Student of the month values helping others

Just a sophomore, Bozeman is studying communications and is looking to add criminal justice to the mix because he wants to help people in his future career. He said he was raised in a family that values helping others.

“My mom works for a non-profit organization that gives back to schools and other organizations, and my dad works with at-risk youth,” Bozeman said. “I was brought up helping at food drives for Christmas and Thanksgiving. I enjoy helping people.”

Bozeman said Project Strive/TRiO is like a family. He said he uses various services provided by the program, including checking out textbooks and attending workshops.

“They help keep track of how you are doing in classes and will help you if you need it,” Bozeman said.

In addition to Project Strive/TRiO, Bozeman is a member of the Chadron State College football team. He said he came to CSC because of the opportunity to continue his football career.

“Balancing football and school comes down to you finding the time. If you really want it, I think you will really get it done. Sometimes you have to spend late nights studying or get up early to study,” Bozeman said.

Bozeman said he enjoyed learning useful writing skills that can be applied to all of his classes during a writing class taught by Markus Jones, assistant professor of English. He said one of his current classes, Relationships 2.0 (FYI 169AI) taught by Dr. Lorie Hunn, professor of Family and Consumer sciences, is eye-opening.

“We talk about relationships, which is something that is really critical. I had realized that, but now I realize just how critical it is,” Bozeman said. “You have relationships with everyone, and it matters.”

Dr. Shaunda French-Collins, associate professor of Communication and department chair, said Bozeman is an exceptional student.

“To hear that Estabon is the October Project Strive/TRiO Student of the Month is no surprise, as Estabon is an exceptional student. He works hard, provides insightful discussion during class lectures, and continually is improving his academia skills and talents,” French-Collins said.

Director of Project Strive/TRiO Jen Schaer said Bozeman is not only a great student, but a great person.

“Estabon cares about his education and has taken the steps to be successful at CSC. He sits in the front of the class and is actively involved,” Schaer said. “It has been great to watch Estabon grow, learn and take chances on topics that interest him.”

One of Bozeman’s interests is talking about the diversity on campus. Last summer, he was chosen to join other CSC representatives in attending the Annual National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in American Higher Education in Portland, Oregon. He said the opportunity was one of the greatest he has experienced while at CSC.

“We sat in different workshops and talked about what you can do about a diversity problem if it exists on campus. I was interested in how to address situations and what activities to complete,” Bozeman said. “We want to create a comfortable environment where you'll feel at home because when you’re comfortable, you’re more likely to succeed which is the goal.”

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/.