TRIO SSSP Student Testimonials

Jesus Gomez (2021 - 2022 Cohort) - Mathematics

Being a first-generation college student from a low-income and underrepresented area, I was clueless, afraid, and alone. Being the youngest in my family and paving the way for my nieces and nephews to see, I made it my mission to make the most out of my college experience and find out every little thing I can to help other students like me. After participating in TRIO's summer experience and meeting the staff, mentors, and other TRIO members, I felt less clueless, less afraid, and less alone. I learned about the different resources on campus, navigating financial aid and course enrollment, and developed long-lasting relationships with my mentor, tutors, and staff. Going through a lot of academic hardships took a toll on me, and it felt like I was drowning. I didn't know how to stay afloat or how to react. TRIO was always there to support me and to guide me in the right direction, despite any factors and circumstances I was going through. TRIO was there for my dance performances, for my grad school process, for when I finally passed a class I had retaken, for every college milestone that I didn't know were milestones. I know for sure that without TRIO, I wouldn't be the same person I am today.

Misra Abdullahi (2024 - 2025 Cohort) - Psychology

I applied to TRIO SSSP not knowing what I was getting myself into, but now I can proudly say it was the highlight of my summer and one of the most meaningful parts of my transition to UC San Diego. As a Somali American and first-generation college student, transferring to UCSD was both an exciting and overwhelming opportunity. While I was grateful for the chance to continue my education at such a prestigious university, I quickly realized how much I didn’t know. How to register for classes, where to go for support, or how to build a sense of community in a space that initially felt unfamiliar.
TRIO SSSP changed all of that. The Summer Experience program introduced me to mentors, staff, and students who understood my background and genuinely wanted to help me succeed. It gave me the tools and confidence to navigate UCSD's academic system and introduced me to the many resources available to support students like me. From one-on-one mentorships, to having professors come and give us a warm welcome to the new environment. More importantly, it gave me a safe and welcoming space where I could be my most authentic self and where my identity was valued and supported.
One of the most impactful parts of TRIO was the friendships I formed. The connections I made during that first summer weren’t just temporary—we bonded through shared experiences and challenges, and those friendships have lasted beyond the program. To this day, I still hang out with many of the friends I met through TRIO, and we continue to support and uplift each other throughout our college journeys.
TRIO didn’t just help me adjust to UCSD, it gave me the foundation to thrive here, both academically and personally, and provided a community I’ll always be grateful for.

Ba Mai (2020 - 2021 Cohort) - Computer Engineering

Vishwa Pandya (2021-2022 Cohort) - Ecology, Behavior & Evolution

As a transfer student, I had a lot of worries on my mind before starting at UCSD. How do I enroll in my classes? How will I adapt to a quarter system schedule? Will I be able to make any friends? How can I make up for lost time? Luckily, I was able to figure out the answers to all those questions through TRiO SSSP. The Summer Experience was so incredibly helpful in getting me adapted to the school, but it also gave me a community like no other to rely on after 2 years of virtual school. I was able to make connections with other transfer students who were going through the same experience, even if it was online. After going to all the workshops and events put on, I definitely felt at ease when thinking about my future both at UCSD and after, before I even started. I struggled immensely during my first quarter, but I was able to reach out to my amazing mentor provided by SSSP.  The resources provided to me through the program got me through the roughest of times and helped lift me up. It truly is a space that will allow you to grow, and I cannot imagine my time at UCSD (nor do I want to) without TRIO SSSP. 

Charles Mastrangelo (2020 - 2021 Cohort) - Cognitive Science

As someone who spent years in the workforce after graduating from high school, embarking on my academic journey at UCSD was both exciting and terrifying. I couldn’t wait to explore the educational possibilities available to me, yet I felt completely lost. How would I fit into this new environment as an older low-income student? Could I handle the academic rigors of higher education? Without knowing anybody at UCSD, would I find a community?

TRIO was the answer to my prayers. Since day one of the Summer Experience, TRIO welcomed me with open arms and gave me a sense of belonging. My fellow students became my new network of friends, and TRIO staff had my back every step of the way. All I had to do was reach out! My TRIO mentor was a true friend who helped me adjust to life at UCSD. She regularly checked in on me and made sure that I was aware of all available resources. I will always be grateful to everybody in TRIO, as they advocated for me and were personally invested in my success.

I’d like to mention that the benefits of TRIO don’t end there! TRIO regularly offers events intended not only to build community, but to help with personal wellness, with academic and career opportunities, and more. Don’t be shy about asking for tutoring services, as they will come through for you.
Whether or not any part of my story resonates with you, I can guarantee that TRIO will be there to help you grow personally, academically, and professionally. They will help you become the best version of yourself, so you will be in a great position to thrive in the post-graduation world!