A Message from Andrea
As we head into winter break, we want to ensure all our independent students have a safe place to stay into between semesters. University Housing is an incredible partner of FSP and is committed to keeping at least one residence hall open year round. There is additional cost for students staying on campus during fall, winter and spring break periods, and the Fostering Success Program is fortunate to have an emergency fund that FSP students can apply to that can support with that cost. Additionally, this emergency fund can support with short-term extenuating circumstances, including covering the cost of personal expenses like off campus housing, transportation, clothing and hygiene.
Notes from FSP Students
I began at CSU not knowing what college would be like, but that I couldn’t wait to be on my own. That might sound a bit odd coming from an independent student, but I was so excited to get to learn and grow and explore because I hadn’t really had that yet. I was also scared, because my experiences with kinship care and a legal guardianship had always been a little bit isolating and difficult to navigate. However, once I was on campus and learned about the Fostering Success Program, I wasn’t scared anymore, I was just excited. I would finally be able to meet other students who had similar experiences, and it wasn’t something I had to hide from others. I had a community who would be there for me and I could be there for them, too. I am eternally grateful for the abundance of resources FSP has offered me, and I don’t know where I would be without the program. Between the community, the knowledge of campus resources, and the connections I have made, Fostering Success has been instrumental in my success at CSU. So truly from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Aubree Miller
Soriah with CAM the Ram
Aubree presented at the Colorado Department of Education’s Landscape of Wellbeing and Belonging Conference this fall. Colorado Department of Education sponsored the opportunity for FSP to present “Youth Perspective on Trauma Informed Approaches.” Shown above include presenters Chase (lower left), Aubree (lower right), Calli (upper left) and Joshua (upper right).
Being an independent student as well as first-generation, I was honestly scared to go to college, I knew that I was going to be alone and figure things out. Then my advisor suggested that I attend the Bridge Scholars Program, there I was given a scholarship and took 2 classes over the summer. We also had a meeting where we learned of the multiple resources on campus. Then I was put in a dilemma where I needed to move into the dorms a week early, I talked to one of the mentors for bridge. They made me aware of the Fostering Success Program, they are also an independent student, so they told me to reach out.
Once I did, they made me aware of the emergency fund that they have, I would have need it because the dorms charged you every day you were early. Luckily, I was able to go back home, but it was very reassuring that this thing is available in case of emergencies. When I came back, I was given an email where they were handing out care packages on the first day of move-in. When I went there to pick it up there were so many things, there I got a lamp because I didn’t have one, a pot to cook food, a fan, and a broom. I use these things every day. The lamp I got is nice with all the settings on it. I was also given a mentor, she has helped me a lot, anything that was happening, she was able to help. I could go with any problem, and she would always try her best to help and fix it, or at the end help me feel better. This program has a lot to give, and I greatly appreciate it.
Soriah Perez
Financial Wellness Education Coaching
FSP students who utilize emergency assistance agree to financial wellness education coaching sessions with FSP Coordinator Melissa. Recently, one of the students thanked Melissa for coaching them and providing education on the importance of financial wellness. They shared the following:
Thank you for cautioning me in regards to autopaying for things because recently I got overcharged on my T-MOBILE phone bill and had I not been vigilant of my finances I would have not noticed that charge. This training makes me aware that It is so important to create a budget and to pay attention where my money is flowing to especially on a college students wage that is now independent of family’s support.
You have provided something so critical and at its core so vital for anyone no matter their background to thrive. I wish that everyone and especially independent individuals can learn these essential skills because it is something that is improtant not only for survival but it is information that I will apply to my life beyond my 20s.
If you would like to donate to the fund that enables FSP to provide coaching sessions on important life skills, including financial wellness education, designate the Fostering Success Leadership Endowment at https://advancing.colostate.edu/FOSTERINGSUCCESS.