ESMERELDA CHAVEZ
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
Psychology Major / Thompson Learning Community
Esmeralda Chavez always wanted to go to college but wasn’t sure if it would be possible due to the high cost.
As a recipient of the Susan T. Buffett scholarship, she not only got the opportunity to attend UNO, but gained support by joining UNO’s Thompson Learning Community (TLC)
The program offers individual attention and a strong support network that helps students achieve their academic and personal goals.
“TLC is a community where they accept you for who you are. They truly want to see you succeed and will genuinely help you get there,” Esmeralda said.
Through her connections in TLC, Esmeralda got the opportunity to expand her Psychology major by becoming a Teaching Assistant (TA) for a child psychology course. This allowed her to become more involved in the department.
“I have made long time connections not only with peers but also the faculty,” she said.
Esmeralda also has a mentor at UNO who has become a role model and helps her achieve her goals, no matter what they may be.
“They will literally help you with anything even if it doesn’t have much to do with college,” she said. “They make sure my peers and I are taken care of on all aspects of life.”