As a future educator, first-generation college graduate Trinity Mijares will bring with her a wealth of real-world experience that includes pushing herself hard to overcome learning disabilities.
Mijares, the oldest of four children who worked to help her single mother and be a role model for her siblings, was one of 518 students to receive degrees Friday at the Three Rivers College graduation. More than 800 degrees and certificates were conferred at the Libla Family Sports Complex.
“She was eager, determined to learn, and pushed herself hard,” college president Dr. Wesley Payne shared.
By junior high, Mijares had improved so drastically that she graduated from her Individual Education Plan classes.
Today she is thankful for the support of her family, including her mother, stepfather, siblings, aunts, uncles and grandparents, as well as TRC’s faculty and staff.
“We are all so proud of Trinity. She has overcome every obstacle, made wondrous achievements, and we know that she will succeed in her future endeavors. Trinity will surely make an excellent teacher,” Payne concluded.
Eric Schalk, TRC board chairman, said he was proud to see so many people moving on to better their lives with TRC degrees. He reaffirmed TRC’s commitment to affordable and accessible higher education.
“Education is the key to a better quality of life in our area,” he told attendees.
This year’s speaker was 2023 Distinguished Alumni Dr. Ron Webb, bishop of Mt. Calvary Powerhouse Church. Webb told graduates TRC was their launchpad for education and careers, just as it had been for him. He encouraged students to focus on their goals, be grateful for positive people in their lives and put God first.
“Cut off the distractions, get rid of the labels and move forward with your lives,” he said.
Every year, staff highlight first-generation, non-traditional, family, military, international and dual credit graduates. According to Payne, this year’s honorees “exemplify the qualities we strive to instill in all our students — determination, loyalty and faith in their abilities.”
Non-traditional students are those above average graduate age. Payne said they have many reasons not to go to college right after high school. They may enter the workforce or military, or raise families. Some have to put their education on hiatus and finish it later.
This year, Vicky Turner was the star non-traditional graduate. She had dreamed of going to college, but instead left high school to start a family. She later earned a GED and watched several of her children break the cycles of rural poverty and get degrees.
“I then decided I was finally at a point in my life where I could do something just for myself, and I wanted to reach for my dream. I knew it was now or never,” Vicky Turner said in a statement. “I wanted so badly to prove to myself that I could do this; regardless of my age or the fact that I would not be a traditional college student. I wanted to make my husband and children proud, and to show them that you are never too old to reach for your dreams.”
She started college in August 2013, at age 56. But after just one semester her dreams were derailed again, this time by a near-fatal heart attack. She had two emergency surgeries within 48 hours to install a pacemaker and a defibrillator. Recovery was slow — Vicky Turner faced memory problems and struggled with day-to-day activities, but she did not give up.
“With my children’s help, and my grandchildren encouraging me, I finally made it. It has taken me a little longer than I intended, but I am finally at the end of this long hard road,” she said.
Married duo Stormie and Zachary Norden are both attending TRC. For the last two years, they have juggled homework for themselves with school and activities for their three young children, according to Payne, who introduced Stormie Norden as the face of TRC’s commitment to serving whole families.
Stormie Norden’s statement said the family relied on teamwork to succeed.
“We really have to lean on each other to accomplish our goals and show our kids that anything is possible with the right mindset and people in your corner,” she explained.
At this year’s commencement, Stormie Norden earned an associate degree in health sciences. Next year, she and her husband will walk the stage together; she will receive an associate of applied science degree in nursing, and he will earn an associate of arts in general education.
Payne noted Zachary Norden was a veteran. He was not the only veteran highlighted during the program. Navy hospital corpsman third class Oliver Warren stood in the spotlight to represent TRC’s veterans.
Warren enlisted in the Navy immediately after high school in 2016. After leaving active duty in 2021, he decided to use the skills he had learned to become a licensed paramedic.
“While in the military, Oliver earned numerous medals, and once back in school he has been able to successfully complete his courses and has shown that he was willing to work hard to achieve his goal,” Payne praised.
Warren plans to practice with the New Madrid Ambulance District and eventually become a flight medic, all while staying active in youth ministry, Payne said.
Finally, Payne called attention to dual credit graduates, getting a jump start on their futures by earning an associate degree or job certification while still in high school.
Greenville High School valedictorian Matti Looney was this year’s highlighted dual credit graduate, having just finished her associate of science degree in health science.
“Her instructors say Matti is one of the kindest, most hardworking students you will ever meet, and humble when it comes to her accomplishments,” Payne said.
She plans to continue her education at the University of Missouri in Columbia and become a radiologist physician assistant, eventually moving back to Southeast Missouri to give back to her community.