Dealing with impostor syndrome while being a first-generation, non-traditional transfer student has been a challenge, but the rewards have been worth it. I made it my mission to utilize a variety of services UC Davis provides, including the TRiO Scholars Program. I met with several of my professors during office hours to ask questions to further understand the material. By doing so, I managed to raise my grades, had a clear understanding of the material, and had one-on-one interactions with every professor. Through the Women’s Resources and Research Center, I utilized the Student Parent Closet. I was able to get free diapers and baby wipes which helped alleviate some financial stress. As for the TRiO Scholars Program, I would like to thank and honor Isabella and Panhoia as they have supported me tremendously in the two years I have been at UC Davis. Through the quarterly meetings, a safe space was created where I felt comfortable expressing how I am doing, knowing I am being heard. Most importantly, through the meetings I obtained a sense of reassurance that I deserve to be here and should be proud of how far I have come -- thank you for all of the support! <3

As a transfer student, my first quarter at UC Davis was incredibly overwhelming. I felt out of place and alone on a new campus where I didn't know anyone. I took a first year seminar for TRIO scholars during my first quarter. This course connected me with valuable resources and mentors who I still rely on today. The people I met through TRIO helped me set goals and improve my self confidence. As a graduating senior, I now know that I am capable of succeeding in whatever path I choose to take. Without TRIO, I know I would not be the well accomplished student that I am today. 

The TRiO Scholars Program has been an important resource throughout my undergraduate degree. The resources available to students are vital such as the one-on-one tutoring which I have used several times for my lower division science classes. The workshops conducted throughout the quarter has helped me feel more connected to staff, especially during the pandemic. As a first generation, low-income student, I have always felt supported by individuals who have the same socio-economic background or have the dedication to help students achieve their goals. I felt comfortable asking questions that I was afraid to ask other advisors. I felt safe doing work and eating lunch in the TRiO office in Dutton Hall. I am proud of the services that TRiO provides for students. I am going to miss the TRiO team!

The TRiO Scholar Program contributed a lot to my success here at UC Davis. The peer advisor’s knowledge and guidance are what helped me to persist onto the next academic year. They are one of the most caring, welcoming, and diligent people I am glad to have known. Every time, after talking to the peer advisors, I always leave feeling more confident, goal-oriented, and thankful for their feedback and time. In addition to the peer advisors, the quarterly meetings, tutoring opportunities, the workshops, and the social events that TRiO offered allowed me to make social connections that helped me to find my place in the Davis community. Through TRiO, I learned what my strengths and weaknesses are and found ways to nurture them as well as how to integrate them into my academics and daily life to succeed. I truly appreciate and am forever grateful for the guidance from everyone at the TRiO Scholar Program. They were my support system from the beginning to the end of my college years.

 As a first-generation college student from Srilanka, attending UC Davis was a challenging experience. Joining the TRiO program was the best thing that happened to me as a student . . . I felt that I was part of a close-knit family and their guidance . . . shaped my undergraduate path at UC Davis . . . TRiO gave me more than I could ever hope to return but I will always continue to try.

As a first-generation college student, being at UC Davis felt very overwhelming. I was hundreds of miles away from anyone I knew and I felt lost. I am thankful that I found the TRiO Scholar Program. The peer advisors really helped me navigate the first few quarters that were rough for me due to the adjusting to college and the quarter system. This meant a lot because it felt like someone did care about my success.