Project Strive TRiO names October Student of the Month

 Gallagher, a legal studies major, is the Liberal Arts Student Senator and the Campus Activities Board vice chair of relations working with social media. She chose CSC based on a golf scholarship plus the scenery and reasonable tuition, she said.

She said the services through Project Strive TRiO have assisted her with overcoming a math disability.

“I love how they help you in so many different ways. I give credit to Project Strive for how successful I have been so far. They’ve really helped me with math. I got an A in pre-Algebra and I’ve never got an A in math before,” she said.

Not only is Gallagher overcoming challenges with math, but she even plans to apply for law school. This goal ties in with the careers of several close family members, but Gallagher made the decision based on her own experience.

She completed an internship with John Fitzgerald in the Lawrence County State’s Attorney’s office during her senior year at Lead-Deadwood high school and she also competed in speech and debate. She returned to work for Fitzgerald again the summer after she graduated.

“He was named Prosecutor of Year in 2012 for South Dakota so I know I’ve got a great mentor,” Gallagher said.

She is currently undergoing mentor training with Project Strive TRiO and will begin working as a mentor in January.

“I’m so excited. I know how it was as a freshman to feel lost. But if you go to class and you try, you are not going to fail. It’s important that students be proactive and plan their futures,” she said.

Gallagher is sure she has made the right choice in her major as well her college. She appreciates the CSC professors who hold her to a higher standard because they know her capabilities. She said she has friends who attend large universities where they do not have the same access to professors that she enjoys.

“The legal studies department is the best. It’s been fantastic coming to Chadron State and having a department that cares as much about your success as you do. You know you are in the right major when you like going to class, you like seeing your professors, they love being in class and they care. It’s so nice to have support from my advisor. I’m fortunate,” Gallagher said.

The Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month award recognizes outstanding CSC students who are members of the organization. Each month, a participating student is selected for the award based upon her or his work in Project Strive/TRiO and other activities on campus or in the community.

Award winners receive a plaque and have their photo placed on the “Project Strive/TRiO 2014-15 Student of the Month” Achievement Recognition board. The board, located in the Strive Learning Center, is themed "The Essence of Success."