Students taking pictures at TRIO’s First Gen Fest The Xavierite
Saint Xavier University’s (SXU) TRIO program held an event on Nov. 3 in Butler’s Reception Room to further explain the benefits of the TRIO program to students along with fun activities and food.
TRIO is a federal program whose purpose is to provide support for disadvantaged students who want to pursue a higher education.
ChrisTina Edwards, Director of TRIO Student Support Services, says that TRIO provides many benefits to students in order to support them throughout their college journey.
“TRIO’s goal is to help students persist, graduate and achieve their personal and professional goals while knowing they have a community behind them every step of the way,” said Edwards.
TRIO’s First Gen Fest began with students walking into Butler and picking up a sheet of paper that contained a questionnaire. Any student who filled out the questionnaire and submitted it automatically won a free T-shirt at the end.
There were stations that students could visit to learn more about the history of the TRIO program, the TRIO program at SXU specifically, scholarships and internships for first generation students and the voices of students who are a part of the SXU TRIO program.
Within the station about the history of the TRIO program, students were able to see the purpose of TRIO.
The impact of the TRIO program has shown exceeded grant goals for persistence (91%), good academic standing (95%) and graduation within 6 years (83%).
The station also taught students a bit more about the TRIO program’s history, with TRIO SSS being authorized by the Higher Education Act in 1968. Some notable figures who were a part of the TRIO program include A.C. Green, Viola Davis, Oprah Winfrey and John Quinones.
Board about first-generation student TRIO members The Xavierite
The station that taught students more about the TRIO program at SXU presented the TRIO staff which include ChrisTina Edwards, Darius Blanks, Darren Jones, Siobhan Murphy and Katie Szymczak.
SXU’s TRIO provides services such as academic and cultural events, peer mentorship, grant aid and FAFSA workshops.
At the next station, students were provided with more opportunities, scholarships and internships that are offered to help first generation students.
TRIO member Laila Henderson says that as a first-generation student, TRIO provides numerous benefits that help support her.
“TRIO’s support can range from how to make new friends in your first year of college to learning more about financial aid. TRIO provides support that helps you get a foot in the door,” said Henderson.
With the last station regarding the current students of SXU’s TRIO program, students learned how TRIO can support first-generation students.
TRIO can help students with academic success, leadership opportunities, career and future planning, mentorship, financial guidance and a sense of belonging.
TRIO members Demetrius Blue, Samantha Alcala and Ya’Khira Hall say that TRIO has helped them develop as students, grow out of their shells and meet new people.
“TRIO gives students the space to make new connections, learn more about school life and find ways to improve themselves. TRIO helps students feel like they aren’t navigating college alone,” said Hall.
Blue says the TRIO program stands out amongst other clubs and organizations due to how invested TRIO is with students, but also the atmosphere from TRIO and its staff.
“TRIO stands out because of our amazing Director, ChrisTina Edwards. She creates such a welcoming environment with her charisma. That energy carries over to the whole staff and everyone who walks in,” said Blue.
Students Diana Paez and David Vasquez who are currently a part of SXU’s TRIO program also shared their own journeys of being first-generation students and what it means to them.
“Being first-generation means that you break the standards you grow up seeing and there is no limit to [your] dreams,” Paez said.
Vasquez said, “Being a first-generation student means to me that this is the start of a new generation of success in my family.”
“I am a first-generation student, which is something that is very important to me. I find great pride in being one of the first in my family to attend college, especially as someone whose parents came to the U.S. for better opportunities,” said Alcala.
Staff member within the Student Advising Center Alexander Mendoza also believes the title of being a first-generation student is important.
“This title is important to me because I am able to share knowledge with younger family members who share similar aspirations,” said Mendoza.
As students visited each station, they completed their questionnaire and were provided with complimentary food.
Towards the middle of the event, students were also able to play bingo and win prizes.
The TRIO program should be viewed as a resource that students can take advantage of in order to receive guidance throughout their time at SXU.
“Don’t just sign up for TRIO, show up. I was in TRIO from day one but nothing changed for me until I walked into their office and actually got involved. TRIO is invested in you as a whole person, from your grades and goals to how you are doing outside of class,” said Blue.
“Take the chance–you have nothing to lose and so much to gain. Get involved, attend events and meet other students. College isn’t something you have to navigate alone, and TRIO is here to help you every step of the way,” said Edwards.
For more information about SXU’s TRIO, email trio@sxu.edu or call 773-298-3342.
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