Christina (Christy) Lawes
Started at WCC: Fall 2006
Started in TRiO SSS: Fall 2007
I earned my AA-Liberal Arts degree at WCC in Spring 2010, then transferred to UH-West O‘ahu and earned my BA degree in Social Sciences with a concentration in Anthropology in Fall 2012.
I had access to and received many services from the TRiO SSS program at Windward Community College. I had access to computers to attend my online courses, do research, write papers, create presentations and other projects, and use my email. I used the printers and copiers very often. I was fed every day by the program. Perhaps most importantly, I worked as a tutor and mentor for the TRiO SSS program. I was a participant for five semesters, but I worked for the program as a tutor and mentor for five full years!
The TRiO SSS program has absolutely been an invaluable part of my college career. I would have not succeeded as a student at all, let alone excelled, if it had not been for the help and support I received through this program at WCC.
When I started at WCC in the fall of 2006, I was a 35-year-old single parent who was already a two-time college dropout. I had only ever had entry-level jobs, so it was a constant struggle to survive and make ends meet. My self-esteem and confidence had been worn down by many years spent in abusive relationships. I didn’t think I would ever be good at anything. Needless to say, I didn’t have much faith in myself by the time I came back to school that third time.
But you know what they say… The third time’s the charm! Right? It really was for me!
Started at WCC: Fall 2006
Started in TRiO SSS: Fall 2007
I earned my AA-Liberal Arts degree at WCC in Spring 2010, then transferred to UH-West O‘ahu and earned my BA degree in Social Sciences with a concentration in Anthropology in Fall 2012.
I had access to and received many services from the TRiO SSS program at Windward Community College. I had access to computers to attend my online courses, do research, write papers, create presentations and other projects, and use my email. I used the printers and copiers very often. I was fed every day by the program. Perhaps most importantly, I worked as a tutor and mentor for the TRiO SSS program. I was a participant for five semesters, but I worked for the program as a tutor and mentor for five full years!
The TRiO SSS program has absolutely been an invaluable part of my college career. I would have not succeeded as a student at all, let alone excelled, if it had not been for the help and support I received through this program at WCC.
When I started at WCC in the fall of 2006, I was a 35-year-old single parent who was already a two-time college dropout. I had only ever had entry-level jobs, so it was a constant struggle to survive and make ends meet. My self-esteem and confidence had been worn down by many years spent in abusive relationships. I didn’t think I would ever be good at anything. Needless to say, I didn’t have much faith in myself by the time I came back to school that third time.
But you know what they say… The third time’s the charm! Right? It really was for me!
I joined the TRiO SSS program during the Fall 2007
semester. I needed somewhere to use a computer and printer, and I also received
tutoring for math. I was very shy, and kept mostly to myself that first
semester. By the second semester that I was in the program, spring 2008, I was
working for them as a peer-tutor. Slowly but surely, my confidence grew.
Each semester, I worked in TRiO SSS while still receiving services from the program for myself. I continued to use the computers and printers, but I also ate there every day. Because I was going to school on financial aid and working only part-time, money was tighter than ever. It saved me a lot of time and money over the years to be able to stay on campus, eat the wonderful food provided by the program, and get my schoolwork done. I spent every day in TRiO. Even after I graduated from WCC and transferred to UH-West O‘ahu, I continued to work for the program until this past December when I graduated with my BA.
Above and beyond the services and the job that I received through this program, the most important things I gained here were my confidence in my abilities as a student and tutor and the friendships that I have made. This program brings people together. People from different backgrounds who have different challenges, and all of us trying to make better lives for ourselves. The TRiO SSS program at WCC creates a supportive community in which we all thrive. All of the best experiences and memories I have of my college experience happened right in the TRiO SSS program. My coworkers and clients have become dear friends that I will have for a long, long time. The third time truly is the charm because, not only did I stay in school this time, I graduated with distinction. My graduation was attended by some of the TRiO’s shining examples of big hearts and hard work. My friends.
Each semester, I worked in TRiO SSS while still receiving services from the program for myself. I continued to use the computers and printers, but I also ate there every day. Because I was going to school on financial aid and working only part-time, money was tighter than ever. It saved me a lot of time and money over the years to be able to stay on campus, eat the wonderful food provided by the program, and get my schoolwork done. I spent every day in TRiO. Even after I graduated from WCC and transferred to UH-West O‘ahu, I continued to work for the program until this past December when I graduated with my BA.
Above and beyond the services and the job that I received through this program, the most important things I gained here were my confidence in my abilities as a student and tutor and the friendships that I have made. This program brings people together. People from different backgrounds who have different challenges, and all of us trying to make better lives for ourselves. The TRiO SSS program at WCC creates a supportive community in which we all thrive. All of the best experiences and memories I have of my college experience happened right in the TRiO SSS program. My coworkers and clients have become dear friends that I will have for a long, long time. The third time truly is the charm because, not only did I stay in school this time, I graduated with distinction. My graduation was attended by some of the TRiO’s shining examples of big hearts and hard work. My friends.
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