TRIO Student Highlight – Grace Carruthers
Grace Carruthers is a senior majoring in Conservation Planning and Park Management with minors in Rangeland Ecology and Management and Sustainability. She has spent her time at SDSU building community, growing in confidence, and finding her place both on campus and in her field.
Grace joined TRIO Student Support Services during her freshman year, an experience she describes as both grounding and transformative. “I joined TRIO my freshman year of college… I didn’t know anyone in college, and having a warm, welcoming space my freshman year felt really needed,” she shared. Now, as a senior, she strives to recreate that same sense of belonging for others.
Early in her academic journey, Grace faced challenges that tested her confidence. “My freshman year I didn’t do very well on my first round of exams… getting low grades made me feel like I wasn’t fit to be in college,” she admitted. TRIO became the place where she could talk through those fears, learn new study strategies, and rebuild her confidence. “TRIO supported me while I found my footing… I’m not sure I would’ve stuck around for the next set of exams if I didn’t have TRIO in my corner.”
Beyond academics, Grace has been actively engaged across campus. She found a welcoming community at the University Lutheran Center, eventually becoming a student leader during her junior year. She also connected deeply with peers in the Park Interpretation and Management Club, where she enjoyed helping others engage with the outdoors—an area closely tied to her career passions.
One of Grace’s most meaningful TRIO memories happened recently. She recalled giving a speech that was deeply important to her and mentioned it to the TRIO staff. “Some of the students and staff showed up to support me,” she said. “The amount of support I’ve been able to find in this community is beyond words.”
As she prepares for graduation, Grace reflects with gratitude on the community that helped shape her. “I know I have become a better person in TRIO getting to see the difference community and support can make in a person’s life. Wherever I end up next, I am determined to keep this ideology with me.”
Grace’s SDSU journey highlights the power of encouragement, connection and giving back, all values she’ll continue carrying forward in her career and life. After graduating Grace will be heading to the Big Stone Wildlife Refuge working with the United States Fish and Wildlife program as a Visitor Outreach Intern.
