If there is one word Rocio Figueroa ’22 could use to describe the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP) at Keuka College it would be “family.”
When given the opportunity to become an HEOP student, Rocio was grateful for the financial support she would receive to help offset some of the cost of college. But she was also grateful to find people who would truly become her family.
“HEOP is a family, so you get to experience your college career on a family level within the program,” says Rocio, a Childhood Education Major, with a concentration in Child & Family Studies.
HEOP provides you with the opportunity to relate and connect to others. You also gain a network on personal and educational levels.
In fact, Rocio says you don’t have to be an HEOP student to take advantage of the benefits of the program.
“The office is really open to all students whether you’re an HEOP student or not,” says Rocio, who serves as the Vice President of the Student Senate, is a New Student Mentor, and is part of the Students Helping Students team. “For me, the best part of HEOP is the support you receive from those in the office.”
In addition to the support she has received, Rocio says HEOP students will accomplish anything they set their minds to, and will become an inspiration to those around them.
“If you truly want to accomplish your dream of walking across a stage with a diploma, HEOP is for you,” says Rocio. “With HEOP and your effort and passion to educate yourself, you will prosper and be a testimony to others.”
