UA Little Rock TRIO Students Take Unforgettable Trip to Chicago
Students in the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program at UA Little Rock enjoyed an unforgettable trip to Chicago, blending cultural exploration with graduate school preparation. The free experience aimed to inspire participants by exposing them to the cultural and academic opportunities that the city has to offer.
“The purpose of the cultural graduate school trip to Chicago was to expand our students’ educational boundaries,” said Dr. Desarae Nelson, director of TRIO Student Support Services at UA Little Rock. “Several of our students have never been outside of the state, and many have never experienced flying on a plane. We wanted to boost their confidence and drive for success by taking them out of their comfort zone with their TRIO family by their side. That allowed them to have the opportunity to explore career options and interests that they would otherwise not have.”
Students were greeted with a welcome video from Hosea Sanders, an Arkansas native and award-winning broadcast journalist at ABC 7 Chicago. The video encouraged students to be open to possibilities and success in their future endeavors and highlighted some of the ties to Arkansas found in Chicago.
During May 30-June 2, the students toured DePaul University and the University of Chicago. They also visited the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, the Museum of Science and Industry, the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, the Smart Museum of Art, the House of Blues, Navy Pier, the Art Institute of Chicago. Students had time to see a theater performance, take a guided tour of Chicago, go on a nighttime sightseeing cruise of the city’s architecture, and take a dinner dance cruise aboard the Spirit of Chicago.
“I saw so much in such a short period of time!” said Steph Currie, a senior sociology major from Jonesboro. “I learned about DePaul University’s graduate programs and the history of that school. I also learned about other cultures from exploring different types of museums. I learned about the history of Chicago, the architecture of the city, and local wildlife. I also got to try local food and learn about the difference in the cost of living. This trip made me decide to apply to grad schools in Chicago and look into moving to the area next year. I am so thankful that TRIO gave us the opportunity to experience Chi-town hospitality.
The trip was led by Nelson, Marty Mayfield, project coordinator, Michita Merriweather and Jarvis Kelly, student development specialists, and Mahesh Thombre, success coordinator.
Students who went on the trip include Akelia Creggett, Alexis McAlister, Anaiah Banks, Andrea Perez Benitez, Chandra Daniels, Danielle Roundtree, Fantacy Mason, Jakymbriea Burns, Jaqueline Ruiz, Julious McGruder, Kaylyn Blaylock, Kennedy Morris, Kenya Daniels, Kristi Kolberg, LaDestiny Hawkins, Marchello Burks, Michaha Moore, Mikalah Moore, Nikayla Murphy, Shaniya York, Sierra Flowers, Stephanie Currie, Taliyah Lane, and Tiffany Bland.
Akelia Creggett, a senior social work major, said that visiting Chicago was an amazing experience.
“I learned a lot about architectural structures, different cultures, and the rich history of the city,” Creggett said. “This trip prepared me for life after graduation by giving me different cultural experiences and by allowing me the opportunity to explore educational institutions that I otherwise wouldn’t have been able to. Now, I feel more equipped to make decisions regarding furthering my education. I would personally like to thank the staff of the Trio Student Support Services for their continuous hard work and dedication to its students.”
SSS is a U.S. Department of Education program designed to provide services for students who are first-generation, low income, and/or have disabilities. It gives students the chance to partake in unique activities they wouldn’t have access to otherwise, giving the students necessary support and tools to help them succeed.
“As a support program on campus, we take pride in not only ensuring that our students have information about our graduate school programs and the many benefits for continuing their education here at UA Little Rock, but also the exposure to other programs that may be a better fit for their degree interests and career desires,” Nelson said. “Our goal is to expose our students to as many opportunities as we can from scholarships, employment, financial literacy, academic resources, campus and community resources, and to overall support in a family environment.”
