Success at Southern TRIO SSS ALUMNI

Earl Hills '19

Earl Hills ‘19

Bachelor of Science – Major Mathematics -Minor Applied Statistics

Have you ever felt like your world was flipped upside down?  Well I have twice! At a young age I was told I was partially deaf and as a result, I was sent to a deaf school, where I received help to adapt and improve my hearing ability. As an adult, I had an unexpected job loss. With the loss of my career, my wife and I reevaluated our lives. We have three beautiful, young girls to support and we had to think of the big picture. After long deliberation, we decided I should go back to school and get a degree.  It took two terms for me to figure out what my passion in teaching. While attending Rogue Community College the first two years of my college career, I was able to narrow my field of teaching to math. Math is known to be most people’s kryptonite, but for some reason, I love it! Growing up, I never imagined myself as a teacher, but I realized the joy I got in helping tutoring students at Success at Southern/TRIO-SSS. In my previous jobs, I have never felt the same joy I get when I teach students how to navigate the massive world of math. I want to take my love for math and show people that they can conquer math.  

During my time at SOU I maintained a 3.33 GPA, I was part of TRIO-SSS as a student, and peer math tutor for more than 3 years. After graduated with a Bachelor Degree, I applied for a new position at Success at Southern/TRIO-SSS now as a part time professional tutor. Since October, 2019 I have been in that position keep tutoring TRIO-SSS students.

I am currently enrolled at Southern Oregon University, continuing towards my Master’s degree in Teaching. Success at Southern/TRIO-SSS helped me a lot throughout my time at Southern Oregon University. Creating strong relationships with staff and peers has helped me navigate the rough waters we call college. Knowing that there were people like Chris, Sam, Belisario, and Luana rooting for me on the sidelines no matter what came my way. Whether it was help picking the right classes, or a little boost of encouragement after I failed my first course, the staff was always there to keep me going.  

The biggest thing that Success at Southern/TRIO-SSS honestly gave me though, was simply confidence! The free courses they offered during the term helped me understand how to fill out applications for scholarships like the OSAC, SOSA, and other scholarship websites. It was their genuine caring for me that inspired me to do the work I am doing today.

Success at Southern/TRIO-SSS is such an invaluable resource and full of the most amazing people.

Thank you, for all you do.

Accomplishments at Southern Oregon University:

• Bachelor in Mathematics and a Minor in Statistics 2019
• The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) 2015-Present
• SOU Provost List/ Dean’s List
• ASL certificate of top student 2017
• Accepted into the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) Program at SOU
• TRIO-SSS graduate 2019-Bachelor of Science – Major Mathematics -Minor Applied Statistics
• Current TRIO-SSS Math Professional Tutor

Nadine Roper '20

Nadine Roper '20

Bachelor of Science in Psychology - Minor in Business Administration - Magna cum laude 

Going back to college after a short break (30 years!) was rough. Since then, I became a wife and a mom and got involved in life. Fast forward to 2015. I was working two full-time jobs and coaching middle school volleyball while raising three busy kids.  Then, my dad became terminally ill. During one of our conversations, he made me promise to finish school. He felt that he missed out on so many things by not finishing college. So, that day, I enrolled at Rogue Community College (RCC) to restart my academic journey.

In my previous college experience, I had no goals. I had not been advised about anything, including careers, classes, or financial aid. I did not know what I wanted to do or be when I grew up, so I just took random courses that sounded interesting.

So, this time, I set myself on a path to finish an associate degree. There was not a set plan to get it; I would take the classes I thought would get me there.  One day while sitting in a math class, a TRIO-SSS staff member did a brief presentation about the program. It intrigued me. I researched more about the program. I figured I would make a tentative goal to transfer to Southern Oregon University (SOU) to get a bachelor’s degree. However, I still had no idea what I wanted to do with it.

I did not qualify when I initially heard about TRIO-SSS. So, when I registered to take Math 65, I also applied to join TRIO-SSS. It was the best decision I think I have made during my entire college experience. I was given an academic map and the tools I needed to work towards set goals that I developed with my advisor. I saw the immediate benefits of being advised and having the support of a dedicated team to help me reach my destination. When it was time to graduate and transfer to SOU, I knew I wanted to be an Academic Advisor.  I did not want anyone to go through what I did when I was younger.

Before I arrived at SOU, I applied and was accepted to Success at Southern/TRIO-SSS. The support and counsel I was given was invaluable. I learned a lot from the example of my advisor. His kindness and willingness to help me attain my diploma was an excellent example of how I wanted to assist others.

After doing my capstone experience as an intern with the TRIO-SSS program at RCC, I am currently working there as a temporary Academic Advisor, with the hope of becoming permanent. I love my students and understand how important knowing each of their names is. I am passionate about helping them find success in their studies. It has been a pleasure to help them in the transition process to a university. I feel that if I have done my job to the best of my ability, they will leave well prepared with the tools they need to be successful, just as I did with the help of my TRIO-SSS advisors.

This past June, my two oldest children (both TRIO-SSS students) graduated from RCC, my youngest daughter graduated from high school, and I received my diploma from SOU.