TRIO programs celebrate resources, community

Miranda Howell, now a third-year student majoring in biomedical sciences, was the first person in her family to go to college.

During her first semester on campus, Howell said she recognized quickly that she needed help with "how to manage college." Howell found her way to Grand Valley's TRIO Student Support Services office and discovered a major, career path and community.

"Being a first-generation student, it was hard at first, having no one in my family who had gone to college before," said Howell, who plans to apply to medical schools after graduating.

Howell said her TRIO advisors have helped her choose classes and manage financial aid packages, while peers in the program have been good listeners. "It really helps to talk to people who are in the same situation. We share resources all the time," she said.

To celebrate National TRIO Day, Grand Valley's 12 TRIO programs were displayed during an open house February 19 in the Kirkhof Center. The federally funded TRIO programs begin in middle school and continue to adults with education and career services. GVSU's TRIO staff members collectively serve 2,400 first-generation or low-income individuals.

Brandy Thompson, grant coordinator for Fostering Laker Success, refers many students to TRIO and can speak with experience to the program's success. As a student, Thompson transferred to Grand Valley from Lake Michigan College. 

"I remember being in a biology class and feeling overwhelmed," said Thomson, ’02. "I went to the TRIO office and talked with a peer mentor."

Thompson then worked as a peer mentor at Grand Valley for three years. After graduating, she returned to Lake Michigan College to work as an academic advisor, and then earned a master's degree in college counseling from Western Michigan University.

"It's really about community here. And these are the people who can get students to other resources and services," Thompson said.

Linda Rettig, senior director of TRIO college programs, said the National TRIO Day celebration will continue with a service day for students in Grand Rapids. Earlier this month, a TRIO group traveled to Lansing for an advocacy day to share their stories with legislative officials.