By Sara Sparling — Recently, February 28th marked a day of celebration for students and educators around the United States. It was the 40th annual National TRIO Day, celebrating the achievements and raising awareness of students participating in TRIO programs. TRIO is a federally funded program that allows students to fuel their ambitions and succeed in their endeavors while supporting them throughout their journey.
The name “TRIO” comes from a group of just three academic success programs (hence the name TRIO) that started in the 1960s. Over time, TRIO expanded and now has eight academic success programs serving students of all backgrounds, including those from low-income families, those with disabilities, first-generation college students, and veterans, starting in seventh grade, and continuing all the way through college graduation.
Miami University Regionals is home to a wonderful TRIO program, hosted by Melanie Fields at the Hamilton campus and Melissa Carrion at the Middletown campus. Students are assigned an academic success coach whom they work with from the time they join the program until graduation. Students have the option to meet with their TRIO coach as often as weekly or as little as monthly throughout the school year. Services that are available include academic assistance; personal, professional, and financial coaching; and there are connections for students to get assistance from outside resources as well. In addition to these services, TRIO provides over one hundred different workshops and activities, snacks, printing, field trips, school supplies, and graduate school tours—all of which are all available to students for free.
In recognition of TRIO Day, Melanie and Melissa shared why they believe it’s important to recognize the success of students in this program. Melanie said, “It shines a light on student persistence and opportunity. Celebrating TRIO is celebrating resilience, upward mobility, and educational access.” She said TRIO has proven that when you provide support to underprivileged students, they don’t just get by, they lead. “Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Students are often overcoming roadblocks while achieving, and when we advocate for and celebrate them, we’re acknowledging their unique perspectives.”
Melissa shared her own experience as a student prior to becoming a TRIO McNair scholar, and said she did great her first year but unfortunately lost her full-ride scholarship and had to drop out her second year. She shared that she didn’t know how to handle college and finances at the same time. “If I had been in TRIO at the time, I could have formulated a plan with a coach that would have helped me navigate through obstacles I was facing.”
During her second attempt at college, Melissa was a TRIO Ronald E. McNair scholar, one of TRIO’s sister programs, and she was paid to do research and present her findings at conferences, which was almost unheard of for undergraduate students—and yet, it was made possible by TRIO. “TRIO made a big impression on me and changed my life in multiple ways.” She expressed her passion for advocating for those who can’t advocate for themselves, and being a TRIO coach seemed like the perfect fit for her because it allows her to help students through predicaments like the ones she faced that may deter their success. She strongly believes students should have the support they need, because it could be the difference between staying in school or dropping out. Melanie expressed similar passions, including helping students find their confidence and direction. She realized her greatest impact was helping students one-on-one, and TRIO aligned perfectly with her calling. She said, “[TRIO] coaching allows me to walk alongside students, not just teach content, but shape outcomes.”
Both coaches touched on students who have stuck out to them during their time with the program. Several students started out feeling hopeless and discouraged or were even unsure whether they belonged in college. What stands out is their growth in confidence and self-advocacy throughout their college journey. They were able to turn the opportunity into something incredible. Once students realize their potential, they’re able to accomplish amazing things.
Melanie stated, “If I could share one piece of wisdom, it would be that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Self-advocacy is a muscle, and the more you use it, the stronger you become. Keep smiling, keep shining, and remember that you belong here!”
Melissa concluded with the following note of encouragement: “You belong at Miami Regionals. It’s okay to not have everything figured out and it’s okay to ask for help or support when you need it.”
Even though TRIO Day only comes around once a year, there is celebration and recognition in student success every day. For more information or to determine TRIO eligibility, please visit their website or stop by 104 Rentschler Hall on the Hamilton campus or 007 Johnston Hall on the Middletown campus.
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