Karena Acquah

The “Virtual Presentation on Human Trafficking” was a much-needed event that helped spread awareness about the issue. During the session, we discussed several topics, including red flags to watch for, why the state of Maryland is a high contributor, risk factors, types of sex trafficking, and ways to help. One major takeaway was learning the S.O.S. hand gesture. “To make the signal, you hold up your open palm, tuck your thumb against it, and then close your fingers over your thumb (Revize)”

During the TRIO SSS Spring Training Camp meeting, we did an exercise where we identified five values that stick out to us the most: mine were faith, happiness, family, stability, and health. We also went over new TRIO expectations, reflected on what went well and what didn’t during the fall semester, and discussed ways to stay motivated for the spring semester. We also reviewed upcoming events, including a trip to the African American History Museum, which I am excited about. I am looking forward to a great semester.

The 2025 spring semester refresh was definitely needed. During the session, we reviewed past requirements and discussed the new ones implemented this year. They introduced the five new “mini sessions” to the Promise Scholarship program, which was a great addition, as it helps accommodate individuals with various schedules. The coordinators listened to our concerns and ideas, creating session topics that were relevant to us students. Topics such as transfer guidance, academic wellness, and mental help are ones that I plan to attend. Attending this refresh was a wake-up call. It reminded me of the privilege I have to be part of this scholarship and the importance of staying focused this semester. Being in academic recovery is not a setback but an opportunity to come back strong and perform ten times better than before.

During this meeting, we went over what is expected of us during the 2026 school year and the things we need to complete if they haven’t been done for this semester. Even though this wasn’t a “refresh,” it still provided clarity and understanding for any lingering questions people may have had throughout the semester. This was a great semester with the Promise Scholarship, and hopefully, next semester will be even better.

This was my first trip with TRIO SSS, and I really enjoyed my time. We attended Howard University, which is one of my top 5 universities to transfer to, so it was great to see all the things they had to offer. I also enjoyed the museum we visited; it was a great way to relax and gain information. Thank you, TRIO SSS, for this experience.

During this event, we mainly talked about civic engagement with Delegate Martinez. It was a great way for us to learn more about this topic. It also allowed us, as students, to have our questions heard and answered, especially since the election had just happened and many of us were not pleased with the results, as they may impact our future.

I decided to volunteer for SEED Day 2024, and it was a good experience. It was definitely more chaotic than last year, but we volunteers managed to pull it off. I helped set up breakfast, collected the workshop sign-in sheets, and guided people to their workshops at CHS. It was great to see both of my current and former professors, as well as the new faculty and staff I had helped during their orientation. 7/10

This was my first time attending the Club Fair/ Owl Life Expo, and it was a great experience. I decided to join two clubs which were Women in Cyber Security and the Justice League Club. I came to support and help OSSA and C.A.B. with their setup but mainly was at the C.A.B. table due to a lack of volunteers/leadership. It was great to see familiar faces and reconnect with other students that I had met before. I also got a balloon animal! 8/10

I attended the 2024 Transfer Fair, and it was okay at best. I did arrive during the last hour, so there weren’t as many colleges/universities left, and the college I was interested in had a spokesperson who didn't know much about my major, only about their pharmacy program. There were also long lines for other colleges/universities that I wanted to explore, and by the time I circled back, the tables were already packed up. Hopefully, the Spring Transfer fair will have more opportunities for me.

During this “Women of Wisdom Fall 2024 Retreat,” we reviewed the components and requirements for this organization. It was great to see familiar faces and connect with those new members as well. We shared some helpful tips and tricks to navigate through this semester and discussed the various resources we have on campus. Hopefully, this will be the start of a semester that is filled with success.