Published on Sep. 9, 2026
By: Alivia Roach
Traveling is widely recognized as one of the most meaningful ways to expand perspective and inspire personal and academic growth. For University of Missouri students in the TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) program, a spring break trip to Chicago became much more than a visit to a new city. It became an opportunity to build confidence, expand professional networks and envision new possibilities for the future. Through this all-expenses-paid experience, students connected with alumni, graduate programs and professionals who showed them that their goals are achievable.
The trip centered on creating transformational experiences that exposed students to graduate education, career pathways and meaningful mentorship. Students were also able to participate in cultural experiences that encouraged reflection and conversation.
Some of the most impactful moments came from the personal connections students made throughout the trip. One highlight was connecting with a TRiO SSS alum, who attended the TRiO spring break trip to New York City last year. A year later, the experience came full circle for the University of Missouri alumnus, who had the opportunity to connect with TRiO students and make the same lasting impact on them that previous alumni had made on him the year before.
Ramayia Smith highlighted how shared experiences helped the alum’s talk resonate with her. “He had the most positive impact on me by being able to follow his dream to attend law school. It’s so powerful seeing someone come from the same circumstance navigating moving states to pursue such a difficult career path,” Smith said. “His story is truly inspiring. I’ve been really nervous about what’s to come for me and his path shows me that I am capable.”
Students also had the opportunity to visit Rush University, where they met with Mizzou alum and medical student Alex Tegeler. Hearing firsthand about her experiences navigating medical school helped students see themselves in similar spaces and made ambitious career goals feel more attainable.
“I loved going to Rush Medical and getting the chance to talk with Alex, our tour guide and third-year medical student,” student Kaylee Almon said. “Hearing from someone who is going through med school while also moving from city to city made me realize that it’s not unrealistic to do what I want in my future.”
Another standout experience was the alumni mixer hosted by the Chicago chapter of the Mizzou Alumni Association. The event created an intentional space for students to network with Mizzou alumni who shared similar academic interests and career paths. Through those conversations, students gained advice, encouragement and a deeper understanding of the power of the Mizzou alumni network.
“I loved getting to talk to Mizzou alumni about their experiences after undergrad and their experiences in Chicago! I got a lot of good advice both professionally and personally from them,” student Jacqueline Arreola said.
The trip also emphasized the importance of cultural engagement and storytelling. Students attended a special production of White Rooster at Lookingglass Theatre, followed by an exclusive conversation with the playwright, cast members and ensemble members. The experience gave students the opportunity to engage directly with artists and discuss viable careers in the arts.
Trips like these are considered high-impact practices because they provide students with opportunities that cannot be replicated in a classroom alone. Through TRiO SSS, students gain access to mentorship, professional networks and graduate school exploration experiences that can shape the trajectory of their futures.
Ojana Muhammad, a student who attended the Chicago trip, shared how the experience broadened her understanding of graduate school.
“I was able to gain a lot of insight about the graduate application process, and I now understand a more in-depth version of what studies in graduate school consist of. Being able to step into spaces and hear more about the graduate program already encouraged me a lot more,” Muhammad said. “I’ve been to Chicago plenty of times before, but I love it there and would love to go to graduate school there.”
Beyond academic and professional growth, the trip also strengthened students’ sense of belonging and community. Many participants shared that the experience helped them form meaningful friendships and connections with peers who understood and supported one another.
Experiences like the Chicago spring break trip demonstrate the lasting impact of TRiO SSS programs. By connecting students with alumni, graduate schools, cultural experiences and professional mentors, the program continues to empower students to see new possibilities for themselves and confidently pursue their goals long after the trip ends.