How TRIO Student Support Services Is Helping Madison Pinaula Build a Brighter Future for Her Family

As Carteret Community College celebrates TRIO Spirit Week and National First-Generation College Celebration Day, one Radiography student’s journey highlights the life-changing impact of having the right support at the right time.

For many college students, pursuing a degree represents an opportunity to build a better future. But for those balancing education with work, family responsibilities, and financial challenges, the journey can require more than determination alone. Sometimes, having someone in your corner can make all the difference.

For Carteret Community College Radiography student Madison Pinaula, that support came through TRIO Student Support Services, a program that has played an essential role in helping her pursue her educational dreams while raising two children as a single mother.

Her story is one of perseverance, personal growth, and the power of a college community committed to helping students succeed.

A Dream Worth Pursuing

Growing up as the daughter of an Air Force servicemember, Madison became familiar with change at an early age. Her family relocated approximately every three years, giving her opportunities to experience different cultures and communities around the world.

Today, her life looks quite different. As a mother of two, she balances the responsibilities of parenting, employment, and college coursework while working toward a career in healthcare.

Her passion for helping others led her to Carteret Community College’s Radiography program, where she is preparing for a career in medical imaging.

“I’ve always known I wanted to work in healthcare, and as I got older, I became increasingly interested in radiology and the role it plays in diagnosing and treating patients,” Madison shared.

Although she was confident in her career goals, returning to school brought challenges that required careful planning and significant sacrifices.

“My biggest concern about returning to school was figuring out how to balance college as a single parent,” she explained. “I knew what I wanted to accomplish, but I also knew I needed support to make it work.”

That support would come from a resource she discovered while searching for childcare assistance.

More Than Academic Support

When Madison first connected with TRIO Student Support Services, she was simply hoping to find a way to afford childcare while attending school. What she discovered was a network of people and resources dedicated to helping students overcome barriers and achieve their educational goals.

Through assistance with childcare costs, access to study spaces, academic strategies, financial support, and encouragement from TRIO staff, she found the stability and confidence she needed to move forward.

“Honestly, I don’t think I would have been able to return to school without the childcare assistance I received through TRIO,” Madison shared. “As a single parent, finding affordable childcare was one of my biggest obstacles.”

The support extended beyond financial assistance.

During the competitive process of applying to the Radiography program, Madison frequently leaned on TRIO staff for reassurance and encouragement.

She recalls working closely with former TRIO staff member Marty Myers, whose belief in her abilities made a lasting impression.

When she received the news that she had been accepted into the Radiography program, the excitement extended beyond her family to the people who had supported her throughout the process.

“When I finally got accepted, seeing how excited and proud the staff were of me reminded me that I was right where I was supposed to be,” she said. “That moment meant a lot to me.”

It was more than an academic milestone. It was confirmation that the sacrifices, hard work, and determination were leading her toward the future she envisioned.

Building Confidence, One Step at a Time

Throughout her time at Carteret, Madison has continued to grow both academically and personally.

Balancing her many responsibilities has strengthened her time management skills, taught her to prioritize, and helped her recognize her own capabilities.

She also credits the supportive instructors in Carteret’s Radiography program for creating an environment where students feel encouraged to learn, ask questions, and celebrate their accomplishments.

But when asked to describe TRIO’s impact on her educational journey, she chose three meaningful words:

“A foundation of confidence.”

“The program and its staff have shown me that, regardless of your circumstances, you are capable of achieving your goals,” Madison explained. “They have helped me see that I don’t have to figure everything out on my own and that having the right support can make even the biggest challenges feel manageable.”

For Madison, that confidence has become just as valuable as the academic and financial resources she has received.

A Future Worth Every Sacrifice

While completing the Radiography program remains one of her most important goals, Madison has even greater motivation waiting for her at home: her two children.

Every class, assignment, and late night of studying represents another step toward creating a brighter future for her family.

“My children have been my biggest motivation,” she shared. “On difficult days, I remind myself why I started and that I’m working toward a better future for our family.”

Beyond earning her degree, Madison hopes to teach her children an important lesson about perseverance.

“I want them to see that even when life is challenging, you can continue working toward your goals,” she said.

After completing her Radiography degree, she plans to explore additional medical imaging specialties, expand her professional skills, and continue contributing to the healthcare field.

But perhaps her greatest accomplishment is already taking shape: showing her children what is possible when determination meets opportunity.

Celebrating the Power of Student Support

As Carteret Community College recognizes TRIO Spirit Week and National First-Generation College Celebration Day on November 8, stories like Madison’s serve as a reminder of why access to education and meaningful student support matter.

National First-Generation College Celebration Day recognizes the achievements of students who are among the first in their families to pursue higher education. The annual observance also highlights the importance of programs and resources that help students navigate college and reach graduation.

At Carteret, TRIO Student Support Services is one of those important resources.

The program supports eligible students through personalized academic guidance and connections to resources that help them navigate challenges and work toward completing their degrees.

For students facing financial challenges, navigating college as first-generation students, or managing other barriers to educational success, these services can provide essential support on the path to graduation.

Madison hopes her experience encourages others to explore the opportunities available to them.

“Asking for help doesn’t mean you aren’t capable; sometimes, having the right resources and people in your corner is exactly what you need to succeed,” she said.

She also hopes the community understands the impact programs like TRIO can have on students who are working hard to improve their lives.

“Programs like TRIO can make the difference between someone having to put their education on hold and someone being able to continue working toward their dreams.”

For Madison Pinaula, that dream is becoming a reality, one class, one accomplishment, and one step at a time.

And with her children watching, every step forward means something even greater.

Discover What TRIO Can Do for You

At Carteret Community College, students don’t have to navigate their educational journeys alone.

TRIO Student Support Services provides eligible students with guidance, encouragement, and valuable resources to help them stay on track toward their academic and career goals.

Students who are first-generation college students, meet income eligibility requirements, or have a documented disability are encouraged to explore the program and learn whether they qualify.

Learn more about TRIO Student Support Services and how to apply at carteret.edu.