SSS Stars -- 2008-2009

Each year, Student Support Services will be choosing several students that have excelled at The University of Virginia's College at Wise. These students are participants in our program and are chosen by our staff. They are chosen based on their active participation in our program, their proven ability to overcome obstacles and excel, their character and integrity and ultimately, their academic successes! We are proud to present them to you. In addition to posting information about them, we asked each student to tell us about someone who had inspired them. It may be you! Please take the time to read about them and congratulate them on their achievements!

SSS Stars Newsletter Link -- Requires Adope Acrobat to read PDF file.

Casey Zaczek – Senior – Sociology Major, Spanish Minor

I have thoroughly enjoyed being at UVA Wise and have learned much about how college works.  My experience here has been wonderful, and all of the staff at Student Support Services have been excellent to me and helped me tremendously with my studies. Everything I have done, from orientation and mobility to academics, has been a great and awesome learning experience for me.

When I first came to UVA Wise in the fall of 2004, I was honestly nervous about things.  I needed much help getting around campus at first since I was really just learning my way around it. 

Making new friends was awesome, and many students who were not even my friends quite yet helped me get to certain buildings if necessary.  Sometimes, it was quite difficult because I was just transitioning into college, but after sophomore year, I was doing much better both academically and orientation wise.

Student Support staff have been and are still very excellent working with me in my studies.  When I take tests, I come in SSS and take them there.  It helps me tremendously because I can have more time if needed, as well as assistance if I need that.

Overall, college has been an excellent part of my life, and SSS has made it much easier for me to do what I want to do later in life.  I am majoring in sociology and plan on becoming a counselor or social worker.   I want to thank every staff member of Student Support for working so hard in helping not only me but all other students in the SSS program because it has been a tremendous help and a great way of making friends and understanding the college experience.  My experience has taught me how to become a better student, a better citizen, and a better person in general.

Natasha Bambarger -- Junior
Psychology Major

Growing up, I remember desperately wanting to learn to read before I entered kindergarten.  My older sister was already in school, so when she came home with new knowledge, I would feed off of her learning experiences as she taught me all of her newly gained information.  As time progressed, we grew up, grew closer and equally excelled in school.

My sister and I were never really encouraged to do our school work, we simply wanted to.  There were always difficulties at home and also an additional baby brother.   When my father’s job moved us around, stability came not from our home life, but from ourselves.  Independence seemed to approach us at an early age.

Our family eventually settled in a small town in rural Virginia.  High school years seemed to drag on as I awaited my escape into a more advanced life. My sister graduated two years before I did and the distance between us seemed to keep growing.  With my graduation approaching, I was anxious to choose a college but was not having much success.  I had not seen my sister in a while, so I planned a visit to UVA-Wise where she attended.  I had not originally intended to attend a college in Southwest Virginia.  However, after I visited the campus, it just felt comfortable and I knew I had made my choice.  It was far enough away from home, and had a tuition that would not amount to excessive college loans. 

After my first semester here, someone told me about Student Support Services.  I was struggling financially trying to do things on my own.  It seemed almost too good to be true.  It is a program specifically designed to help students in multiple areas who have faced adverse conditions.  I applied to the SSS program and was accepted.  Since then I have received assistance in purchasing my books, getting scholarships, and guidance in my classes.  Ironically, I now work for Student Support.  This is a promising job that gives me an opportunity to assist other students, just as I was helped. 

This is now my third year at UVA-Wise.  I am here to complete a major in psychology and a minor in sociology.  I am part of Theta Phi Alpha Sorority and have had the honor of being on the Dean’s list every semester that I have been at this institution.  I have had many professors, faculty, and students who have all impacted me greatly.  Some people have extended not only their knowledge to me but also their time and their hearts.  I am encouraged on a daily basis of my capabilities and strengths.    
As I approach my senior year, I am preparing myself for graduate school where I plan on attaining my masters, and eventually my doctorate, in psychology.  This college has taught me that there are always means available to help and support you.  Although graduation is soon approaching, I know that I will be leaving UVA-Wise with many gifts.  I have a newly constructed friendship with my sister as well as 30 new sisters, a strong foundation of knowledge and an undergraduate diploma.  Most importantly, I have an innovative faith and confidence in myself to do anything I aspire to achieve.   

Justin Jurek – Senior
History Major

I came to UVA-Wise on the advice of my high school guidance counselor, who told me about UVA-Wise's small college environment, small class size, etc.  Due to my Asperger's, it's easier for me in small class settings which allow for a more personal level of education, and UVA-Wise seemed like a natural fit for me.  I've been involved with SSS since my freshman year here, and it has helped me tremendously, helping me to choose the curriculum that's right for me, as well as providing resources for academic success.  I am currently majoring in History with an emphasis on Medieval Europe, and I plan to attend graduate school to pursue a career in Archaeology or Anthropology.

My primary interests in high school were history and science.  My favorite classes during my high school years were my history classes and my Chemistry and Biology classes.  I remember my biology class quite well because I was the only one in the class that actually seemed to enjoy it.  I remember one girl nearly fainted when she learned we would really be dissecting things.  I was also very interested in sports, and followed my school's teams almost religiously, especially baseball, which is my favorite sport.

My interests have mainly shifted away from the sciences and more towards history, especially Medieval European history.  I was always fascinated by that period of history.  My interest in sports has not changed a bit.  I go to every game I can, especially to football and baseball games.

My involvement with the Highland Cavalier came about how most college students get started with clubs; through a flyer posted in my dorm.  I attended one of their meetings, and it took off from there.  The staff especially enjoyed my opinion articles, which led to my current position as a weekly columnist.  As for how it helped me as a student, it helped bring me more in touch with the campus community.  I've received a great deal of feedback on my articles, which has helped me to meet new people.

To be honest, my Asperger's has not been much of a problem.  I've adjusted quite well to being in college with this condition.  Being on the campus paper has helped to get in touch with people on campus and deal with the social awkwardness I used to have.

If I had to pick the best experience I've had on campus, it's being part of the paper.  Writing my articles and sharing my thoughts with the campus community is always a pleasure. I chose Archaeology/Anthropology because I've always been a hands-on type of person.  Studying things up close and personal, rather than just from a book, has always fascinated me.  In terms of where I plan to go with it, I hope to either study Medieval archaeology or battlefield archaeology, studying famous battles.