Several new, continuing and recent TRIO STEM scholars at Salt Lake Community College recently attended an orientation event and afterward spoke briefly about what the program and their scholarships (some worth up to $10,000) mean to them. The TRIO STEM program at SLCC supports low-income and first-generation college students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by addressing individualized educational and career interests, while providing the opportunities, tools and resources for self-efficacy.
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Andrew Rodriguez, 18, from Rancho Cucamonga, California
Academic goal: Mechanical engineering
“The TRIO STEM
scholarship means that I can actually go through SLCC in one piece and not have any
financial problems to worry about. It gives me hope that I can actually become
the first engineer in the family. The TRIO program gives me hope that I can
actually achieve my dreams. It gives me a stronger reason to achieve a bachelor’s
degree in engineering and eliminates excuses to not do so. It tells me that I'm
not the only person that's a first generation college student with low income,
and it opens doors to meet people just like me, people that come from very
little, but still have high dreams and goals.”
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Angel Rodriguez, 18, from Rancho Cucamonga, California
Academic goal: Computer engineering
“Receiving a
TRIO STEM scholarship for me means that I am doing the smart thing and it makes me
determined to go to school even more so because I've been given an opportunity
to build a future. The TRIO program means that I have an opportunity unlike
anything else to change my life for the better. It means a higher level
education for me.”
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Aubry Lines, 23, from West Valley City
Academic goal: Materials science, physics, nanotechnology
and microscopy
“Being able to be
part of such a big family of support has been amazing. Without the TRIO STEM
advisors, I wouldn't have gotten my internship at National Renewable Energy
Laboratory (NREL). Without this scholarship, I wouldn't have been able to
afford more semesters, or continue my journey in STEM. I wouldn't be where I am
today. The TRIO program means hope and means that I have people who know I can
do it, and I have people to support me and guide me. The TRIO program is
amazing for so many people, and without us, many of us would not be able to
accomplish what we do.”
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Febechukwu “Febz” Megwalu, 20, from Nigeria
Academic goal: Computer engineering
“Receiving a TRIO
STEM scholarship means more than I can explain. Since my childhood, paying for
school fees has been my biggest challenge. So, when I was awarded this
scholarship, my family celebrated like there is no tomorrow. And that made me
more proud of my self as well. In other words, this scholarship made me realize
that anyone can become successful, but only if you try.”
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Arafat Djobo, 27,
from Togo
Academic goal:
Structural engineering
“I am grateful for the help and assistance TRIO
STEM has provided to me. TRIO has been very helpful, especially coming
from a French-speaking background that made it very hard for me to accommodate
with the system. I was struggling with my classes and work and was stressed out
most of the time. This program has helped me in so many ways. TRIO is helping
me make my dreams come through, and I’m grateful for it.”
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Valeria
Villegas-Medina, 26, from Washington
Academic goal:
PhD in physics with emphasis in relativity and cosmology
"The scholarship meant I could finally
commit to my education by not having to work while going to school. It allowed
me to strictly focus on my classes and grades. SLCC and the TRIO STEM program
have given me so many opportunities! After a three-year hiatus, I was terrified
to go back to school. SLCC made the transition so easy! The faculty and staff
at SLCC truly care about the students and their individual success. TRIO STEM
signifies opportunity and hope. With the help of this program I am able to
watch my dreams turn into reality. TRIO has given me the tools to develop
into the scholar and researcher I've always wanted to be. The program provided
me with the support I needed to succeed whether financial, academic, or emotional.
Through TRIO, I found a place where I belong. TRIO STEM is proof that everyone
has a place in STEM regardless of background, color, or gender."