CSN Student Affairs News

Featured TRiO Student: Yuri Perez

Why did you join the TRiO SSS?

I did join TRIO to take advantage of its several supportive services. There are many issues in college, such as course and major choices or transfer applications that require being very careful. Then, you need to tackle those in order to successfully graduate and transfer to a prestigious four-year university. And that is where Trio comes to the scene.

CSN Trio staff is always available to listen to your concerns. They will do their best to help you in overcoming any difficulties. Moreover, their expertise will be at your service to find out which choices fit better your interests and at the end I have the confidence I am making the right decisions for my career.

What are your school goals?

Thanks to Trio I currently have very clear school goals. My Trio Advisor and I have been working on it and I have a straight plan to graduate this coming spring 2013 and then transfer to university.

What is one thing you wish you were told when you started college?

Many, but let me just say that planning how to complete the associate degree ahead of time might save complications later. One more thing, it is to know about scholarships that will help you to pay your education.

If you won a million dollars, what is the first thing you would do?

I have been involved in democracy, human rights, free market economy and rule of law promotion for several years. I strongly believe that individual liberties are sacred and every human deserve them. If I won a million dollars, first thing I would take a little vacation and later I would invest that money in a foundation to promote these ideals.

What motivates you to graduate in college?

In my homeland, Cuba I was expelled from university because my ideas. Under a communist or socialist regime it is impossible to get quality education, without indoctrination. Here, college education with academic freedom enables students to achieve their dreams. College education is a way to improve our minds and get the skills needed for a civic and professional life. Therefore, I am very grateful to American people for the opportunity to come here and graduate from college.

What is your dream job and why?

I see myself working in the world of ideas. I had the opportunity to intern with the Cato Institute at Washington DC during the summer. There, I was involved on the public policy creation from a very influential think tank devoted to the promotion of individual liberties, free markets, and peace. It was perfect, definitely my dream job!

TRiO Mixer/ B.Y.O.B.

By May Sanicolas

To most people, the abbreviation BYOB has a connotation associated with partying.  To Kevin Raiford, six of his entrepreneurial students, and several others who have had the opportunity to learn from him, it means much more than that.  On November 20, 2012,  TRiO Student Support Services had the pleasure of hosting the TRiO Mixer where Mr. Raiford and six of his students spoke on Building Your Own Business.  Students who attended as guests received a three-course meal courtesy of Russell’s, the student-run fine dining restaurant on campus, and the chance to hear first-hand experience of students who are successfully starting their own businesses.  Students who presented discussed their research, product testing, and marketing strategies.  The CSN Foundation assists students with business license fees.  If you’re interested on finding out where to start you can contact Mr. Raiford, as he is also the advisor of the Entrepreneurs Club.  Why build your own business? It makes your more marketable than someone who does not in uncertain economic times.  Raiford says your business could be anything: from manufacturing a clothing line to walking dogs.  Anything is better than nothing!

TRiO Trip: UNR Campus Visit by Emily Rafael

On October 19th, 2012,TRiO students were given the opportunity to fly to Reno.  A group of students, along with TRiO staff members, boarded a huge plane and happily flew to their destination—University of Nevada, Reno.

The plane ride was fun!  To some it was their very first time on a plane. The TRiO students’ excitement and positive energy rubbed off on some of the passengers, which spawned small talks and networking opportunity.

Crisp air greeted us at the Reno Airport, and beautiful autum-colored leaves took our breath away as we rode to the campus. The weather was gorgeous! The organizers of the Nevada Bound campus visit program rolled out the “blue” carpet for our TRiO students—blue is UNR’s color. Not only were our TRiO students given a transfer/admission briefing and campus tour (including housing tours), they also had the opportunity to visit with representatives from each of UNR’s academic departments, ask questions of student service offices, and eat in the DownUnder Cafe, the campus’ premier eatery.

It was a wonderful trip!  Students were inspired and excited to pursue their Bachelor’s degrees after graduating here at CSN!  Here are the comments we received from attendees:

“I have never felt so sure about the university I wanted to attend.  UNR has become that university to me. With their undergraduate research, excellent Science programs, unique school spirit, it has convinced me to transfer to UNR…” – Jose

“I especially enjoyed the personal experience touring the campus and interacting with the guides. Also the personalized tour we got from Candice, a former TRiO student now studying at UNR.”                       – Marilyn