While
listening to the radio, I became very entertained with the song “Cheerleader,” by
Omar Samuel Pasley, known by his stage name OMI. OMI, a Jamaican singer,
provides such inspirational lyrics with an upbeat tune that moved me towards
thinking about the vision of TRiO. As I
pondered about our students pursuing their educational dreams, these uplifting
lyrics easily removed discouragement when confronted with
roadblocks. The “Cheerleader” lyrics
constantly capture the theme that everyone needs a cheerleader, who knows how
and what to cheer, especially when his or her mood turns to depression and
despair.
The
beginning of the song identifies a need for uplifting with the lyrics, “When I
need motivation, my one solution is my queen…” Therefore, if we replace the
reference of queen with the term TRiO, then our motivational outlet will
complement the vision of empowering, enlightening, and expanding the minds of
TRiO participants. Since the song refers to a feminine character who serves
primary as an encourager, likewise, TRiO serves in the same capacity of
encouraging participants to pursue their dreams. Also, the chorus, “Oh I think
that I found myself a cheerleader…She is always right there when I need her,” creates
that security net defining a never-ending relationship between the singer and
cheerleader. Similarly, TRiO seals a rock-solid relationship causing its
participants to echo with confidence, “I found TRiO and TRiO is always there
when I need it.”
As
DJs play OMI's song across the radio waves and other music venues, please think
about TRiO at Wallace Community College, especially if you have entered into a
roadblock. TRiO really does work, and it will work for you. TRiO serves as your
CHEERLEADER who can make your wishes come true like the genie in the
bottle.
