an opinion piece by Jacob Greene
TRIO is a new Student Support Services that is federally funded. It is designed to help first-generation students, low-income students, and/or students with disabilities through college experience. Angie Hurtado and Keith Obilano are the two main people behind the operation here at Simpson.
Obilano said via email, “The goal of the program is to minimize the challenges these students face in accomplishing their personal, academic and career goals. It also provides these students with tools, resources and experiences they may not have access to including Mentorship, Workshops, Cultural Events, Speaker Events, Financial Literacy and Academic Support.”
My experience with TRIO was delightful. Hurtado and Obilano have helped with an array of things. When I did not know how to do certain things, I went to them for help. They have been gracious and patient with me, as I am fairly new to the college experience.
Hurtado and Obilano really love what they do here, and you can see that. They genuinely care about their students and take time for them. Both enjoy their job very much. They love working with students and helping them through college.
“I really enjoy working with students and helping them find the resources they need to be successful at Simpson and in life. It's a very rewarding job and I enjoy getting to know students and walking alongside them,” Hurtado explained in an email.
Each day for TRIO is filled with, “.....meeting with students all day to help them register for courses, make sure they are on the right track with their courses and degree, find job opportunities, create a plan for a career,” according to Obilano.
Whether you are a first-generation student, low-income student, or a student with a disability you qualify to be a part of TRIO. I highly encourage anyone who qualifies for the program to sign up. It is highly beneficial and a great tool to have at your disposal.
