Information gathered by Krystal Gutierrez ’27
Sameerali Sajwani
Computer Science Major
Hi! My name is Sameerali Sajwani (he/him), and I am a computer science major. Born and raised in the West Ridge neighborhood of Chicago’s northside, I consider West Ridge my home. From the great eats to the great people, it is a place that is dear to me. When I reflect on my time at Carleton, I don’t just think about the classes or the campus; I also think about the people I met who helped shape my journey, and the endless memories that were created. Being part of TRIO has been one of the most impactful aspects of my college experience. It’s more than just a program; it’s been a home base, a community, a safety net, and a place rich with events and delicious food.
I joined TRIO as a first-generation college student, unsure of what to expect and trying to find my place. From the start, I was surrounded by people who genuinely cared about me, and not just about my grades. Whether it was our peer mentors, the dedicated advisors, or the other students in TRIO, the community has always made space for honest check-ins, real conversations, and a place where your guard could be let down. Their consistent support helped me navigate Carleton’s rigor and reminded me that I didn’t have to do it alone. TRIO reminded me that there were other students with similar backgrounds to mine with shared experiences, especially at a PWI.
As a first-generation student, it’s easy to feel like you have to carry everything on your own; to be your own guide, advocate, and support system. But TRIO changed that for me. It became a steady presence through all the times when the courseload at Carleton was pushing me down, and when I felt overwhelmed with my classes. It gave me a space where I didn’t have to pretend to have it all figured out. This foundation, which TRIO provided, that unwavering presence, is something I’ll carry with me long after graduation.
This past winter break, I had the chance to extern as a Technical Consultant at Concord USA, and I am more than glad that I took this opportunity. With the resources available at this college, ranging from the well-informed Career Center staff to the strong alumni network, I was able to take a meaningful step toward my professional goals. The experience not only expanded my skills but also strengthened my confidence in pursuing a career in tech after graduation.
Looking back, some of my favorite moments at Carleton have been outside of the classroom. The late-night conversations, random hangouts, and bonding with my friends who became like a second family. Additionally, I had a lot of fun at all of the social gatherings hosted by TRIO (from their Comfort Food Fridays to their End of Year Celebrations) and the numerous potlucks with my friends.
To future TRIO students: lean into the community. Ask for help. Go to the events. You might come in looking for academic resources, but you’ll leave with lifelong friends and mentors who truly care about your success and well-being.
As I prepare to graduate, I carry this community with me, knowing I’m not just stepping into the next chapter alone, but I’m walking forward with everything this program gave me. I’m filled with mixed emotions; happiness from being so close to graduating, and sadness from leaving this community that I have grown so close to. I’m deeply grateful for all of the support that I received during my four years here from all of my support networks: my friends, my family, my mentors, and my advisors — thank you for believing in me and making my experience memorable.
Chris Melo Mejia
Psychology Major, Neuroscience Minor
Hi! My name is Chris Melo, and I am a Psychology major and Neuroscience minor hailing from Colorado Springs, Colorado. Coming into college, I didn’t know what to expect. I’m a first-generation college student: my family didn’t have the chance to finish high school, let alone attend college. So when I arrived on campus, I felt unprepared and, to be honest, scared. I worried that I wouldn’t be good enough, that I wouldn’t find people who understood where I came from or what I had gone through to get here. That all started to change on my very first day when I met the TRIO community. Meeting the TRIO staff and students was like taking a deep breath for the first time in a long time. I felt seen, supported, and for the first time in a while, at home. From my very first Fiesta Friday to my final end-of-term celebration, TRIO has been a constant source of connection and care. Even during my academic challenges, I never felt alone.
There was always someone from TRIO right there with me, riding the struggle bus side by side. Being both a TRIO student and later a peer leader has shown me just how powerful this program is. To this day, I still offer advice to my former TRIO mentees because I know how transformative that support can be. The friendships I’ve made through TRIO are ones I’ll carry with me for life. These people helped shape some of my favorite college memories, and they helped shape the person I’m becoming. As I step into the next chapter of life, I want to leave you with one final piece of wisdom: “Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.” Let it remind you to stay grounded and to stay curious about the people, places, and stories beyond your own.