Hill named Student of the Month

Hill, a Social Work major, said she chose to further her education at CSC because the application was free and she had heard good things about the Social Work program.

“I was either going to go into Social Work or Psychology because my main goal is to eventually become a counselor,” Hill said. “Before I get my master’s, I want to work with kids who are on probation and help keep them out of prison.”

Social Work Professor Bruce Hoem said he appreciates that Hill is in the program.

“The word for Michaela is ‘always.’ She is always one of the first to volunteer, always with a smile, always there when you need help,” Hoem said.

Hill said she has a good relationship with Hoem and Social Work Program Director Rich Kenney Jr.

“At bigger campuses, you don’t always feel comfortable to ask for help. That’s my favorite part of CSC – you can have a good relationship with your professors and it is easy to ask for help,” Hill said.

Connections have been a key to Hill’s campus involvement. Serving as an Eagle Leader this fall led her to land a job in the campus call center. Hill also works at the King Library.

Her supervisor, Outreach Librarian Shawn Hartman, said Hill has been a blessing.

“Michaela has been a student worker for us throughout her tenure as a student at Chadron State College. I cannot say enough about her kindness and her willingness to step up when needed,” Hartman said.

Working in the library allowed Hill to interact with Project Strive/TRiO staff members since the program is located on the lower level. Being a first generation student allowed her to apply and be accepted into the program.

Hill said she enjoys the program, especially its events.

“I go to class twice a week for the professional program, so it gives me something to do with the rest of my time,” Hill said. “The events they host give us a chance to get to know other people in Strive and are a mix of having fun and learning life skills.”

With plans to graduate in May 2020, Hill will spend her final semester completing an internship at the Wyoming Women’s Center in Lusk, Wyoming. She said she is excited for the opportunity and will get experience working one-on-one with inmates.

Chadron State College’s Project Strive/TRiO program, located in the lower level of the King Library, is an academic enrichment program committed to help students succeed. Project Strive also focuses on career exploration, cultural and social enrichment and self-awareness. To be eligible for the program, a student must be one of the following: A first generation student where neither parent has a four-year degree, meet low income status based on U.S. Department of Health and Human Services criteria, or have a documented disability. For more information, visit https://www.csc.edu/projectstrive/.