Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Vaughn Ludwig's TRiO SSS Success Story



Name: Vaughn Ludwig
Semester/Year Started at WCC: Fall 2011
Semester/Year Started in TRiO SSS: Fall 2011
Degree(s) Earned at WCC or 4yr. college/university: Currently Attending
Semester(s)/Year(s) Graduated: N/A

How has TRiO SSS helped you/what services have you used?
Trio has provided me with the most knowledgeable tutors on campus and unlimited access to computers. Without these two key assets I never would have been able to survive my college experience. We are so fortunate to have such an amazing service provided, which all of my peers can easily attest to.  I've not only watched my grades rise from the support of Trio, but many of my classmates as well.  There is no other spot on campus where you find such a hunger for learning. Last semester I ran into financial trouble that put my college career in jeopardy. I discussed this with the Trio staff and they patiently sat down with me and discussed my options.  I signed up for a grant through Trio, which without, I never would have been able to attend this semester. Trio have been such a blessing in my life and I hope it will be able to continue services future students.

Personal Statement:
After many years of bad decisions and substance abuse I was sent to prison in 2002. Upon my release I decided to give myself a chance at a meaningful life. I gracefully surrendered the things of my youth, found a job roofing, and kept myself out of trouble.  With my competitive attitude and team effort I soon became foreman running my own crew. Through my family and friends support I continued to avoid temptation and work kept me very busy. My life was finally coming together and in a direction I never thought possible.  I was receiving raises and making good money but I also knew I wasn't going to be able to roof houses for the rest of my life.  My boss was a mentor to me and recognized potential in me beyond a career as a roofer and planted the seed of a higher education. At his urging I decided to look into getting signed up.  It was quite a nerve racking experience after being out of school for many years and never thought that in my wildest dreams that I would be going to college. With some guidance I was help you the process went through my orientation and became a full time student at windward Community College. At first I felt a bit out of place and had a tough time relating to my younger peers around me.  After a couple of months I was somewhat overwhelmed and needed help.  A friend led me in the direction of Trio which was the largest blessing in my college career to date.  After signing some papers and a few computer assignments I had excellent tutors, computers, and an amazing support system at my disposal.  Without the services offered by Trio I would not have survived my first college semester.  I had a commonality with those around me who had been through some of the same life circumstances. This gave me hope for a much brighter future.  By seeing all of the success stories around me in TRiO I knew that I had a chance. Trio has the most exceptional staff! They invested large amounts of time, guidance, and patience, to help me chart out a path to success.  I have been able to maintain an accumulative GPA of 3.25 and will graduate next semester. I have seen Trio work miracles in students lives and I'll always be in debt to them and grateful.

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