The CRLA certification signifies an intense form of validation towards my efforts towards my students and what these TRIO SSS programs stand for. I am extremely committed to the betterment of my students and providing an extensive support system to those that need it, which is more often than not the students of the populations we serve. When asking my students, past and present, what they wish they had as a non-traditional college student to aid in their experience, they all say they wish they had that extra “someone”. There are so many things that students don’t even know that they don’t know, and it requires me to be adept and prepared to assess possible situations. The CRLA certification provides a sense of trust in my students knowing that I have received the preparation necessary to assist them in whatever I can. Also, it will prove extensively useful in my future endeavors pertaining to college-age youth, as employees will hopefully recognize the rigorous training and experience I’ve received to best serve my students.
– Sebastian Sanders