Below are
experiences of student who have began their UCSD experience by
participating in the summer with TRiO STEP an continuing their
successful journey with the school year with academic and mentoring
support from TRiO SSSP.
"I looked at my first
year feeling overwhelmed and not knowing how I should prepare or
even what to expect. After going through STEP I am now more
confident and feel more comfortable because of the knowledge and
preparation I received. It was a reality check to get on the
bandwagon and figure out what I need to do in order to get where
I want."
Mandy Lucas (STEP ’06)
Coachella Valley High School, Indio, CA
“Through TRiO SSSP and
STEP I have a much more deliberate and tactical view than I had
coming in. I have so many more tools and a learning community to
establish a foundation and enable me to succeed.”
Jennifer Merryman (STEP ’06)
Southwestern College, Chula Vista, CA
“TRiO SSSP has truly helped me transition
academically and socially. Due to the program I have become the
person I am today in terms of my leadership and involvement.
SSSP has a nurturing environment and I couldn’t imagine my
college career without services.”
Michelle Strange (STEP ’05)
Sylmar High School, San Fernando, CA
“The TRiO STEP program and SSSP have both made a great impact in my life.
The SSSP students and staff have been a great source of encouragement and
support. I live day in and day out with the ability of knowing that I am not
alone at UCSD. This program has opened the door of opportunities: the
opportunity to network, the opportunity to make friends and most importantly
the opportunity to grow as an individual. Through SSSP I am now aware of the
[opportunities] available to me. This program has helped me find that
comfort zone, both within myself and other SSSP students, that many college
students do not have the advantage of experiencing. STEP allowed me to enter
college without the fear of being alone -- I have many sources of support.”
Michelle Guzman (STEP '07)
Baldwin Park High School, Baldwin Park, Ca
“I was told that going to UCSD would've been a big change, it didn't feel
like it. After going to STEP, I realized that everybody that came to this
school for the first time felt the same way: not knowing what to expect and
expecting the worst. This program let me know that I was in great hands and
that they would walk with me, holding my hand, all the way along the road.
They made me feel that my transition from a community college to a
[university] was just traveling 30 miles farther to take some classes. I'll
become a great engineer thanks to the help they provided me, I see it this
way: this was the next STEP for the beginning of my success. Merci
beaucoup.”
Hector Medina (STEP '07)
Southwestern College, Chula Vista, CA
“STEP helped me meet student activists, who have
helped me be a part of the student life at UCSD. Even though I
am a transfer student I am able to feel more connected with the
university because of TRiO STEP”
Maribel Pineda (STEP ’04)
Santa Ana College, Santa Ana, CA
