SSS Student Spotlight

Sierra Osowski, Urban Studies

“SSS has given me an extra support system. As a first-generation college student, I really wasn’t sure what to expect at UWM, but everyone in the office was so helpful in guiding me to success in everything from financial aid to housing questions to choosing classes and more. I was also given work opportunities through the office which helped greatly in my resume building. I am so glad I was a part of this program!”

Sierra will continue with Professional Law School at the the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Law, starting Fall 2022 – CONGRATS! 🎉🎓

Fidelis Okhuofu, Business Finance

“With the help of SSS, I was able to navigate through college more efficiently and smoothly with their monthly meetings, the ability to talk to the advisors about anything personal or school related. They support your growth and success in many ways like helping with your class schedule or advising you on what classes to take. We can’t forget the free printing and computer usage that helped me when I didn’t have one so I’m appreciative of what they’ve done for me.”

Haneen Mahmoud, Information Science &Technology, Health Care Informatics

The last four years has definitely been a challenge and I couldn’t have done it without being a part of the SSS. When I came to UWM the summer before freshmen year, I was terrified because college was a new dynamic for me, especially since I was put in a safe bubble and was so introverted. Then I joined the summer bridge program, which was hosted by the SSS, and I have to say that was one of the best decisions I ever made because it slowly exposed me to a new world. The SSS helped me feel safe, supported me, connected me with people who were similar to me and who stuck with me throughout my four years at UWM, and lastly, the SSS helped me a lot when it came to finding a major and getting that extra advising with any problem I might have had. The SSS is one of the best programs at UWM and I owe them a HUGE thank you!

 

Ethiel Vega-Padilla, English

Ethiel

“I never thought that I would be able to make it to college, and when the acceptance letters started to roll in, I started to see my future unfold in front of me. UW Milwaukee wasn’t my first choice, but I’m glad I stuck with it, the summer bridge program was my first introduction as to how things were going to be. The transition process was a little tough for me but with the support of SSS I was lent the guidance needed to fully realize the student and the man that I could become. With the academic resources at their disposal, I was always put in a position to succeed; not only that but the character building that took place between my counselor and I through the long and countless discussions about my career path, about what classes I should take, about not given up on myself when things started to look bleak was something that you couldn’t learn from and a classroom. With time allotted outside of the parameters of school, things like randomly walking in without an appoint to speak to a counselor shows the flexibility that the SSS counselors gave to their students, was all part of guiding us every step of the way until we reached the finish line. A place dedicated to helping their students attain success, that success being a bachelor’s degree. SSS was the foundation that I needed to self-actualize and create the future that I needed.”