Strength in support: how first-gen student Erica Mayberry found her path to success

Hanging on a wall in Erica Mayberry’s home are several different awards. They’re gifts from Ivy Tech Fort Wayne’s TRIO. Each one commemorates another milestone completed towards graduation day.

“It literally broke my heart when I saw those,” Erica says with a smile. “I couldn’t believe they sent actual, physical awards. Those are some of the moments you’re like the hard work is paying off.”

November 8 is First Generation College Celebration Day, which commemorates the signing of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965. It created federal financial aid programs to fund students’ educations and made key investments in higher education institutions. One of the key programs created through the HEA is TRIO.

“Being a non-traditional college student, I went through an emotional rollercoaster. I feel blessed that wonderful programs like TRIO take my hand and guide, support, and encourage me.”

Working towards her nursing degree as a first-generation, nontraditional student mother of three, she’s been met with her fair share of challenges, but despite everything, Erica beams as she sits down to share her story.

Chasing passion

It was a major operation that changed everything.

Growing up, Erica’s parents didn’t have stories to share about college. Her path took her directly from high school into the workforce. All around her, she witnessed people dealing with addiction, recovery, and mental health issues. Being in the hospital, it all snapped into place.

“The nurses took care of me and embraced me. It’s just something that I connected back to the way I grew up. I wanted to give back to my community. If we take care of our health to get that community well-being, it can have a positive impact.”

Her passion for giving back fueled her decision to join Ivy Tech Fort Wayne’s competitive and rigorous nursing program.

“I'm learning that part of nursing isn't always just doing something for someone. It's teaching. It's enabling, but you use compassion through that. You strengthen others. That's what I'm really eager to dive into.”

One thing that’s surprised Erica is the support and flexibility from her nursing instructors and the resources she’s found through the college—like TRIO.

“One thing I’ve had to tell myself is that nursing is a new experience, and of course, TRIO has been so amazing. I’ve been able to tell them my story, and they can coach me through everything.”

Paving the way

Ivy Tech Fort Wayne’s TRIO Student Support Services offers services to 160 first-generation, low-income, and/or students with disabilities. They provide individualized support by developing career plans, connecting students to resources, and offering tutoring services.

When she started college, Erica faced challenges like commitment, procrastination and most of all, time management. TRIO has helped her overcome these and more personal challenges she faces like finding childcare and finances. They assessed her situation and got her connected to resources like IvyCares.

“Whatever you need, from food to clothing, Ivy Tech is a great place for resources.”

A huge benefit Erica saw through IvyCares was help with childcare. She was able to receive a childcare voucher to get it for free. She immediately got access to care programs with no wait time which filled her with relief.

“I’m not a traditional student and nobody in my family has been in college. TRIO has been amazing with helping me get through difficult experiences. They've seen a lot and worked with all sorts of students. They’ve been able to guide me and get me back on track.”

Embracing Support

“When you're getting help, other people can see it because it's like you're spreading the love, and that's become a part of my identity.”

In the nursing program, Erica has become someone her peers rely on. It’s a quality she’s planning to bring into her career. She believes that embracing support has allowed her to be better at offering it to others. Asking for support in the beginning wasn’t easy, but she’s finding more and more benefits all the time.

Through school, Erica has a mentor that checks in weekly to make sure she’s doing okay in her program. It helps to hold her accountable, but also serves as a reminder she’s always got someone in her corner. TRIO has opened the doors to even more.

“TRIO introduced me to Persistence Pays Off, which gave me a personal mentor. We work on everything and go out to lunch. She’s helped me with time management, finances and parenting.”

Persistence Pays Off (PPO) is an effort made possible by United Way of Allen County, Lutheran Social Services of Indiana, and the TRIO programs at Ivy Tech and Purdue University Fort Wayne. The goal is to help students succeed by removing barriers. In the 2023-24 school year, 99% of students in the program “persisted”.

“We're worrying about all these things we’ve got to do. Really, we’re in college to better ourselves, get better jobs, or whatever it is. To have that support and those resources is always a benefit.”

Above all, Erica has so much support from her family and friends. Her church encourages her as she works on homework during meetings. Her neighbor helps look out for her youngest son. Her brother supports her through everything she faces. And her kids tell her every single day how proud of her they are.

“My kids see me do it, and they’re a part of the experience. Now they want to do it, too, and know it can be done because they see me do it.”

What’s next

Erica is so excited to get a taste of life after graduation day, but in the meantime, she wants to give back. In the next year, she’s hoping to join Ivy Tech Fort Wayne’s Student Nursing Organization (SNO) and the TRIO Leadership Council.

After she graduates, Erica hopes to pursue a career in the mental health field. She’s confident that she’ll get a job through the job fairs TRIO connects her to.

But, most of all, she’s excited for what graduation will mean for her family. As she remembers the milestones she’s reached so far, all the ups and downs getting where she is today has been worth it.

“We keep going on no matter what field we’re going into because our pathways are not always from A to Z. Sometimes we may go up a little bit, down a little bit, but as long as we just keep pursuing our dreams and our goals, that makes you feel good altogether.”

If you’re interested in learning more about Ivy Tech Fort Wayne’s TRIO Student Support Services, visit their website.