We asked Bernadette, Yolvin, Davina, and Andrew about TRIO Project Achieve. Read what they had to say:
Meet Bernadette
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a pre-med student majoring in psychology, and I’m the oldest of seven, which definitely keeps life interesting! Originally from Africa, I have a diverse cultural background that shapes my perspective on health and wellness.
Tell us about your major and how you became interested in it.
I chose psychology because I’ve always been fascinated by the human mind and behavior. Understanding mental health is crucial, especially as I pursue a career in medicine. My experiences growing up in a large family have also deepened my interest in how relationships and environments impact mental well-being.
Tell us something fun about yourself.
One of my favorite hobbies is crocheting! It’s a great way for me to unwind, and I love creating unique pieces. It’s both relaxing and rewarding to see my ideas come to life through yarn.
What do you like most about Project Achieve?
What I appreciate most about Project Achieve is its focus on building community and providing support. It creates a space where students can connect, share experiences, and help each other succeed academically and personally. It’s great to be part of a program that values collaboration and growth.
Meet Yolvin
Tell a bit about yourself.
I am a junior majoring in computer science with minors in cybersecurity and entrepreneurship. I am involved with the ELLC (Entrepreneurial Learning Living Community), TLC (Thompson Learning Community), and Project Achieve. I currently have an internship at Union Pacific within their tech department more specifically the NOC (network operations center).
What are you planning to do after graduating?
I plan on working for a company whether that be Union Pacific or a different company in software development. I also plan on getting my master’s as well.
Tell us something fun about yourself.
I really enjoy modifying and wrenching on my car and motorcycle. This is in order to make them faster or make them run more smoothly. The rest of my time is spent on building new programming project to grow my portfolio. Making silly little projects like a calculator or a QR code generator.
What do you like most about Project Achieve?
What I like most about Project Achieve is the various different events that take place for the students. Some are educational which are great to learn about different topics. While other events are more laid back and allow students to enjoy and disconnect from schoolwork.
Meet Davina
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hello, y’all! My name is Davina, but a lot of people call and know me by my nickname, “Vee.” I am currently a sophomore with a double major in Construction Management and Social Entrepreneurship. I am currently working as a Project Achieve mentor for first year students, so shoutout to my mentees or honestly, all of the freshman students because they are awesome, and I love working and getting to know them all. I am also the current president of an UNO student organization called Students Against Hunger, where we basically strive to spread awareness of food scarcity as well as promote ways to help this problem by volunteering and partnering with others that have the same goal to alleviate food insecurity.
What is it like to be president of the UNO student organization Students Against Hunger?
Honestly, this is my first time experiencing the role of a president. I have had leadership roles in the past, but as a president, there is a lot of responsibility on my shoulders. As I am growing in my position there are so many things that I am learning; not just the time management and organizational skills, but also that I cannot do everything myself, and I need to rely on others. I am navigating different ways of working with and managing my team. I get to learn and improve how to trust my team and organization partners to do their part, as they trust me to do mine. I have learned to communicate and work with different organization partners outside of the university like Open Door Mission and inside the university like the Maverick Food Pantry. (P.S. y’all should go check them out they are awesome and great on-campus resource) Being the president of Students Against Hunger is really helping me gain the experience I need to become a well-rounded person and leader.
What do you want to be doing 10 years from now?
All that I have been doing as a student and organization president will help me with my career plan 10 years from now. What I see my see doing 10 years down the line is doing what I am doing now – working with non-profits, creating my own organization/company, and learning how to progress. I want to advocate for and be a hand to those who need it.
How has Project Achieve impacted you?
Project Achieve has honestly helped me out. They help support, advocate, and give students opportunities to step into whatever role they want to get into, even if they’re just trying it out. The program also helps students figure out the current path on which they’re walking, and if it’s not one they want anymore, Project Achieve staff will help students figure something else out. Places can claim that they’re “like family,” but Project Achieve is truly a family and home to me. My words may not resonate with everyone, but for those who are skeptical, changing your attitude and being open to the Project Achieve staff’s help will offer many opportunities for support. Project Achieve will always give students their hand, provide support, and love, even if students do not immediately reciprocate. If students are open and honest, Project Achieve staff will figure out the correct way to accommodate them and get to really know the student, which will ultimately build a strong, professional relationship.
Meet Andrew
Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I am currently seeking a degree in environmental science to hopefully one day help conserve our national forests and wildlife. I am seeking this degree because what I strive to do one day has high flexibility in the types of degrees that apply to the activities being performed.
What are you planning to do after graduating?
I would like to begin working with our nation's forest service or take up a position at a wildlife refuge.
What was it like for you to go from high school to college?
Going from high school to college was quite a leap as it was quite difficult to find the resources, I needed to understand the process that lay ahead of me. I learned a lot more about how college works as I waded through lots of information and consulted countless people with a lot of questions.
How has Project Achieve impacted you?
Project Achieve has extremely impacted my college experience in a positive light. Project Achieve has done nothing but better the resources I have available when it comes to any questions I have. Whether that me over ways I could pay for tuition, tutoring for that one difficult class, volunteering opportunities, school resources such as computers, and most importantly a community that you can go to when you need help.