Project Strive provides second family for March Student of the Month

Vogel said CSC’s small campus, community and its distance from home were what encouraged her to enroll.

After spending her first year as a biology major, Vogel changed to social work. She said Tamara Toomey, director of transitional studies, recommended the program, and she fell in love.

Vogel said a social work major fits her desire to help others. She said she would like to eventually work in a children’s hospital, but after a recent tour of Torrington’s prison system for Services to Child/Families (SW 331), Vogel said she may have interest in working in the prison system.

“They are very personable, and you get to know them,” said Vogel about social work faculty. “Rich [Kenney] and Bruce [Hoem] are the best.”

Kenney, associate professor of social work, said Vogel is an organized and cheerful student.

“She is a planner who has the ability to organize her many projects and activities quite effectively, including her roles as an officer in both the Social Work Club and the Native American Club. Selena is blessed with a positive outlook and her cheerfulness has a way of rubbing off on just about everyone she meets,” Kenney said.

In addition to the Social Work and Native American clubs, Vogel is involved in Project Strive/TRiO. She said the main thing that attracted her to the program was the family-type relationship it provides.

“It is like a second family. We get to do fun stuff together and hang out,” Vogel said.

Vogel also appreciates the book checkout and tutoring resources Project Strive/TRiO provides. Her favorite events include the ice cream social at the beginning of the school year and various crafting events.

Vogel’s Project Strive/TRiO adviser, Amanda Lewin, enjoys having her in the program.

“She always works hard and always has a cheerful attitude,” Lewin said. “She’ll be a great social worker because she is able to get along with anyone.”