For more than 50 years, the University of South Carolina has made an undergraduate education attainable for first-generation and low-income students through TRIO programs.
The foundation of these opportunities is the Pell Grant. Not only does this federal grant provide aid for those with significant financial need, but it helps to identify students who qualify for additional scholarships and the support offered by TRIO programs.
Here, USC alumni share how the Pell Grant opened the door for them to achieve their dreams of earning their degrees and attaining fulfilling, impactful careers.
Ebony Toussaint
Emergency nurse and research scientist, Medical University of South Carolina
Degrees from USC: 2011 Bachelor of Arts in political science, 2024 Master of Science in nursing, two-time post-doctoral fellow and former faculty
In addition: Master of Public Health in health policy (The George Washington University), Doctor of Philosophy in health service research (University of Maryland)
Your career: I chose to enter the field of nursing because I felt too far removed from the beginning of my career in public health. I completed a post-doctoral fellowship with the Arnold School of Public Health in 2021 and later earned the James Clyburn Health Equity New Investigator of the Year Award for my research on the role of nurses in science communication. As a researcher turned nurse, I think nurses should be at the forefront of science communication. We teach handwashing, nutrition and other forms of health promotion and disease prevention. We keep a pulse check on community public health needs. I work in a Gullah Geechee community, and I am Gullah Geechee. Being able to meet my patients where they are and explain the science of things like vaccines is fulfilling.
Why USC: I was born and raised in Beaufort, South Carolina. I chose USC because of the presence of TRIO Programs, which provided both financial and educational support as a rural, low-income and first-generation college student. I owe TRIO everything. Because of their support, I became a McNair Scholar and went on to earn my master’s and doctorate. TRIO equipped me with the confidence and skills to become an excellent orator and writer. My instruction and training in civics, the humanities and world history through TRIO was a unique experience at USC that shaped me into the woman that I am today.
Funding matters: I was a Pell Grant recipient and earned a Life Scholarship. During college, I worked at the State House in the lieutenant governor’s office and with the House of Representatives. I was also one of the first Mayor’s Fellows with Mayor Steve Benjamin. TRIO helped me secure those assistantships and fellowship.
Advice: You can do anything as a Gamecock. We are cocky for a reason. If a Gullah Geechee farm girl can go from our state’s capital to our nation’s capital, then any of you can do it! I now co-host the Ororo Comics Podcast with another nurse that focuses on health, culture and comic books. I’m also writing the back matter of an Eisner award-winning comic book series, curating essays and commentary to accompany Bitter Root. This summer, I will be presenting at the Comics Studies Society Annual Conference and the Annual Comics Arts Conference at San Diego Comic Con about the role of comics in science communication and health education.
Dr. David Tran
Resident physician, Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida
Degrees from USC: 2017 Bachelor of Science in biological sciences; 2022 Doctor of Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine
Your career: Throughout my life, I gravitated toward the idea of going into medicine. The inspiration came to me when I was a kid at my own family doctor’s office. As a doctor, you help people through their illness, promote health and wellness, and become integrated within your patients’ lives. The road to this career has many challenges, most notably the academic rigor, cost of medical education and time commitment. This summer, I will complete my family medicine residency program and begin my new role as an attending physician with an outpatient clinic with Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health.
Why USC: I chose USC because I wanted to explore outside of my hometown in the Upstate, and I obtained scholarships which helped with the financial side of my education. USC prepared me by providing guidance towards pre-medical requirements and resources about how to get into medical school. I was able to seek out mentorship, and my time as an undergraduate allowed me to foster interests in other areas outside of my career path. This helped me to develop a unique resume to apply for medical school. My time in medical school also provided ample opportunities to practice my skills as a physician, which then helped me transition to residency training.
Funding matters: I received the Pell Grant during my time as an undergraduate student at USC. I was part of the Opportunity Scholars Program, which helped provide additional scholarships for my undergraduate training. Ultimately, these scholarships helped tremendously in obtaining my degree as they not only offset the cost but allowed me to focus on my education without fear of the financial burden of undergraduate debt.
Advice: Enjoy the moment. It can be easy to get into the weeds of every single requirement and not enjoy your college years. I truly enjoyed my time at USC. I made many friends, especially through the Opportunities Scholars Program. I was a first-generation college student and so were the other people in the program. I remember doing a lot of studying with friends. After maybe a solid hour of studying, distraction would set in, and we would end up hanging out or grabbing a bite to eat together. Time is precious: By taking a step back occasionally you can really focus on your other interests, which no one ever regrets.
Adrian Peguese Carter
Litigation attorney, Turner Padget in Florence, South Carolina
Degrees from USC: 2012 Bachelor of Arts in public relations; 2015 Doctor of Law, Joseph F. Rice School of Law
Your career: This career path chose me, and it has allowed me to use some of my talents to help people in need. Before joining Turner Padget, I was a public defender in York County, and that experience deepened my understanding of systemic issues some communities in the state face. I also love the thrill of practicing law. Most days are not the same, and I like that I can pivot to learn about other areas of the law. I was always the kid who “talked too much” or “often needed redirection to stay on task,” and that got me in trouble more times than I could count. Today, my running joke with my mom is that I’m paid to talk!
Why USC: I grew up in Florence, South Carolina. We’ve always been just an hour up the road, but I did not take my first step onto the USC campus until I was 12 or 13, visiting my cousin in the nursing program. I fell in love with USC and told my mom that if I could not go to Carolina, I would not go anywhere; it would be Gamecocks or bust! I loved the campus and atmosphere, and from that moment forward, my goal was to attend USC. Luckily, I was accepted. When I applied to law school, again, it was only Carolina for me.
Funding matters: I received the Pell Grant, along with other scholarships and financial aid. Without this help, I would not have been able to attend USC. This support made a huge difference and provided an opportunity that I could never afford on my own. I was a part of the TRIO Programs Opportunity Scholars Program, with a close-knit group of first-generation students who played a vital role in navigating my college career. USC gave me a strong network that still benefits both my personal and professional life. USC also taught me how to be resilient and trust that I can achieve great things.
Advice: You deserve every opportunity that’s presented to you. Always pursue your passions.
Vijay Soni
Engineering manager, The Boeing Company
Degree from USC: Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering
In addition: Master of Business Administration (The Citadel)
Your career: I currently manage a team of manufacturing engineers that support the build of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner in South Carolina. I chose engineering because I like solving problems. I like using different tools, parts and processes to tackle various challenges. There are daily challenges in building a complex machine like a 787 Dreamliner but with the right support and teamwork, you can tackle any challenge that comes your way.
Why USC: I spent the majority of my childhood growing up in the Charleston, South Carolina area. I chose USC because it was close to home and had plenty of engineering opportunities. At USC, I got a lot of exposure to extracurricular clubs, acquired several internships – including two summers with Boeing – and had amazing mentors that prepared me for the start of my professional career.
Funding matters: In addition to the Pell Grant, I had several other scholarships that helped me get through college. This support took out the stress of having to work to support myself through college and gave me the opportunity to instead spend my time getting exposed to various clubs, aerospace research and intramural sports. I’ll never forget the countless hours my mentors from the TRIO office spent supporting me. During the first few years at USC, I had many doubts about where I was going and what I wanted to do. Along with my family, they guided me in the right direction in my journey at USC.
Advice: If you want to pursue a certain career path, go network and meet people at job fairs and pick their brains about what they do and how someone can land a job at their company Start your freshman year so you can pursue opportunities throughout your time in college to land your dream job when you graduate. Your network and support system will be your greatest ally for success upon graduation.
Maria Kerr
Middle level science educator, Carolus Online Academy
Degree from USC: Bachelor of Arts in education
Your career: For the past few years, I’ve been teaching middle school science at Lexington School District Four. I chose this career because when I was a seventh grader myself, I was in a very unsafe home situation as my parents went through a divorce. One of my teachers made me feel very comforted and seen. I knew from then on that I wanted to teach middle school, too, and to give students the same sense of safety he gave me. I love working with students and watching them grow throughout the year.
Why USC: I grew up in Gaston, South Carolina, from the time I was 3 years old. I chose USC because it is located near my hometown, and the financial aid options made college affordable for me. USC offered great professors who provided experiences that gave me a real look at what teaching would be like. I loved the professors at the College of Education because they reminded me why I chose my profession every time I had their classes.
Funding matters: With scholarships including the Pell Grant and Opportunity Scholars Program, I received a full ride for all four years at USC. This support impacted me as a first-generation college student because I came from a low-income household with a disabled mother who could not give me much to go to college. Throughout my time in college, I was a caretaker for my family, including my mom and grandparents. It was a huge weight off my shoulders knowing that a mountain of debt was not looming over me when I graduated. Working toward my degree gave me a sense of hope during a difficult time, as my grandpa passed away during my first year.
Advice: I remember I was very stressed my first year because I needed to get observation hours done for my teaching degree, but I had to drive all the way from Gaston and had all these extra family responsibilities. I kept having to reschedule because of everything that was going on, and I was very worried about what the school would think. I reached out to a professor about what to do, and she gave me good advice: When asking for support, it’s OK to say, “Thank you” instead of “I’m sorry.” I have carried that with me ever since.
Jarvia Meggett
Community engagement nurse, South Carolina Department of Public Health
Degrees from USC: 2016 Bachelor of Arts in public health
In addition: Master of Public Health (University of Michigan), Master of Science in nursing (Johns Hopkins University), post-graduate certificate in nurse midwifery (East Carolina University)
Your career: Nursing was always a passion; however, while enrolled at USC I was called to the public health profession. In my current role, I provide clinical guidance at a population level. It’s a great joy to be able to combine my degrees and profession. Almost everything in life involves public health, so it is easy to incorporate public health with nursing. Having training in both disciplines has given me skills to be a better educator for patients.
Why USC: I grew up in Charleston, South Carolina. I chose USC because I felt like I belonged there. I loved the campus, and the Opportunity Scholars Program is what really sealed the deal. TRIO Director Althea Counts – “Mama Counts,” as we refer to her – gave us the home feeling we needed. I felt that from my first visit on campus, so I knew it was the right place for me. USC exposed me to a lot that prepared me for life after graduation. One of the key things it taught me was how to communicate with people.
Funding matters: I received the Pell Grant, and I was Ronald E. McNair Scholar. I also received the Life Scholarship and a scholarship from the Opportunity Scholars program. My tuition was covered. That allowed me to go to school without needing to take out a loan. Growing up in a single-parent household, the scholarships helped me to achieve my goal. I also was able to participate in work study, which allowed me to have spending money, so I was able to go to school without having to call home for money and create an extra burden on my family.
Advice: My years at Carolina were the best in my life. Take advantage of all that USC has to offer. There is an opportunity for everything that may interest you. I participated in student government and served as a manager for the Gamecocks women’s basketball team. If you get out and network, you can build relationships to last a lifetime. I still communicate with people I met while at Carolina. Make the most of these years.