![\"Trinity](\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/trinity-siu-sweatshirt.jpg\")
By Ava Steffens<\/p>\nBy Ava Steffens<\/p>\n
Trinity Stroisch, a senior, overcame the challenges of being a first-generation college student with the support of scholarships. She discovered a passion for marketing during her time at SIU<\/p>\n
Although her parents did not have the opportunity to pursue higher education, they instilled the desire to learn in Stroisch from an early age. Her mother, who raised Stroisch and her sister on her own, and her father, who lives in Mexico, both encouraged her to pursue a college degree.<\/p>\n
When financial challenges emerged in the months leading up to her final year, Stroisch searched for solutions and secured multiple scholarships. She completed SIU\u2019s general scholarship application and pursued outside financial aid opportunities. Her persistence paid off, and she ultimately secured enough grants to fully cover her tuition.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy mom cried,\u201d Stroisch said. \u201cShe was so incredibly proud. It was no longer just something she wanted me to do. It became something she was preparing me to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stroisch received primary support from the College of Business and Analytics Student Scholarship, which includes contributions from multiple donors. She also received funding from the McPheeters Family Scholarship.<\/p>\n
The COBA Student Scholarship supports students pursuing business-related majors, including finance, hospitality and marketing. Multiple donors help sustain the scholarship, which is awarded based on factors such as financial need and academic performance.<\/p>\n
\u201cI went down the list and applied for every single scholarship I was eligible for,\u201d Stroisch said. \u201cI was so relieved when I received the support because college was something I always knew I wanted to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drawn to SIU by its stunning campus, its wide range of academic programs, and its proximity to her hometown of Bement, Illinois, Stroisch said she knew SIU was the perfect place to pursue her goals.<\/p>\n
In high school, she excelled academically and beyond the classroom, participating in numerous extracurricular activities and graduating as valedictorian.<\/p>\n
She carried that momentum into college by embracing opportunities to grow. Stroisch joined Greek life, worked as a university tour guide, and became involved with the First Saluki Center. With graduation now on the horizon, she has multiple job offers in different cities.<\/p>\n
Throughout her college journey, Stroisch explored several business majors before selecting marketing. She said the program\u2019s blend of creativity and collaboration made the fieldclick for her.<\/p>\n
\u201cMarketing has something for everyone,\u201d she said. \u201cYou have so many professions you can go into, and you can really leave your mark on the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
As a first-generation college student, Stroisch leaned on the support of professors and peers throughout her academic journey. Assistant Lecturer Christie Mitchell and mentors through the First Saluki Student Center provided her with the resources and framework to succeed at SIU.<\/p>\n
One of these mentors was Dr. Lanel Love, assistant dean of students who oversees the First Saluki Center. Inspired by the impact that her role as a mentee had on her, Stroisch later became a mentor herself, helping other first-generation students adjust to college life.<\/p>\n
\u201cDr. Love is so intelligent, and I learned so much from working with her,\u201d Stroisch said. \u201cBeing able to lead other students who are having the same challenges that I once did was so rewarding.\u201d<\/p>\n
Stroisch hopes her Saluki journey will inspire her younger sister as she explores post-high school opportunities. Optimism about her and her family’s future has been reinforced by the transformative role scholarships played in Stroisch\u2019s college career.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t take a single bit of it for granted because a lot of students struggle,\u201d she said. \u201cI wish every student had the ability to fully put themselves into their studies.\u201d<\/p>\n
Those inspired by Stroisch\u2019s story can support student success by establishing or contributing to a scholarship through the SIU Foundation. To give online, visit siuf.org\/give<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Ava Steffens Trinity Stroisch, a senior, overcame the challenges of being a first-generation college student with the support of scholarships. She discovered a passion for marketing during her time at SIU Although her parents did not have the opportunity to pursue higher education, they instilled the desire to learn in Stroisch from an early … Continue reading Scholarships Support Trinity Stroisch\u2019s Path as a First-Generation Saluki<\/span>