In celebration of First Generation Week, Trio SSS, an organization supporting first-generation students, organized events last week to provide opportunities for first-generation students to participate in campus life, bond over shared backgrounds, and access support services.

Ana Rodriguez, a senior biology major from Manor, serves as president of Trio SSS.

“First Generation Week is a time to celebrate first-generation students and recognize achievements and challenges,” Rodriguez said.

Some activities for the first-gen students included a “ponies and pie” social, a movie night, a Friendsgiving event and a trip to the zoo.​

The Trio Student Support Services program exists to assist eligible students. Membership is available to students who are first-generation, from low-income backgrounds, or have a disability. The program offers advising, mentorship, and assistance with academic tasks like financial aid applications and class scheduling.

“Trio SSS is a student support program that you obviously have to meet requirements to be able to apply,” Rodriguez said. “Usually, it’s like first gen, low income, or somebody with disabilities. If you do, then you get in that program. It’s just like extra guidance for you. They provide certain services, like help with financial aid. They help with applying and giving you grants, scheduling your classes, and more.”

Rodriguez, along with Melissa Salazar, a senior kinesiology major from Rowlett, said there is a sense of imposter syndrome that can occur upon entering college as the first in their families to attend. They described the benefit of support programs and events that enable them to connect with others in similar situations.

“Coming from Austin to Abilene was a complete shock for me because I never really felt the minority aspect until I got to ACU,” Rodriguez said. “It felt like there weren’t a lot of people who looked like me or had similar experiences until I started to get more involved on campus and within the community, and learning more about the different support services there are.”

For more ways to get plugged into Trio Student Support Services and the First Generation community here at ACU, visit ACU’s page on Trio SSS here.