Madrigal grateful for CSC professors

Since he joined Project Strive/TRiO in Fall 2017, Madrigal said he has used several of its services, including counseling, academic advising, stress relief workshops, and book checkout.

He said he likes how helpful Project Strive/TRiO is to its students.

“The program is dedicated to helping students succeed and stay in college,” Madrigal said. “I would strongly encourage students, especially freshmen, to join. It is a great program to lean back on when you need guidance or help when entering as a first-generation student.”

Project Strive/TRiO Director Jennifer Schaer said Madrigal is a great student and addition to the program.

“Cody pushes himself to go above and beyond in the classroom and he also looks out for his fellow classmates,” Schaer said. “He will be a great teacher. I look forward to seeing what Cody does in his future.”

When looking at colleges, Madrigal said CSC’s affordable classes and open enrollment stood out, but he has found that his professors are what really make CSC unique.

“If it wasn’t for the professors I probably wouldn’t have made it more than a year at CSC,” Madrigal said. “I was lucky to have a lot of great professors along the way who were committed to helping me succeed and develop as a student.”

He said his Social Sciences professors have a great mentality and encourage him to explore academically challenging topics.

Dr. Dave Nesheim, associate professor of Social Sciences, said he appreciates Madrigal’s efforts.

“Cody sets himself apart with his keen intellectual curiosity and high-quality work, but really shines through his involvement with student organizations like the Social Science Club,” Nesheim said.

In addition to his Social Science Education classes, Madrigal said the Physical Education program has prepared him for a future career.

“I feel as if no other program on campus is more devoted to making sure their students are qualified for field positions,” Madrigal said.

Outside of academic responsibilities, Madrigal is the Social Science Club’s treasurer, a member of the Plainswalkers club, and works night security on campus. During the 2017-18 academic year, he advocated for meal plan changes and helped create the 200 meal plan.

With plans to graduate in Spring 2021, Madrigal said he hopes to spend a few years as a high school teacher before pursuing a master’s degree in psychology.

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 www.csc.edu/projectstrive.