Student Success Stories
Jorge - EMT and Firefighter
There is no success without struggle. Pursue your dream to meet your goals, and fight through the struggles. Never give up! - Jorge
Jorge received support from TRIO EOC at the age of 20 years old. After graduating from high school, he moved out from home and is on his own. He found that it was difficult to juggle two jobs and make ends meet. He returned to school to pursue a career in emergency medical services/fire sciences and to eventually become a firefighter to protect his community. The EOC worked with Jorge, explaining the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and assisting him in completing the application.
Althea - Teacher
"Just do it! Don't wait any longer. Have a passion to educate and improve yourself to get a great career." - Althea
Althea attended Kansas City Kansas Community College when she was 46 years old. Althea’s mother passed away when Althea was 14 years old. She and her four siblings were raised by their grandmother, who played a significant role in Althea's desire to return to school. After the passing of her grandmother, Althea decided to pursue her dream of giving back to her community by becoming a teacher. She took classes while her children were in school. The EOC has assisted her with her FAFSA application and career goals. Althea received her Associate's Degree from KCKCC and is currently an Administrative Assistant at Washburn Law School. She is an advocate and friend to EOC and has volunteered to assist with events in Topeka.
Sha - Information Technology
"Be patient, and your life will begin to change." - Sha
Sha arrived to the United States from his native country of Nepal. Being new to this country, he found things a struggle at first, but eventually enrolled at Kansas City Kansas Community College as an ESL student with the goal of earning an associate’s degree in the Information Technology program. The EOC has assisted Sha and his relatives to complete their FAFSAs and to understand the financial aid process.