The TRiO SSS Achiever

Fear and excitement engulfed my every thought,   the day I decided to go back to school. Being a non-traditional student so many questions ran through my mind. I wondered if I had what it takes to go back to school. Finally, I found the courage to enroll at APSU, not without having the help of TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) on my side. They were the wind beneath my wings as I began my journey at Austin Peay State University. Throughout my journey I was faced with many obstacles along the way. My husband, my best friend, was given orders for an 18 month deployment to Iraq. This was a hardship for our family, and I had to take a few semesters off of school. This decision was not an easy one for me, however upon my soldier’s return, I knew that I would return to the school I loved so much.

            The day after my husbands return from Iraq, we were yet to face another obstacle. My son Zachary, now fourteen years old, had fallen off of our front porch.  My husband revived him and he was life-flighted to Vanderbilt. By the grace of God, he recovered wonderfully and today he is a proud member of another part of TRiO, the High School Upward Bound program. This program has given Zachary many opportunities, and will allow him the process of  transitioning from one level of higher education to the next. After all, these students are the leaders of tomorrow. You might say, Austin Peay’s TRiO programs run in our family’s blood.

My husband, and daughter Amber, also attended APSU, and were participants of TRiO Student Support Services.  This program has been instrumental in aiding with my family’s opportunities for academic growth, and encouragement for our successful completion of education. When I learned that I was selected for being the TRiO SSS achiever I was overwhelmed. This is a wonderful accomplishment, however, make no mistake…I had the help and support of the TRiO SSS staff. Not only did they assist me with all of my academic needs to succeed, but their words of encouragement and dedication have not gone unnoticed. 

They enabled me and my family to have the opportunities that we might not have had otherwise. The staff is a reflection of their support system.  I call them my friends. I know I will finish school with the confidence that I found to succeed .We all need mentors, I found mine in TRiO SSS.

Bravo….Bravo TRiO SSS.

Cheryl Berardo