We asked Elih, Celestyna, Lah, and Ruth about TRIO SSS Project Achieve. Read what they had to say:
Meet Elih
About me...
My name is Elih Olson, and I am originally from Ravenna, Nebraska. I moved to Omaha in the fall of 2023 to attend college, and I believe it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. Although moving so far from my hometown was a big change, it gave me the opportunity to become more independent, meet new people, and build meaningful relationships. I am currently pursuing two degrees at the University of Nebraska at Omaha: one in Artificial Intelligence and another in Computer Science with a concentration in Game Programming. Alongside my studies, I have gained professional experience through internships at FNBO and Remarcable, where I have been able to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom, develop my technical skills, and gain valuable experience preparing for a future career in technology.
What I like to do in my free time...
In my free time, I like to play video games, mess around with 3D modeling in Blender, and draw. I enjoy being creative and making things, especially when it comes to game development. I also like cooking, going to the gym, and spending time with friends. I like having a mix of hobbies, so I can spend time working on something I enjoy but also take a break, try something new, or just spend time with friends.
Where I see myself in 10 years...
I’m not exactly sure where I see myself in 10 years, but I hope to have a job that I enjoy and that gives me a good work-life balance. I want to be able to do something I’m passionate about while still having time for my hobbies and the people in my life. I also hope to move to somewhere on the West Coast and experience living somewhere new. For now, I’m focused on finishing my degrees, gaining experience, and seeing where life takes me.
How Project Achieve TRIO SSS has impacted me...
Project Achieve has been a meaningful part of my college experience because it has given me a sense of community and support, especially during times when I needed it. Moving from Ravenna to Omaha for school was a big change and having a program that helps me feel connected has made that transition easier. Project Achieve has also encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone, participate in different activities, meet new people, and explore opportunities I might not have found on my own. I’m grateful for the experiences and connections it has given me, and I appreciate having a community that supports me as I work toward my goals.
Meet Celestyna
Tell a bit about yourself...
I am originally from Schuyler, Nebraska, and I am Guatemalan. Schuyler holds a special place in my life because of its diverse community; I grew up around the same faces and within an immense Latino culture. In my free time, I love to scrapbook, try new activities in the area, and go out with friends. I enjoy being involved on campus, whether it be hosting events or attending them.
Tell us about your major and how you became interested in it...
I am a junior, and I want to pursue a career in commercial real estate development. I am majoring in Business Administration with concentrations in real estate and land use economics and international business. I was incredibly inspired when I originally moved to Omaha and saw projects such as the Gene Leahy Mall/Riverfront project, Aksarben Village, and Mutual of Omaha. Omaha has become a hotspot for development projects in an effort to create more of an urban setting. I love the creativity of these projects and decided I want to become part of the creation of the new urban Omaha.
Tell us something fun about yourself...
My birthday is on January 1st; yes, I am a New Year's baby. For the past few years, my birthday cake themes have been some of my favorite characters from shows I liked when I was little.
What do you like most about TRIO SSS Project Achieve...
I transferred to UNO in my sophomore year of college, which was nerve-racking because I had already experienced college in a different area. Project Achieve helped me build a community and connect with my peer mentor and other Project Achieve members. Everyone was incredibly welcoming and made the transition less scary. The resources Project Achieve provides have been an incredible help not only when I first got to UNO but also as I consider pursuing a master's degree.
Meet Lah
About me...
Hello, my name is Lah Soe. I am currently a senior majoring in Computer Science. I love to learn, and a few of my hobbies are art, reading, and psychology.
What is your major and how you became interested in it...
One of the biggest reasons why I chose to pursue Computer Science was because of learning. I was told that in this particular field, there are endless learning opportunities, and that is 100% true. But Computer Science is a broad field, and a person like myself can’t understand everything. So, I mostly want to focus on front-end development, meaning interaction with user experience, such as how potential customers can go to a company website, build trust, and be informed about the processes of interacting with that particular website alone. At the same time, I like making things pretty, so front-end development in Computer Science allows me to express my creativity.
Tell us something fun about yourself...
Aside from my academic career, I love playing badminton. This year, 2026, I am currently the badminton president. I go around the states to play, and it is a great form of cardio and a social gathering activity.
What do you like most about Project Achieve TRIO SSS...
From TRIO SSS Project Achieve, I love the opportunities it has given me and the people I got to meet on my college journey. The staff are warm and welcoming. Every meeting I get to have with them, I’m always open to sharing about my hobbies and my interests. The staff makes the program enjoyable and always interesting. Whenever there are any activities hosted by TRIO SSS Project Achieve, I always look forward to going to those events. Overall, I am truly grateful for this program that has allowed me all these opportunities and a place to study and de-stress on campus.
Meet Ruth
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
My name is Ruth. I was born in Thailand and migrated to the U.S in 2009. I lived in New Jersey for about nine years before moving to Nebraska. Growing up, I always enjoyed staying active. I played volleyball and tennis throughout my high school years. Outside of sports, I enjoy modeling, taking pictures for fun, and traveling.
Tell us about your major and how you became interested in it...
I graduated from Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health with an associate’s degree in Health Science. I am currently continuing my education here at UNO, where I am pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Healthcare Administration and minors in Psychology, Public Health, and Sports Medicine.
I became interested in healthcare because I enjoy helping and taking care of others. I also want to learn more about how I make a difference in people’s lives, whether that is by helping them directly or improving their access to healthcare.
Tell us something fun about yourself...
A fun fact about myself is that I like to sweat. Most people hate sweating, but I love to sweat because it makes me feel like I actually did something.
What do you like most about Project Acheive TRIO SSS...
What I like the most about TRIO SSS Project Achieve is the support and resources they provide for students. Whenever you have questions or need help with something, they are easy to reach out to and always willing to help. Even when they don’t have the answer, they help you connect with the right resources.