Michael Ann Fellezs' TRiO SSS Success Story

Name: Michael Ann Fellezs

Semester/Year Started at WCC: Fall of 2008
Semester/Year Started in TRiO SSS: Fall of 2009

Degree(s) Earned at WCC or 4yr. college/university: Associates in Liberal Arts 2011; Currently in the Elementary Education Program at UH West Oahu

How has TRiO SSS helped you/what services have you used?: 

As a freshman in college, I looked for a way to pay for school, books and supplies.  After getting recommendations from my teachers, Trio SSS opened their doors to me and I became a tutor.  The idea of helping someone study for their tests, and comprehending what their instructors were telling them frightened me; but with the support of the staff, tutoring became second nature.  The staff encouraged me to tutor math; a subject that I myself wasn't very confident in.  With much practice and support, I was able to help others see math in a way that was understandable and clear.  Last year I took my PRAXIS test and my math scores were higher than any other subject that I tested on.  Although I was only a participant in the TRiO program for one semester, working in that environment has given me the confidence to share my knowledge with others.  The staff and tutors at WCC are very involved in the lives of the participants, and they want everyone to succeed.  TRiO SSS doesn't just help students with tutoring, they change lives and I can confidently say that they have changed mine. 

UPDATE as of Spring 2016 

Michael Ann graduated at the end of the Spring 2014 semester with her BED in Education, concentration is Elementary Education with distinction from UH West Oahu.