Rohcelle Chamber's TRiO SSS Story

Rochelle L. Chambers

Fall/Year Started at WCC: 2009

Fall/Year Started in TRiO SSS: 2009

Degree(s) Earned at WCC or 4yr. college/university: AA at WCC and I am currently attending UH Manoa to earn my BASW going on to earn my MASW.

Semester(s)/Year(s) Graduated: Spring 2013

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

It is simple really, had it not been for the TRiO SSS I would not be attending UH Manoa nor would I have earned my AA in Liberal Arts.

            I would like to help make a difference in the Hawaiian community by helping abused children and their families. I have three daughters as well as a step daughter I raised and am blessed to have two step granddaughters and a grandson. And had it not been for my phenomenal Social Workers I would not be where I am today.

I believe to do this I will need to obtain a degree in Social Work or perhaps Child Psychology. I would like to get my Ph. D and become a specialist working specifically with sexually abused children and their families. As a survivor I believe I have a calling for this delicate field and not just anyone can handle such a devastating place that a child is put in but I have been there and I have healed and I believe they can too.

            I will be taking 5 classes in the Fall of 2013, as-well-as receive financial aid, and I also tutor with TRiO and I am a licensed cosmetologist in pursuit of furthering my education in another field. With a full load at school and the fact I cannot afford a car with insurance (not even with financial aid), and the cost of gas so high I ride the bus to and from Punalu’u to Windward Community College.

The bulk of my expenses are school related, (therefore am thankful I could take out student loans) and there are times I find it difficult to afford the cost of furthering my education as well as the cost of living.

I will not give up on this journey because I have a dream to make the world a little bit better place to be and knowing a smile is free and a random act of kindness can give someone hope in life and humanity. Both my parents have passed away and neither went to college.

I am on a mission to not only better myself but help better the world in which I live starting right here at Windward Community College, and the TRiO Student Support Services. I am a participant in the Phi Theta Kappa at Windward Community College. I was also the Recording Secretary for the ASUH Student Government Fall 2010. I have volunteered hours in TRiO for various events as well as with ASUH.

I put myself through a rehab program in the Spring of 2009. I came to WCC directly following my success in the program at Po’oalani Dual Diagnoses Center. I was diagnosed with ADHD and PTSD. I have one year and two month sober from my drug of choice.