Originally a Laker herself, Amber Webb became the new TRiO director on Oct. 12. Webb graduated from Lake Land, and transferred to EIU after for her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

“If you want to start from the very beginning, I was a student here,” Webb reminisced, “I graduated with my Associate’s in 2015.”

She interned at Lake Land during her time at EIU, during the summer of 2018. The following summer, Webb was hired as the TRiO SSS advising counselor.

TRiO is a grant funded program that “provides extra support to students as they navigate their time here at Lake Land,” according to Webb.

There are a variety of students who qualify to be a part of TRiO. “We generally just like to ask them to come in and talk to us,” Webb explained, “ we meet one on one with the students and we kind of just provide that touch point.”

TRiO is there to answer questions students may have about college, or to destress with people who understand. Webb describes the type of students TRiO looks for as those who are looking for “extra support, first generation students especially.”

“I would encourage any student to stop by and see us, that just needs a little bit of extra support,” Webb states.

TRiO isn’t only educating students about Lake Land College alone, but also on where and how to transfer after graduation.

They also show some fun things to do around those areas, and cover money and transportation because “it’s expensive to be a college student!”

Another program TRiO can provide to students is virtual job shadowing. This way students can workshop different skills for their futures.

Taking over for former director Amber Niebrugge, Webb says she is excited but also nervous. Niebrugge “left some pretty big shoes to fill,” Webb says, but she looks forward to “do her own take on things” and “learn some leadership skills.”

Webb also is looking forward to “finding new and innovative ways to serve our TRiO students.”

“We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in TRiO.” Webb explained, also saying that it was the same when Niebrugge was director. Webb plans to continue the comfort TRiO provides to students.

She strives to have an open door policy and a welcoming attitude towards all students.

Webb ends her explanation of TRiO saying, “We’re kind of like a compass that guides the students in the right direction.”