Support, Confidence, Career: TRIO makes the difference

Going to college can feel like stepping into a whole new world — especially as a first-generation college student. For Olivia Brautigam, Jackson College’s TRIO Student Support Services program helped her confidently navigate that world and reach her dream.

Brautigam recently completed her second chapter in college. After graduating high school in 2016, she attended briefly before spending several years working — first managing a local chain restaurant and later serving as a psychiatric technician at Henry Ford Health Jackson.

While attending a “Grow Your Career” event at the hospital, she discovered the field of sonography. After job shadowing a sonographer, she knew she had found her path. She enrolled at Jackson College to study cardiac sonography.

While tutoring in the Center for Student Success, the TRIO program director encouraged her to apply for the program. Seeing the potential benefits, Brautigam decided to join — and she’s glad she did.

Through TRIO, she participated in workshops on financial aid and money management, connected with advisors, visited four-year institutions, and joined in campus activities.

“The workshops offer a lot of good information,” she said. “As a first-generation college student, it’s all new. It helped to have TRIO guide you through.”

Beyond the academic support, TRIO also helped her build friendships and confidence. She became involved in the Student Government Association (SGA), further expanding her campus experience.

“It’s really helped me to socialize and make some friends. That was really helpful,” Brautigam said. “It helps you get out of the house.”

After completing her studies in December, she plans to graduate in May. She has already received a job offer in her field and will begin working soon.

“I’m both excited and nervous as I look ahead,” she said. “I’m thankful for the opportunities that Jackson College and the TRIO program offered me.”