Walter Kearney II
What is your major/ minor and class standing?
Accounting, sophomore
How has TRIO supported you in your academic studies, personal wellness, or financially?
“TRIO has supported me in my academic studies, personal wellness and financially. As a TRIO student, I have been able to meet with my advisers on what classes to take for my major so that I am able to graduate on time. TRIO has been like another family to me, and I am beyond appreciative of their love and support throughout the years. The resources that TRIO provides has been very influential to my success here at MSU. Also, the grant aid support that they provide has helped me continue my education here at MSU.”
Why should students apply to become a TRIO student?
“Students should apply to TRIO because they will have a huge amount of support throughout their years at MSU. As a TRIO student, I have access to numerous opportunities like program grants, academic advising, individualized tutoring, cultural programming, graduate prep, job opportunities and more. I am also a TRIO tutor and get to individually help other TRIO students in courses like STT 200 and MTH 103. I love being a tutor because I want to be able to give back to other students like me.
Also, when you are a tutor, you will be able to work as many hours as you can based on program need and your availability with great pay. That just shows how flexible TRIO is because they understand that you are still a student first. TRIO has been a major blessing in my life and pushes you into the direction of greater success because they want to always support your academic and personal endeavors. So, you will never be out of a job, have bad grades, have a low amount of support, etc. Anything you need, TRIO helps to provide or connect you to the resources.”
Donny Hernandez
What is your major/ minor and academic standing?
Major: Applied engineering sciences (supply chain concentration), senior
How has TRIO supported you in your academic studies, personal wellness, leadership opportunities, financially or other?
“TRIO has helped me a lot, but I think what they helped me with the most was financial aid. Being a first-gen student, we don’t really have a lot of financial literacy knowledge. I personally had a hard time completing the FAFSA my first few years I had to fill it out. Although struggling, TRIO has been able to assist me by helping complete my financial aid. Without their help, I probably wouldn’t have completed it, which also means I probably wouldn't be here at Michigan State, let alone college.”
“Another way TRIO has helped me is by giving me an early experience with college. Specifically, the summer Excel program that they offer to incoming students. I was able to understand the college-feel before my freshman year even started (having classes, living on campus, group-activities). So, in general, I’d say they helped me out a lot, whether it be financially, navigating campus, or just helping me out whenever I needed it most. TRIO has always been a reliable resource.”
“You get a lot of support — more than you realize. You can get free one-on-one tutoring, get a personal coach to guide you through your academic career, can get free printing (you’d think you could get free printing in the library) and so much more. I always tell people to apply because you’ll never know when you need the help. Even if you don’t need the services they offer, it is still nice to know that you have access to the services TRIO has to offer — in other words, TRIO will have your back when you need help. Having a little extra support is always good, especially when you’re the first in your family to attend college.”
(Top image TRIO professional staff members pictured left to right. Front row: Felicia McAllister, Ariel Arnold, Christina Bridges, Emily Abrams. Back row: Martell Summers, Ira Washington and Perry Fittrer)
