TRiO SSS Success Story by Anonymous

TIME AT WINDWARD COMMUNITY COLLEGE: August 2006 to May 2008

TIME AT TRiO SSS:  January 2007 to May 2008

DEGREE – GRADUATION DATE:  Associates of Art (A.A) - May 2008

HIGHER EDUCATION:  Transfer to the University of Hawai`i – Manoa

DEGREE – GRADUATION DATE:  Bachelors in Social Work (BSW) – January 2010

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

Services that made a positive impact on my education at WCC:

Computers, Copy Machines, Tutors, TRiO Administrative Staffs, Safe Environment to study and hang out

When entering WCC I was a Non – Traditional Student, already had a young and growing family, and I was weak in both math and English.  Everything was already against me, but I was determined to get an A.A degree.

My first semester was winter 2006 at WCC and I failed all four classes.  I was then put on suspension the following semester Spring 2007 and I once again failed all four classes.

I soon received a notice in the mail from WCC that read, I needed to meet with a counselor concerning my failure. I had nothing to lose accept my self-respect, so I decided to meet with a WCC counselor. After our lengthy meeting I learned that I may have a disability.  

The counselor made an appointment for me to meet with a counselor at the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR).  After meeting with a DVR counselor they then assigned me to a Psychologist and under went further test evaluations. 

The results came back positive, I had a disability titled, “Traumatic Brain Injury” aka TBI.   

I returned to meet with the WCC counselor the following month and shared with her DVRs findings and gave her the official paper work stating that I have a disability.  The WCC counselor was ecstatic knowing that I am okay and that something can be done. I just needed a bit more guidance, time and that I learn differently.  She then introduced me to TRiO – SSS.

When I met with TRiO Director Mr. Roy Inouye I was scared, because having this new label TBI disability placed next to my name I did not know how receptive he would be to me.  We’ll I was wrong, Mr. Inouye was not the type of person I expected as being a director of a college program.  He was a breath of fresh air he was easy to talk with, open and he wanted to hear my story.  He wanted to know my education and career goals. He was concerned about me as a whole, not just parts of me.      

TRiO – SSS brought a new light into my life and more ignited burning energies in pursuing my higher education.  Even though TRiO had computers, copying machines and tutors that assisted me with my class work, I believe what was most important for me about TRiO was that TRiO gave me the support, guidance and at times the kick in my butt (metaphorically speaking) when I needed it.  TRiO staff’s provided a shoulder to cry on and ears to vent my concerns and opinions.  When I look back at what TRiO was for me the program was my safety net when I felt like giving up TRiO put me right on track and was always by my side.

TRiO is more than a place where computers, copiers or even a building where the students hang out to do our work and meet our friends.  I believe that the heart and essence of TRiO are its staffs.

WHERE AM I AT NOW?

Presently, I work with students with disabilities, minorities and college students.  I was able to fulfill my goals:

·      Obtain a higher education

·      Career in a position that I would be able to work with individuals with; disabilities, minorities and students.