, so I sometimes felt lost. Another large barrier in my life has been my mental health — I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression when I was 14. It not only affects my educational journey but my everyday life as well.  I am grateful to all the people in the TRIO program who are patient with me and help me understand things that I don’t really know anything about. The support seminars and personalized advising have been a great help as I try to make college simpler when I can. College is a lot more than the classes — it’s also figuring out how to pay for your education, where to transfer, what program you want to be in and what career you want to have when you graduate. It is incredibly helpful to know there are people in TRIO there to help me.

TRIO has been such a great program for me I feel like it would be wrong not to recommend it to other students. Being a first-generation student is not easy, but having all the people in TRIO there to answer your questions makes things a lot easier. College can be daunting, but having the TRIO team there every step of the way is something I couldn’t do without. Amy Hengehold and Shawne Jowett have been such a great source of support in my education. I wouldn’t have been nearly as motivated without their help.

Applying to SC4 for me was a snap decision — I knew I wanted to go to college, but I wasn’t sure where to start. My future goals involve simply doing things that I want to do, whether it be a dream I’ve wanted to realize for years or just another snap decision. I would like to travel and see different parts of the world, especially Japan. I also hope to pursue a bachelor’s degree in English with a minor in film.

TRIO Student of the Month: Nadia Lewis

I chose to attend SC4 after finding out about the radiologic technology program from a classmate at Macomb Community College. I applied and started in the program two weeks later. I then found out about the TRIO program from my instructor Monica Rowling. After gaining an understanding of what TRIO had to offer, I applied because I knew I would benefit from their personalized holistic approach and support services.

The radtech program is a two-year commitment, and I certainly have days where I don’t feel like being in class or where I struggle, but I keep going because I know this is a step in accomplishing my goals. My TRIO advisor Shawne Jowett has been really helpful on days when I feel discouraged — it’s really nice knowing I have someone to talk to. She has been a huge source of support, encouraging me, helping me register for classes and providing information about what SC4 has to offer. I would definitely recommend the TRIO program to my classmates or anyone who is considering SC4.

As for my future, after I take my registry exam I’d like to cross train in CT and or start working on education for health and business administration. Overall, I want to keep growing, learning and focusing on how I can help out my community.

TRIO Student of the Month: Crystal Devlaminck

Crystal Devlaminck was raised by her grandparents, who gained legal guardianship when she was taken away from her parents as a child. Though it may not seem like it, Crystal was born with a handicap, resulting from choices her parents made during pregnancy. She grew up in special education classes and utilized different types of therapy and counseling for most of her life. Along with her disabilities, Crystal has been managing mental health issues for nearly 15 years.

“Even with all these barriers, I was able to graduate high school in 2010 and am now attending St. Clair County Community College, finishing up my last transfer class for the 3 + 1 program with Siena Heights University to get my bachelor’s in business administration,” she says. After this semester, she will begin courses as a senior at Siena Heights.

Crystal is also driven by her Christian faith, explaining she came to religion later in life in her early 20s. “I have had a lot of ups and downs throughout my college career that I have had to overcome. Thanks to my support team in TRIO and others at SC4, I have always been encouraged to persevere. I am so very thankful for having everyone who has supported me throughout these years and motivated me to achieve success.”

Learn more about TRIO Student Support Services at SC4.