Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Tiati Kane's TRiO SSS Success Story


I have been a student at Windward Community College since 2009 with hopes of gradating this semester. I know and assured that without TRiO and the few gracious and caring individuals that work and Volunteer with The TRiO program I would not be a successful as I have been in college. Throughout each semester I have found myself more on task and able to complete class assignments, Exams even funding applications and able to be aware and attend school activities and Workshops through the continuous a guidance and Counseling, Tutoring, computer and work space  support offered through the TRiO program at WCC.

There are countless examples that I could share when I turned to TRiO for aid and support not only with our teachers and counselors but also with my fellow colleges. The friendly and reliable atmosphere that Trio provides creates confidence and assurance in me. Just knowing that there will always be a place where I can find a friendly and knowledgeable person to speak with and a work space all day from the opening of the school day till the closing brings great comfort. Other work rooms and counselor offices even the cafeteria closes very early leaving nowhere to study, sit and eat except TRiO. Now that we have the library it has been a great help in the quiet study space and research, however being that I am taking 2 writing intensive classes the printing of these pages is quite pricy. Having unlimited printing and copying access that I don’t have to pay for at Trio has been a great advantage to me and many other students.

I have been a recipient of the Tutoring for summer programs and throughout the semesters, the students that work for TRiO are very qualified and without them I know I would have not did so well in my math classes, Science and writing assignments.  I have also been gifted with a grant through the program, and it came at such a needed time in my life when funds were very low and I was considering leaving school to work full time.

Being a Native Hawaiian student I know the odds are against me to accomplish school, I am the first generation in my ohana to go to college and hopefully accomplish it. TRIO offers a very Ohana oriented approach towards the students and Roy Inouye and Russell have served as a father like figure in the guidance and support of many of us students. This method of Care for our fellow students has encouraged most of our Native Hawaiian students to be a part of the Program that TRiO offers.   Windward Community college is known for its personalization towards the many students that come and go through these grounds. Every Student that has once attended WCC and now at Manoa or other Universities always comments on just that, saying they miss that community closeness that WCC offers.

TRiO embodies Community and personalization of each student that enters its doors. I have been a recipient of such care and have the privilege of witnessing it as well. It would be a great loss to WCC and its students if TRiO were unable to operate as they are now do to cut backs. I humbly request that Our Education and the Program funding that enable the students of tomorrow not be depleted/cut back and targeted as a means to success. For truly our Hawaii schooling should never be considered when budgeting cuts is on the table of the government.

Mahalo Nui Loa, Tiati K. Kane

No comments:

Post a Comment