Trident Tech: Something for Everyone

Maria Martin
Third Place Winner, 2019 Future Alumni Essay Contest

When I graduated high school, I knew that I wanted to study Creative Writing and Art. I went to a four-year liberal arts college and pursued a double major in English with Creative Writing and Studio Art. I got a lot out of my time as an undergraduate. I had the chance to develop an artistic practice that is fulfilling to me to this day. I learned how to think critically and develop ideas, but I did not spend much time as an undergraduate considering my future career. It wasn’t until the middle of my last semester that I realized with a pang of regret that in order to share art with a wider audience, I needed to develop computer skills in website design, creating print layouts, editing photos and videos. I felt like I had missed an important opportunity to learn these skills in college. I didn’t believe that I had enough time or money to continue my education.

After graduation, I began working full time in a series of jobs while continuing my poetry writing practice on the side. Eventually, I began to work with the City of North Charleston’s Cultural Arts Department and I gained some firsthand arts administration experience. I began to volunteer with the Poetry Society of South Carolina to help organize readings and seminars from visiting writers. My job and volunteer experience reinforced my desire to develop more technical skills in order to better pursue my artistic and career goals.

When I researched my options for continuing my studies, I realized that Trident Technical College was the best choice for me. With lottery assistance, Trident is the most affordable option in the Charleston area and Trident has options that are suitable for everyone at all stages of life. Students can pursue an associate's degree in a variety of fields of study. Many of Trident’s programs are tailored to in-demand careers with companies in the Charleston area. A student who wants to obtain a bachelor’s degree can save money by starting in Trident’s transfer program. Trident has options for people who want to learn a trade or update their professional skills with a certificate program. Trident even has programs in beekeeping, art, floral design, and more for adults who want to continue their education for personal enrichment. Trident is a resource available for anyone in the community who wants to explore a new field or engage their curiosity.

Because I already have a bachelor’s degree, I did not want to pursue a whole associate’s degree. I wanted a certificate that focused on the specific skills I intend to develop to complement my liberal arts education. I went to Trident’s campus where I was matched with a “Navigator”. The navigator helped me decide on my course of study. I am working towards a certificate in Digital Media Software, an 18-hour course of study that focuses on the Adobe Creative Suite and multimedia communication. The skills I am gaining from this certificate program complement my undergraduate studies and will open up new career opportunities for me. With my new skills in multimedia design, I will be able to engage a wider audience for art events in our community.

I was pleased to learn that not only does Trident have many choices in degree and certificate programs, but there are also many choices for how students attend class. Students can take classes that last for the traditional semester-length, or accelerated classes that last for 7 weeks. Students can take classes online or in-person at four campuses. Because I am working full time, I decided to take one seven-week class at a time so that I can concentrate on each class. I am taking my classes online which allows me to set my own schedule to study. I expect to be done with my classes after three semesters.

Trident is a great resource for anyone in our community. Whether you are a recent high school graduate or someone with several years of work experience looking to enter a new field or update their skills, you can customize your Trident experience through a combination of online and in-person classes. You can choose the pace of your learning by deciding whether you want to take semester-long or quarter-long classes. Trident is set up so that they can work with you to meet your goals whether it is obtaining an in-demand associate’s degrees, transferring credits to a four-year bachelor’s degree program, obtaining a certificate, or learning a life-enriching skill. Trident has something to offer to all people at all stages of life.