Cindy Smith

At 45 years old, I made the decision to completely change the direction of my life - a choice that ultimately led me to the career I once only dreamed was possible. My journey has not been traditional, but every challenge, setback, and new beginning has shaped the person and professional I am today. For 25 years, I worked as a hairdresser, building relationships with people from all walks of life and learning the importance of listening, compassion, and resilience. After the passing of my husband, I transitioned into retail while raising my children and rebuilding my life. During that time, I realized I wanted more than just a job - I wanted purpose, education, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. In 2019, as a widowed mother of three, I returned to school through the TRIO program at Olney Central College. What started as a leap of faith quickly became a transformative experience. TRIO gave me the support, encouragement, and resources I needed to believe in myself again. I went on to earn my associate degree before transferring to Indiana State University, where I completed my bachelor's degree in psychology while working full-time at Chick-fil-A and continuing to support my family. I even lived in a campus dorm with a classmate for two and a half years because I wanted to experience the full college experience and go all in. Today, I dedicate my career to supporting first-generation, low-income, and disabled students as they navigate higher education and pursue goals many once believed were out of reach. My work includes helping students enroll in classes, preparing academic plans, connecting with prospective students, and providing support for those overcoming personal and financial obstacles. For many students, college can feel overwhelming and isolating, and I strive to ensure they know they belong and are capable of succeeding. The achievement I am most proud of is seeing students graduate and hearing them say that I made a difference in their journey. Recently, one graduate who just finished his radio, TV, media program wrote a blog post about the most influential people on campus for him, and he mentioned me along with two other instructors. I can't even really talk about it without being brought to tears. Moments like that are what are really meaningful to me - when I see a student who came in and wasn't really sure if they were going to make it, and then they do, and just knowing that my support has been a turning point for them when they didn't have anybody else. This is especially true for our first-generation students, because they get here and they don't have anybody in their families who have been through the college avenue. They don't have any idea how to support their children. That's what our program does - that's what we're here for, is to support those students, to make sure that they know the avenues and the support systems and the services that we offer are here to support them. More than personal recognition, I hope this opportunity shines a light on the life-changing impact of TRIO programs and the power of education to transform lives.

My TRIO director advisor was hugely helpful and a supportive individual to help guide my career path. During my sophomore year, I told my TRIO director that my dream job was to work for him. I even said I knew it would never happen, because, you know, the buildings would fall down around his people. But during my senior year at Indiana State, someone retired, and I just happened to get the job - it has been a dream come true. There have been other things that have happened since then, but TRIO has still been there for me. I've done a lot of professional development through my career here, and I have also been fortunate enough to continue taking some classes while here. I'm putting some social work classes under my belt as well. Many of our students have been through traumatic experiences themselves, and I have seen how social environment has affected a lot of them. My social work classes kind of help bring that together with my psychology background, so I'm able to give them more of a full circle kind of help when I'm servicing them. It makes a huge difference for me and them. I am also involved with organizations including the Council for Opportunity in Education, Educational Opportunity Association, and Illinois TRIO. Beyond campus, I support initiatives focused on behavioral health services, women's homeless shelters, and student food insecurity programs because I understand how deeply access to resources can impact a person's future.

Go full in. Don't be afraid. Know your worth, and understand that you have a place at the table. I had to really come to terms with that, and it took me a while to get myself to understand that even though I had been out of the work field for quite some time, and I was a widowed mother of three, trying to figure out what I was gonna do with my life, that no matter what table I decided to sit at, I deserved to be there. And my voice could be heard, and that my story had meaning. And I could reach someone with my story, no matter where I was sitting. That's what I decided to do. If there is one piece of advice I would give to others considering a new path, it would be this: know your worth and understand that you deserve a seat at every table. It is never too late to begin again, pursue an education, or create a future you once thought was impossible.

The most important thing for me right now is talking about the TRIO program. Our program is under a lot of pressure - we are fighting a battle in Washington right now just trying to keep our programs funded by the United States government. We are 100 percent fully funded by the government, by the Department of Education. And unfortunately, they are trying to change our funding and eliminate TRIO programs. Our programs are extremely important for students from low-income, first-generation, and disabled student families. I advocate very, very, very much for these programs, because they work. TRIO works - I'm proof, I know it works. And as a first-generation, low-income student, if it hadn't been for TRIO, I would not have gotten a bachelor's degree. And I know that with all my heart. I've seen so many students as a student, and then as a TRIO professional, that wouldn't have been able to get a college degree without TRIO. I just want to have that extra support to help TRIO be seen, help people understand that TRIO is a powerful program, and that TRIO can reach and help so many if it just had the support and advocacy that it needs.

Outside of work, I enjoy reading - I read just about anything that's printed. I love to do variety puzzle books, and I spend time with my one and a half pound Yorkie. I am a snake enthusiast, and when the weather is beautiful, I love to ride my motorcycle - activities that give me both peace and freedom. Through every chapter of my journey, I have learned that resilience, determination, and the willingness to keep moving forward can open doors you never imagined possible. In addition to my professional work, I continue pursuing coursework in social work and trauma-informed support so I can better serve students facing difficult life experiences. My own journey has taught me that education can be life-changing when people are given the right support system and someone who truly believes in them. I try to make sure that students know they are welcome, they're supported, and that they have someone to be there in their corner.