Growing up no one ever talked with Trinity about planning for life after high school. She was brought up in a blue-collar town in rural North Carolina

and didn’t know of any family members or friends who had college degrees. That changed, however, when a few years ago College Advising Corps and its partner, Appalachian State University (App State), began placing college advisers at R-S Central High School where Trinity was enrolled.

At the start of her senior year, Trinity received an email from Shyheim Stafford, a recent App State graduate who in the fall began serving as a college adviser at her school. Shyheim offered to meet with Trinity one-on-one to get to know her, understand her goals, and explore postsecondary education opportunities to find that “right match and fit,” as he calls it.

Shyheim Stafford is a first-year College Advising Corps adviser at Appalachian State University. He shares how he began working with Trinity to help her reach her postsecondary goals.

“I hadn’t thought much about going to college,” shared Trinity, who, several years ago separated from her parents and now lives with her guardian, “but after talking with Mr. Stafford, I realized I can go to college.”

Trinity Robertson aims for higher when it comes to scoring in air rifle competitions and in her postsecondary goals. She and her JROTC rifle team at R-S Central High School in Rutherford, North Carolina, won the State Air Rifle Championship in 2021 and in 2022. Trinity will join the Army National Guard before heading to Appalachian State University in the fall.

Trinity “started getting on top of things” and began applying to multiple schools. Although still a senior in high school, she enrolled at her local community college to take classes in public speaking and psychology—a field of study she’d like to pursue after high school. In February, Trinity received an acceptance letter from Appalachian State University. She credits her adviser for helping her with everything related to the application process, including filling out FAFSA.

Trinity’s journey to higher education will most likely include military enlistment. Having participated in Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), she is looking to join the Army National Guard where she can both receive training focused on psychology and receive help paying for college tuition.

For those coming up behind her who don’t know what life holds for them after high school, Trinity has some sage advice. “Don’t be embarrassed to ask for help or admit you don’t know what you’re doing . . . someone can change your life—help you realize something you didn’t know before.”