Grace Lilly '27 & Kathrine Trine Grissom '92

A First-Gen Student's Experience & Gratitude

by Grace Lilly '27

Earlier this fall, I had the pleasure of meeting Kathrine Trine Grissom, a 1992 Ohio Wesleyan University graduate and generous donor. Over lunch, we discussed her experience at OWU in the '90s compared with my experience today. Grissom kindly requested I refer to her as Trine and was interested in what it was like to be a first-generation college student at our university. I shared my perspective with her on how OWU has assisted me along the journey. 

When I was 12, my oldest sister, Rachel, started applying for colleges. I recall the hours she spent in the counselor's office decoding the application process, and the countless nights she sat explaining the process to my parents. When I was 15, my middle sister, Claire, started applying. Claire, in turn, spent most of her time on the phone with Rachel, using her as an encyclopedia or proofreader while visiting the college counselors occasionally to understand transferring credits and other minor details.

When I was 17 and applying, I experienced the fullest extent of the youngest child privilege, only needing help with specifics and understanding the rest from witnessing Claire and Rachel's experiences. With the anxieties of applications and financial aid under control, I could investigate different opportunities than my sisters. They both chose to attend large state schools with steady programs where they knew they would get a respected education and have fun doing so. I, however, desired a more hands-on experience. I always wanted to go to a school that would be as invested in me as I am in it– a desire that Trine and I share.

At lunch, Trine recalled stories of her Italian professor, Penny Popper, PhD. She shared how Dr. Popper was the first educator to recognize her effort and called her father to suggest learning disability testing for Trine.

 Dr. Popper's investment in Trine allowed her to climb from a C to an A student and finally realize her full potential. As Trine shared these stories with me, I told her how the first-gen programs and staff supporters have assisted me, helping me understand how to access numerous career development opportunities, networking events, and meeting with alumni like Trine.

Specifically, I told her about Mallorie Watts ʼ22. Mallorie knew my oldest sister, Rachel, while they were both in high school and participated in the Youth in Government program. The two became good friends at their conferences, and I was aware that Mallorie went to OWU. But when I arrived at Ohio Wesleyan, I found out she worked in the Alumni Engagement & Annual Giving program and was involved in the First-Gen program as a first-generation student herself. Mallorie has stayed in touch since I introduced myself at the First-Gen welcoming ceremony, encouraged me to find an internship, and asked me to meet with Trine. Her attentiveness is not exclusive to me; numerous students speak highly of Mallorie's care and the fervent support she provides. OWU would be a whole different school without the support staff and faculty like Mallorie and Dr. Popper provided.

 My sisters fell under the radar at their big state schools, as many students do. Their schools presented my sisters with occasional opportunities, but they were not always able to grasp those opportunities. With OWU's programs, staff, and faculty behind me, I can balance school, lacrosse, an internship, work at the library, and pick up occasional shifts at my hometown job, all while continuing to prepare for the future and enjoying social pursuits. The first-gen program at OWU is exceptional and pivotal to students' success. Trine's generosity will provide future first-gen students with irreplaceable support that will inspire for generations. 

Closing out our lunch, I asked Trine what kind of success she hopes to see from the students she will be supporting. She told me it was "all about confidence" and that she wanted every student to walk away from this school with the self-assurance and support she felt in '92. Her mother, the namesake of her estate commitment, tragically passed away when Trine was eight months old and was never able to complete her degree after supporting Trine's father through his. Trine was inspired to "pay it forward" in honor of her mother, guaranteeing other first-gen students can complete their education and inspiring those affected by her generosity to continue the cycle.