Business Administration Major with Karelly

Transcript

Say hello to Karelly, a first-generation student majoring in Business Administration who’s taken full advantage of SCC’s Student Support Services’ TRiO program. TRiO provides holistic and comprehensive services to help students successfully reach their academic goals. We can’t wait to hear about all the support you received, Karelly, please take it away.

– Thanks, Alex. As a little girl, I knew I wanted to attend college because my mother inspired me to pursue an education and be financially independent. We struggled as a family, and I knew one way to be in a better position and end the perpetual cycle of poverty was to achieve a college education. Santiago Canyon College has propelled me into the best version of myself. I have learned to step out of my comfort zone and evolve into the leader I dreamt of as a child. As a first-generation Latina, there are programs like EOPS and TRiO that are set to assist and provide resources to students like me to ensure that we graduate. During Covid, I dropped out of college twice, but I returned because of the staff at TRiO. I love the warm community feeling that this campus offers and the support our professors and staff provide to us. I appreciate that the administration hears our voices and concerns so this school can become number one in the nation. I’m grateful that the staff and faculty find ways for students to network and find internships, especially first-generation college students who are new to this journey. It is proven because I became Vice President of the student government, shadowed a private wealth advisor, and was on the Orange County Register within one year. What comes next for me in my journey is pursuing my Bachelor’s in Finance. I plan on going to New York to study and eventually pursue a career in the financial capital of the world. I also plan on giving back to my community by working with low-income students and possibly go into education part-time. SCC has helped blossom these ideas, and I know my dreams will be manifested as I continue working hard. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.

– Wow, Karelly. It sounds like hard work is your middle name. The TRiO program works to increase college retention, graduation rates, and help students make the transition from one level of higher education to the next. Karelly, thank you for sharing your journey of success and good luck at the next level.