Five years ago, Shanna Holt was a stay-at-home mom of four. Her future career just a glimmer in her mind. Last summer, the TRIO Ronald E. McNair Program at East Tennessee State University changed her life.
Holt enrolled at Northeast State Community College in 2022 and graduated this past May with an associate degree in psychology, sociology and social work. Her advisor at Northeast suggested she apply to ETSU’s McNair program, an eligibility-based graduate school preparation program for rising juniors and seniors.
Real-Life Research
The McNair program began with a fast-paced, full-time summer internship focused on research skills and graduate school preparation, with studies tailored to each student’s personal interests. Ranging from professional development workshops to team-building exercises and even self-care activities, Holt emphasized the importance of the personal growth she experienced over the summer.
The second piece of the program allows students to pair with a faculty mentor for the upcoming academic year and conduct the studies presented in their summer research proposals. Holt worked closely with Dr. Robert Arrowood at the University of Virginia College at Wise to examine the relationship between existential isolation (loneliness) and different symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. Holt presented her findings at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association.
As a nontraditional, first-generation student, the McNair program introduced Holt to resources and opportunities she’d never had access to before.
“TRIO programs have helped me evolve from a cloistered caregiver, uncertain and confused about all things academic, to a competent student actively connected to my campus and my community,” shared Holt.
“I am more equipped to seek and seize available opportunities,” Holt added. “Involvement with TRIO has helped me become a more capable, well-rounded, and frankly, happier human.”
From Mom to Standout Student
Holt will be attending Columbia University this fall and majoring in either psychology or neuroscience and behavior. She envisions her future as a career researcher or educator.
“I know that without TRIO programs, like McNair, it wouldn’t have occurred to me to even try for such a thing — I grew up in Montana trailer parks and foster care; I don’t belong in the Ivy League. McNair taught me that all space is potential space. Boundaries don’t necessarily limit us, and we belong wherever we choose to be,” said Holt.
The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program is named in honor of Ronald E. McNair, an African American astronaut killed in the Challenger Space Shuttle explosion in 1986. This program is one of the United States Department of Education's special initiatives known as TRIO that serve and assist disadvantaged students.
Students interested in learning more about the McNair Program and other TRIO offerings can visit www.etsu.edu/students/trio/.
