With midterms coming many seawolves are stressed with assignments and studying for finals that they feel like they are not prepared for. Luckily TRIO has events like De-stress Before the Test to help seawolves to take a break from their school work and relax and do something creative. Not only do they host events like this they provide services for students to help them with academic support, advising, and personal coaching. They also offer a quiet study lab and free printing in the CASSE office and lounge.

TRIO is a program that is divided into two programs: the Multilingual Achievers Program (MAPS) and United for Success. It is open to undocumented students, low-income students, students registered with DSS, and first-generation students. TRIO can offer advice to help with courses and where students can ask about graduate school and other opportunities after graduation. The academic support that they provide students with is tutoring in math, reading, and writing support from specialists.

What is the CASSE Lounge? CASSE is the Center for Academic Access and Student Enrichment. According to Natalie Reyes, a fourth-year sociology major, “The CASSE Lounge is a space for students where students can come in with friends or study by themselves.They have access to free printing, computers, and snacks, it’s a spacious room where students can come and do homework.” The lounge is a safe space where students de-stress from the workload they consume every day in class.

De-stress Before the Test was a great way to introduce students to what TRIO is and the CASSE lounge. Reyes said, “De-stress before the test is a workshop that allows students to step away from their school work, any homework or test coming up. They can de-stress by coloring, using the notebooks that are provided, grabbing a snack with friends, or rock painting.”

For some students like Ashley Martinez, third-year early childhood studies, it was their first time visiting the lounge. Martinez said, “I came here because I wanted to get to know the CASSE lounge. I’m also a little nervous about the midterms. I have an upcoming midterm this Monday (yesterday) for sociology.” With De-stress Before the Test, activities allow students to distance themselves from academics and focus on themselves.

Giselle Hernandez, a third-year early childhood studies student, has taken advantage of TRIO and the CASSE Lounge. Hernandez said, “I have frequently been using their writing center for class essays and scholarships. Receiving that feedback from the tutors that are helping me out is a great relief for me.” Tutors and peer coaches are there to help and not criticize. Hernandez continues to say, “writing is not my specialty and the tutors don’t judge my writing skills,  they are there to support me and it feels great walking out knowing that my essay was looked over by someone who does feel confident in writing.”

Fellow seawolves should take a tour of the CASSE lounge and see if TRIO can help them with any assignments or tasks. Make sure you don’t miss an event with TRIO so make sure you check out their Instagram @ssu.triosss or triosss.sonoma.edu.