Spotlights
Aimee Murray
1. What TRiO program(s) are you an alumni of? East Tennessee State University Upward Bound
2. What is your current position or job title? College Access Coordinator and Bridge Counselor at ETSU Upward Bound
3. What about being a TRiO participant do you think has been the most impactful in your life and/or career? I was always a student who wanted to go to college, and I was lucky enough to have parents who encouraged that. However, neither of them had ever been to college and we did not have a lot of money, so the process seemed daunting. Upward Bound made the transition so seamless since I had already spent so much time on a college campus, had taken college courses, and was familiar with how financial aid worked. I also met my best friend of over 20 years in Upward Bound, which has been one of the most positive and fulfilling relationships of my entire life! I always say that I wouldn’t be the person I am today without Upward Bound so it means a great deal to me to be able to serve students in the exact same program I grew up in.
4. Favorite memory from your days in TRiO? Just so, so many inside jokes, late night laughs (both as a student and later as a Resident Advisor), friends made, and connections strengthened.
5. What advice would you have for other TRiO alumni? Don’t hesitate to lean on your TRIO family! If you are unsure of a process or how to get started with something unfamiliar, ask your fellow TRIO alums for help. Chances are they’ve also been there and can give you some tips or point you in the right direction.
6. What is one achievement you have yet to earn that you would like to in the future? I think I would like to move up to the position of Assistant Director of a TRIO program one day and get some experience from that perspective.
7. Just for fun: what TV show or movie are you obsessed with right now? Right now I’m rewatching one of my all-time favorite shows, Lost, so I’ve been obsessed with reliving that right now. Also, because it’s spooky season I’ve been watching loads of horror movies! Some favorites are Trick ‘r Treat, It Follows, Scream, and Jennifer’s Body.
Alissa J. Belton
What TRiO program(s) are you an alumni of? Upward Bound at Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) and Student Support Services at MTSU
What is your current position or job title? Academic Counselor for TRIO SSS and instructor
What about being a TRiO participant do you think has been the most impactful in your life and/or career? TRIO saved my life. UB got me through high school with the support I needed. SSS helped me acclimate to college, find a major, and find a purpose.
Favorite memory from your days in TRiO? Winning Scholars Bowl two years in a row undefeated and visiting the Georgia Aquarium!
What advice would you have for other TRiO alumni? Get connected! There’s so many TRIO alumni in so many different careers and locations that can help you on your journey.
What is one achievement you have yet to earn that you would like to in the future? I’d like to earn the advisor of the year award for my faculty advisor role for Alpha Chi Omega
Just for fun: what TV show or movie are you obsessed with right now? Criminal Minds, NCIS, CSI. If there’s a fictional murder, I’m probably interested.