“I have seen some of the world; now I want to be the one who changes someone’s world.” -Taylor Zamora
Discovering College, and Herself, Through TRIO
As a first-generation college student, Zamora once doubted her place in higher education. That changed when she connected with TRIO Student Support Services and advisor Rick Martinez at San Juan College.
“I saw the potential in Taylor from day one,” said Martinez. “She’s absolutely a future leader.”
Zamora, now a Liberal Arts major, has found her voice and her path—on campus and beyond.
On Campus and on a Mission
This fall, Zamora steps into several new leadership roles, including:
- Communications Officer for Student Government
- Editor of Perspectives magazine
- English tutor
- Yale University applicant
She’s balancing it all while continuing to serve as a role model for fellow students.
Representing TRIO in Washington, D.C.
Earlier this year, Zamora was one of just 30 students in the U.S. selected for the first-ever TRIO Future Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C.
“I was scared and felt out of place on the flight there,” she said. “But I quickly realized I wasn’t alone.”
During the summit, Zamora connected with peers from across the country who shared similar backgrounds—and big dreams. Activities included:
- Touring Capitol Hill
- Participating in a mock Congress
- Meeting with policymakers
- Advocating for TRIO’s impact
“My success and my goals are because of TRIO,” she said. “This program changes lives.”
Why TRIO Matters
TRIO is a set of federal programs that help first-generation, low-income, and disabled students succeed in college. Nationwide, TRIO supports:
- Over 880,000 students
- Across 3,400+ sites in the U.S. and territories
According to the U.S. Department of Education:
- TRIO students are 47% more likely to complete an associate degree or transfer
- And 18% more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree than similar peers
TRIO at San Juan College
San Juan College proudly hosts four TRIO programs, each designed to help students overcome barriers and reach their full potential.
“Our mission is to prepare them for life,” said Martinez. “Not just for college.”
Looking Ahead-with Gratitude
Zamora’s trip to D.C. was made possible by support from the San Juan College Foundation and generous donors, who helped cover her travel and professional clothing expenses.
Now, with Yale on the horizon, she’s embracing her future with confidence:
“Never again will I let myself think my dreams belong in tunnel vision.”
