After Quaneisha Graham graduated from high school in 2011, she enrolled at FSCJ during the summer to begin working toward her Associate in Arts. As a first-generation college student, Ms. Graham struggled and quickly became overwhelmed. After speaking with her advisor and attending fairs around campus, she found TRiO Student Support Services. Learn how TRiO helped her succeed and led her to where she is today: graduating from the University of West Florida with her Master of Arts in Exceptional Student Education.

"I was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL, and graduated from a local private school. I enrolled in Florida State College at Jacksonville in the summer of 2011 to obtain my Associate in Arts. I am a first-generation college student. I struggled with the high college demands and became overwhelmed by the academic rigor. I reached out to my family for support; however, as a first-generation college student, my family could not provide the help I needed academically. I knew FSCJ had many resources to assist, but I felt I had to do this alone.

As a young woman balancing a new lifestyle of being independent and responsible for my academic success, I started seeking assistance throughout my educational journey. My academic journey was not all sunshine and rainbows! I struggled hard and sometimes felt like this was not for me. When speaking with the advisor I was assigned and attending fairs around campus, I was introduced to TRiO. I was so happy to see a program designed just for first-gen students, which helped overcome social, class and cultural barriers to higher education. I practically lived in the TRiO office! Being in the office and speaking with the academic advisor (Ms. Tanisha) was a relief! She was amazing! I knew from the first meeting TRiO was the program for me!

Currently, I am enrolled at the University of West Florida. I am obtaining my Master of Arts in Exceptional Student Education, emphasizing Applied Behavior Analysis. I am in my final semester and graduate on May 6, 2023. I fell in love with the ABA world when working as a Registered Behavioral Technician. I enjoyed providing behavior therapy to children with autism so much that I decided to pursue my master's to become a behavior analyst that creates plans of behavior for children with autism and conducts behavioral assessments.

Being a part of TRiO has done so much for me. Ms. Tanisha, attending special events as a group, building a community amongst other members, and tutoring were keys to my growth and coming out of my shell. With the support and personal development skills instilled in me, I went from my A.A. to my Bachelor of Science concentrating in Children's Mental Health to where I am now.

As an alumnus, I keep in touch with my mentors and occasionally reach out for support in my future endeavors. I will ALWAYS recommend this program to any student!"