Published on June 18, 2025
By Kampbell Hemeyer
During the 2025 spring break, 36 TRiO Student Success Services (TRiO SSS) students embarked on a professional development journey to New York City and New Haven, Connecticut. They visited multiple universities, including Yale, to explore opportunities for graduate and professional studies. Students received unprecedented access to accomplished TRiO alumni from Mizzou and Truman State University to broaden their knowledge of post-graduate opportunities and enhance their sense of belonging within the TRiO and higher education communities.
The New York City excursion showcased the power of the TRiO network by connecting them with several Mizzou and TRiO alumni to discuss networking and professional development. The students dined with members of the New York City MU Alumni Chapter where they learned about their experience living in New York and shared guidance on career and educational paths after graduation.
They also connected with Nala C. Turner, a Truman State University and TRiO McNair alum, who discussed career navigation. Students received a tour of the city from Ulysses Butler, a doctoral student from New York University and TRiO alum, and attended professional development sessions facilitated by Laura Peiter, senior coordinator of peer career specialists and career outreach at the MU Career Center learning how to market themselves and build their resume.
“The trip fostered a sense of belonging, ambition and possibility, reinforcing the core mission of TRiO: to empower and connect students to life-changing opportunities,” TRiO SSS Assistant Director Jeremy Freese said, “The experience offered inspiration, exposure and a deeper sense of belonging within the TRiO and higher education community.”
Sophomore Anyshya Hemphill, a computer science and psychology major from Kansas City, attended the trip and described the experience as not only helping her define personal success but also equipping her with tools to succeed and pursue professional development when she enters the workforce.
“Being surrounded by people (New Yorkers, graduates, etc.) who persevered through adversity to pursue their goals made the trip inspirational,” Hemphill said. “Having conversations with alumni, faculty from various universities, our advisors and other students emphasized that goals are more about the pursuit than the destination.”
TRiO’s mission to develop leaders and support student success was evident throughout the trip and offered an experience that went beyond academics, it offered a glimpse into graduate studies and professional opportunities that helped students recognize their potential.
“TRiO provided a space and opportunity for me to exercise my ability to advocate for what I needed, which is hard as a first-generation student,” said Hemphill.
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