What TRIO program(s) are you an alumni of? I am an alumni of the Pre-College Upward Bound program, hosted at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

What is your current position or job title? Because I am currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program, my work with Math and Science Upward Bound is on an ad hoc basis. My most recent title was Education Specialist, but now I identify most with serving as the Bridge Coordinator responsible for the summer scholarship program.

What about being a TRIO participant do you think has been the most impactful in your life and/or career? For a lot of TRIO students, TRIO really is starlight in the darkness of night. Coming from adverse backgrounds without support systems and generational know-how to rely on, college seems like a distant opportunity reserved for others. I was fortunate to be guided by a TRIO program, and by far the most meaningful impact my experiences have had on me is instilling a sense of belonging and providing an opportunity to give back. There is nothing more rewarding than watching a student enter our programs in need of support and guidance, and then to witness them grow to become successful college students and adults with a purpose in life. Though we can all agree that most of the work to achieve this lies with the student, I would bargain that not a single TRiO alumnus would shy from acknowledging the amazing work that we do.

Favorite memory from your days in TRIO? My favorite memory from my days as a TRIO participant was during one of the summers I stayed on campus. We were given a basic task - creating a usable table and chair out of newspaper and masking tape. The sheer absurdity of some of the designs we created that day still makes me laugh all these years later. But it was one of the best team-building exercises I have done to date. My fondest memory from working with TRIO was my first summer working as an RA with Math and Science Upward Bound. I was tasked with organizing a few of the greek team challenges (STEM team-building challenges) for the summer, and I bit off more than I could chew. I had students building submarines out of gutted RC boats and gatorade bottles (some of the carcasses from that fiasco of a failure can still be found in the darkest parts of the office) and model rockets without instructions (my first attempt at honoring October Sky). I learned valuable lessons in planning and being realistic that summer.

What advice do you have for other TRIO alumni? This is going to sound cheesy, but I mean it. For TRIO alumni out there - take every opportunity life throws at you. Don't let adversity or the fear of uncertainty prevent you from growing as a person. Just as when you were a student looking for your way and you eventually found it, in future endeavors you will do the same.

What is one achievement you have yet to earn that you would like to in the future? The one achievement I have not yet earned and hope to soon is completing my Ph.D. I have worked for years to reach this milestone, and I am thankful to see the end in sight.

Just for fun: what TV show or movie are you obsessed with right now? Blown Away, a glassblowing competition show on Netflix. As someone who loves and appreciates the arts, it is remarkable what competitors on that show are able to accomplish.