Zoe Pizano

Zoe Pizano of Oak Park credits Triton College’s Scholars Program with pushing her academically and helping her grow. Through healthy competition and rigor, she believes she’s meeting the necessary goals to transfer to a four-year university. She especially acknowledges Dr. Michael Flaherty, director of Triton’s Scholars Program, for his encouragement and support.

“Dr. [Michael] Flaherty is a big reason why I love this program,” she said. “Dr. Flaherty gives one-on-one attention, and he knows our cases individually. I liked the smaller class sizes with students who are also academically motivated.”

The Scholars Program consists of a cohort of students, Pizano said. Through academic bonding and encouragement, she feels that the cohort inspires one another.

Beyond camaraderie, Pizano said the classes are engaging and interesting while meeting academic demands. She especially resonated with a Shakespeare course taught by Dr. Flaherty.

“Instructors will challenge us a little more and give us a heavier workload,” she said. “They hold us to higher expectations. I think that’s beneficial.”

Like many of her peers, Pizano is heavily involved in campus activities and programs. Pizano serves as president of the Latin American Student Organization.

In addition to classes and extracurricular activities, the Scholars Program requires volunteer hours outside the classroom.

“I volunteer at New Moms in Oak Park, a nonprofit organization that helps homeless teen mothers under the age of 25,” she said.

 She has also volunteered with Migrant Ministry in Oak Park, an interfaith effort to address the short-and long-term needs of migrants, standing as their youngest and longest volunteer. Working with the migrant influx in Chicago has been rewarding, she noted.

Currently a political science major, Pizano will graduate from Triton in May. Her future goals include working in public policy and getting involved in local government.

“I’m looking at colleges in and out of Illinois, thanks to the Scholars Program and Dr. Flaherty,” she said. “The opportunities are endless.”