April 10, 2024
Monica Madrigal '10
Submitted by Monica Madrigal
For the last 14 years I have called Cal Lutheran my home. It was because of TRIO programs like Student Support Services and Upward Bound that I knew that I belonged in college. While in college I always knew I had someone available to listen to me and to help me. As a student I looked forward to going to the SSS office because it was my safe space, a space where I knew that I belonged.
Soon after graduating college I started working for SSS, the program that gave so much to me. I have been working for SSS for over 10 years now. As a SSS counselor I get the privilege and honor to take part of our students educational journey. Our students go above and beyond and they deserve the best. I have had the opportunity to take students to Washington D.C. to speak about their own stories and share with our U.S. Representatives the importance of TRIO programs.
I come from a family that values TRIO programs, both of my siblings are also Cal Lutheran graduates and they both participated in SSS while in college. I have cousins who have taken part of TRIO programs. We know the value and the work that it takes to be the first in our families to go to college.