“So many people have to make difficult choices because of how much college costs,” said Sherrill. “It limits access and creates a burden that people carry long after graduation.”
In addition to financial aid discussions, Sherrill met with both College representatives and students to learn about CSE’s mission, programs and opportunities for students to succeed. Students spoke about the benefit of small class sizes and close relationships with professors. While Ariel Baham, ’21, Erica Allen, ’22, Justin Santiago, ’21 and Sidney Cooper, ‘20, shared their individual stories, Sherrill attentively listened.
“I could tell she was really hearing us and understands our struggle,” said Santiago, a first-generation college student who never anticipated earning a four-year degree. “She really gets where we were coming from.”
For Sherrill, it’s important to physically visit college campuses so she can talk to students and listen to their needs.
“Stories mean more to people than statistics,” says Sherrill. “Meeting with these students and hearing their stories helps me better advocate in Congress for funds for higher education.”
Mary Colleen Robinson has a communication degree with a concentration in journalism and is currently working as the PR/Social Media Specialist at the College of Saint Elizabeth
