Fall 2026 Winner of the Freshman Trailblazer Scholarship

Triston Roberts

Biomedical engineering is only the first step for Triston Roberts, who hopes to eventually attend medical school. We're honored to play a small part in that journey by awarding Triston the Freshman Trailblazer Scholarship.

Read Their Essay Here:

Change is something I have had a lot of experience with. Both of my parents have spent years in and out of jail and rehab, and stability was not something I had much of growing up. I learned early how to adapt when plans changed, solve problems, and keep moving forward when things did not go the way I expected.

A few years ago, I moved in with my aunt. For the first time, I had a stable address and a routine. Having that stability gave me the chance to focus on what I wanted for my future. I finished high school in three years with a 3.98 GPA and graduated with honors. I worked a part-time job, served as treasurer for the Junior City Council, and participated in Service Club and Math Club. Those experiences taught me that adapting to change does not just mean dealing with whatever happens. It also means taking advantage of new opportunities when they come.

Starting college will be another major change. I will be living on campus, managing a more difficult academic schedule, meeting new people, and taking more responsibility for my time and decisions. Biomedical engineering will also challenge me academically in ways that high school did not. I know there will be times when I struggle, and one of the biggest things I will need to learn is when to ask for help. I have spent a lot of my life figuring things out on my own, but I know that will not always be the best way to succeed in college.

I plan to make the most of college by getting involved instead of just going to class and going back to my room. I want to get to know my professors, use tutoring and academic resources when I need them, meet other students in engineering, and look for opportunities to participate in clubs, service, internships, and eventually research. Living on campus will also give me the opportunity to meet people with backgrounds and experiences very different from mine.

I also know I will need balance. I plan to continue working, so managing my time between a job, classes, studying, and college activities will be important. The routines that helped me succeed in high school will still matter, but I will have to adjust them as I learn what college requires.

For most of my life, change was something that happened to me. College is different. This is a change I chose and worked for. I know I will not have everything figured out when I arrive, but I am comfortable solving problems, adjusting when something is not working, and continuing to move forward. I plan to use those skills to make college more than something I complete. I want it to be four years where I learn what I am capable of, build relationships, and create opportunities for the future I have worked hard to reach.