Summer is the season of relaxation, travel, and quality time with family and friends. However, some students use this period to prepare for their future academic endeavors. TRIO Talent Search is a program offered at South San Antonio High School that assists students in finding their potential to succeed in secondary education and continue in higher level education . This program supplies career, academic, and financial counseling through career exploration, mentorship programs, volunteer opportunities, and guidance in university institutions. 

From July 31 through August 2, 20 students from South San Antonio High School traveled to Seattle, Washington to tour prestigious universities, explore historical sites and learn more about the rich diversity the city has to offer.

Students were selected based on academic performance and involvement in TRIO. Throughout the program, students are expected to attend volunteer events, summer camps, participate in Lunch and Learns, and meet for advising sessions. Junior students Ashley Vazquez, Elijah Pendleton, Jose Araujo, and Jathan Benavidez share their experiences and provide insight into how this trip impacted their future in education. 

On the first day, students visited and toured the University of Washington, learning the history of the campus, programs they offer, and the overall culture of the university. Tall buildings, influential architecture, and the energetic environment of the prestigious university inspired our students to think big and forward. 

Jose Arujo, Junior student at South San Antonio High School, aspires to become a NICU nurse and is focused on receiving a medical degree. He notes that University of Washington is known to have one of the best nursing programs, alongside partnering with a renowned hospital center. "This tour helped me envision attending a university that specializes in my career field," Arujo said.

Student Ashley Vasquez also expressed her eagerness to tour universities as it has shifted her perspective on the opportunities that are destined for her. Through TRIO, she was able to travel outside of Texas for the first time, volunteer her time to her community, and experience a sense of belonging as she’s surrounded by goal-oriented peers. Walking the halls of the University of Washington inspired her to expand her educational goals and consider out-of state universities. “I asked our tour guide how she was able to attend this university, and she received scholarships that paid for a full ride. That boosted my confidence and motivated me that I can do it too”, Ashley conveyed.

Asides from touring universities, students had the opportunity to explore Seattle and immerse themselves in the city’s rich diversity of culture, art, and music. They visited the Museum of Pop Culture, the historical mecca of music, movies, animation, fashion and more. Additionally, they visited the Boeing Center Future of Flight, Seattle’s most prominent tourist attraction. Students were able to view the process of constructing an airplane and tour space exhibits that showcased the historical timeline of aviation. 

Student Elijah Pendleton voiced his interest in the Boeing tour, “On our flight back home, we traveled in an actual Boeing plane, and it was so interesting that I got to see how this plane was built and the history behind it”. 

Our students gained an abundance of knowledge from universities they surveyed, but they gained something even more special: the possibility to build a life outside their hometown and be successful wherever they choose to study. 

“My goal for this trip was to create relationships and meet new people to connect with. Not only did I network with like-minded peers from other districts, I got to share the best memories with the people I’ve spent most of my high school years with”, student Jathan Benavidez expressed. 

Alongside TRIO’s summer trip to Seattle, two students Elijah Pendleton and Ashley Vazquez also attended a 3-day student leadership conference to strengthen their communication, team-building, and college readiness skills. Students interacted with scholars from all over Texas, and participated in workshops such as financial literacy, writing skills, goal-setting skills, and career exploration. Additionally, they engaged in a poetry slam where they had to recite their original work in front of hundreds of people. Elijah explained, “The whole conference felt like everyone was cheering each other on. It built confidence, taught us how to take initiative, and we learned how to speak up for ourselves and others.”

Jose, Elijah, Ashley, and Jathen have demonstrated the utmost excellence when representing South San Antonio ISD in leadership conferences, volunteer events, and out of-state trips. Mrs. Sandrina Ramirez, Senior Student Advisor at South San Antonio High School, works closely with students as part of TRIO and her passion for mentoring has helped them recognize their worth. “My why is seeing my students succeed and grow into exceptional students and leaders,” Ramirez vocalized. “Being able to be an academic resource and provide opportunities to explore colleges and careers is what our TRIO Talent Search program is about.” 

Students like Elijah continue to set the bar for their peers as they’ve continually proven that there’s a spot at every table as long as they believe in themselves.“Overall, TRIO has made me a better person, a better human being, and a better student.”