TRIO Student Highlight – Shani Gide
Shani Gide is in her second year at SDSU and is a Mathematics major with a specialization in Data Science and minors in Statistics and Economics at SDSU. She is passionate about helping others and enjoys using her technical strengths in tutoring and leadership roles across campus. When she’s not studying, she stays active by going on runs, taking walks, hitting the gym, and spending meaningful time with friends and family.
Shani’s involvement with TRIO Student Support Services has been central to her SDSU experience. After being part of Talent Search throughout high school, she joined the SDSU program in August 2024 seeking the same support and opportunities that had made a difference in her life. At first, college felt overwhelming, her days were spent cycling between classes, long study sessions, quick meals and early nights in her dorm. Despite her strong academic dedication, she found herself unhappy and disconnected.
Everything shifted during the spring of 2025 when she challenged herself to spend more time outside her dorm. She began visiting the TRIO office daily, a change that transformed her entire college experience. In TRIO, she found quiet, reliable study spaces that supported her academic success, but more importantly, she found community. “Just by coming into TRIO, I learned to love SDSU and everything the campus has to offer,” she reflected. The office became a place to build friendships, discover new opportunities, and forge a sense of belonging that reshaped her perspective on college.
By August 2025, Shani stepped into roles as a Math Tutor and TRIO Ambassador, motivated to give back to the community that supported her. Tutoring strengthened her teaching and effective communication skills, while her ambassador role allowed her to grow as a leader, support the student body, and develop professionally through workshops and outreach.
Her commitment to service extends beyond TRIO. She serves as Treasurer of the Black Student Association and participates in State A Thon to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, these roles that reflect her values of community, service and personal growth.
Throughout her time in TRIO, the most impactful support has come through advising. Having a TRIO advisor invested in both her academic and personal success has shaped her into the student she is today. Staff members have helped her navigate challenges, improve her course planning, discover resume-building opportunities and stay grounded in her goals.
Reflecting on her journey, Shani encourages new students to get involved early and often. She believes that engaging with TRIO can spark long-lasting academic, personal, and professional growth. “TRIO is a place where opportunity, relationships, academic performance and hope prosper,” she shared.
For Shani, TRIO has not only strengthened her skills—it has helped her build community, confidence and a meaningful sense of belonging at SDSU. Shani will be completing an internship this summer with Goldman Sachs.
