Despite being a Columbia native and having an older sister who is an alumna, Latrell Hickem initially dismissed the University of Missouri.
His interests lie in the “blend of creativity and business, with a strong passion for digital marketing and a multifaceted approach to [his] artistry, which includes graphic design, filmmaking, photography, drawing, music and more,” Hickem says.
He applied to several schools, received 12 acceptances, and was leaning toward enrolling at a private university.
Then, just before his high school graduation, Hickem’s life changed drastically when his mother passed away. Suddenly he was an independent student with financial responsibility for an apartment and his mother’s car. Faced with these challenges and more, he had to re-think his college decisions.
Fortunately, Hickem had an incredible support system. His high school administrators and teachers introduced him to resources offered by Mizzou, and he was excited to discover the interdisciplinary Digital Storytelling program in the School of Visual Studies, College of Arts and Science.
Pretty soon, Hickem became a Mizzou Tiger, following in his sister’s footsteps. He is now a sophomore, and when he walks across the graduation stage, he will be the second in his family to earn a college degree.
As a first-generation college student, Hickem qualified for TRiO Student Support Services. Though he didn’t know much about what the program offered at the time, he’s grateful that he stepped out of his comfort zone and applied for TRiO SSS.
Through TRiO he found community, financial support, dedicated advisors and lifestyle guidance.
“Some of my favorite experiences are the dinner events TRiO hosts, where Mizzou chefs prepare meals while teaching us how to recreate those dishes using the same ingredients to save money while grocery shopping.” Hickem said.
Additionally, TRiO offers a range of workshops on topics like mental health and financial aid. These sessions have helped Hickem feel more secure and become more successful.
He helped co-found TRiO Student Organization (TSO), which strives to ensure the next generation of TRiO students have similar beneficial experiences. He attributes part of his success to having a supportive community and advisors to reach out to when needed.
Hickem currently serves as the creative director for TSO. He coordinates outreach events for TRiO students and provides opportunities for professional development, volunteering, workshops and more. He’s dedicated to creating a fun and welcoming environment in a setting that can sometimes feel overwhelming.
That spirit of welcome “truly embodies what I believe TRiO stands for,” Hickem said.
This coming spring break, Hickem will join TRiO on an all-expenses-paid educational and cultural enrichment trip to New York. The Big Apple has always been on his bucket list, and the chance to explore the city holds special importance for him. In a way, he’s been preparing for the trip since his junior year of high school.
“My first exposure to New York was during an entrepreneurship class. We had to create a business plan that required researching a suitable location for our desired field,” Hickem said. With his sights already set on blending creativity and business, Hickem set his business plan in New York.
This spring Hickem hopes to learn, with TRiO’s help, if New York is his next home after Mizzou.
If you’re a Mizzou student who is first-generation or has low income or a documented disability, find out if TRiO Student Support Services is right for you