I am the first from my family to graduate high school and choose to go to college. I grew up in Ogden in a family where college was never discussed. There wasn’t an “easy path” for me to follow. In fact, there were many obstacles. My parents were too busy with selfish things, like drugs, to care about whether or not I even went to school. I did not have the types of influences in my life that would encourage me to pursue a degree.
There were nights when I wasn’t sure if I would have a place to sleep, or food to eat, or clean clothes. With stressors like these in my life it was hard to even consider education beyond high school. And if I did, who would I turn to, to find information about furthering my education?
Fortunately for me, two things happened that changed the course of my life. First, I able to find legal guardians that would love and supply necessities for me. They introduced me to a life of love and happiness, which coincidently also meant rules and guidelines. They have taught me the importance of higher education in my life.
And second, I met a wonderful woman named Lindsay Beddes who introduced me to the TRiO Talent Search program. TRiO Talent Search is a program that identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. In real terms, it helps students like me go to college. TRiO taught me about many colleges, took me on campus tours, and walked me through the processes of applying for admissions and federal student aid. Because of TRiO I was able to understand the importance of preparing academically for success in college, and I graduated from Ben Lomond High School having completed five concurrent enrollment courses.
Through TRiO Talent Search, I was offered multiple scholarships and had my choice of colleges. After weighing my options, I have decided to attend Weber State University where I will pursue a degree in communication: public relations and advertising.
TRiO programs assist students like me. And while there are more people like me then you might care to believe, TRiO believes in us. Unfortunately TRiO is at risk for further budget cuts, and I don’t think our legislators understand the necessity of these programs.
Recently, Congress made a commitment to preserving the Pell Grant program, but what about programs that actually prepare students to attend college and be successful? How are we going to receive those benefits if we’re not even prepared for college? I hope that by sharing my story, more people will see the value of federal education programs. Save TRiO, and invest in our future.
Shaquille Heath lives in Ogden.
