Adriane Teabout '10
Ken Lim '07
Tracey A. Casseus
Jackie Munoz '08
HEOP is a very helpful program. I am offered many opportunities that the general student body does not have access to, and there are services that ensure student success. Academic Consultants are readily available to help you with your work and to give advice when needed. HEOP has a very supportive staff that also helps to foster relationships with a lot of students from different backgrounds. I am very lucky to be an HEOP student, and it is a wonderful opportunity to get an education of one’s choice, not to mention the snack attacks every couple of weeks.
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Clubs/Activities: Asian Culture Club, Biology Club, Pre-Med Society, Peer Volunteer Corps
I am a biology major here at Ithaca College and a participant in the college's Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP). Through academic and financial support, HEOP has given me an opportunity to help me excel in college.
When I was in high school, the thought of attending a private institution never crossed my mind because of the high costs. But once I heard of HEOP, I found out that this was my opportunity to help me achieve my goals. HEOP provided me with grants to help pay for my college education and assisted me with advising/counseling support to help me succeed in classes.
HEOP even offered us a summer program before starting college to help prepare us for our first year. I had such a great time getting adjusted to the college setting while meeting great friends and having fun! It really gave me an enriching and valuable experience that I will never forget.
This program means a lot to me and without it, I wouldn't be where I am today. I am proud and honored to be a HEOP student; because of it, I am attending one of the best colleges in New York.
My name is Tracey A. Casseus and I am first year student here at Ithaca College under the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP). HEOP has allowed me to attend college without putting a financial burden on my family. I am the first in my family to attend college and I plan to be an example to my three younger siblings that with hard work they can do anything they aspire to do. I am currently an Exploratory major but that is only because there are so many things to learn here. I am just very excited about college, learning, meeting new people and building relationships that will last me a lifetime.
The opportunity to attend college today seems more like a privilege than a right to get a continuing
education. I have always been told that a college education was important because it will lead towards
a successful path.
The option of going to a private college was not an option for me because realistically I did not have
the resources to pay for tuition. With the help of HEOP and TAP that option became available to me.
When I went to Lobby Day, I thought I would sit quietly and hear what others had to say but instead I felt moved to speak out. I am not much of a public speaker but I got up in front of a group of students and told my story of how HEOP made the dream of going to Ithaca College come true. I was there to have my voice heard and advocate the financial support from the state.
