START Program Successful in Encouraging Students to Pursue College

With the support of the Idaho State University College of Technology's Successful Transitions And Retention Track (START) program, she is crafting a promising path for her college career and beyond. 

While working at the Amazing Glaze coffee and donut kiosk in the ISU Pond Student Union Building, Helms made connections with ISU faculty and staff who encouraged her to pursue her dream of higher education. A pivotal interaction came one day with the prior Director of START Amy Christensen who ultimately convinced Helms to enroll in the START program and solidified the beginning of a new chapter.  

The START program is a transformative, one-semester college preparation initiative offered at no cost through ISU’s College of Technology. It is specifically designed to support individuals as they embark on their educational journeys or return to college after a significant break. Upon successfully completing the program and meeting the requirements, participants can earn scholarship funding to attend ISU. The aim of START is to empower individuals, and in turn uplift the entire community, by guiding each person toward their next best chapter and setting them on a path to achieve their aspirations.

In the spring semester of 2024, Helms went through the START program and is now enrolled in her first semester at ISU, pursuing a bachelor's degree. 

"The decision to return to my educational journey at the age of 27 with the help of many staff and faculty at ISU has shown me that I am capable and ready for tough challenges in life,” said Helms. “I am excited to continue on this path to creating a fulfilling future for myself, one that in the past I had thought would be unachievable."

Past experiences led Helms to drop out of high school, which left her feeling disconnected with formal education and as though college was a far off dream that may never be in reach. The encouragement from ISU faculty was crucial in changing her trajectory and the START program transformed the intimidating prospect of attending college to a tangible goal. Helms entered the program surrounded by unfamiliar faces but by the end she had forged a supportive community of classmates, tutors, and instructors who have continued to provide support into her undergraduate studies.

“Zoe was a very good student and achieved the 2nd highest grade in my class. Zoe was very dedicated and punctual with her homework,” said Mike Serpa, a math instructor for the START program. “She had a no nonsense approach to preparing for her future education, something all future instructors will appreciate. I also noticed that Zoe was kind and helped other students in various ways.” 

Helms also praised the program for equipping her with essential skills — not just core subjects such as math and reading, but also emotionally. She emphasized the importance of the emotional intelligence class taught by START Program Director Cherisse Brown. This class helped prepare Helms emotionally for the challenges of college life.

“Zoe was like a meteor who burned across the educational horizon while we all looked in awe of it,” said Tim Davis, a clinical instructor for the START program. “She was willing to help others understand concepts or to encourage her fellow START students. She was always present, focused, and she was the epitome of grit, which is one of the key concepts discussed and taught in the START program.”

Helms says she is committed to completing her college education and building a reliable future for herself. After completing a bachelor's of science in health science through the ISU College of Technology, she plans on continuing her education to make an impact on people's daily lives and participation in activities they value by becoming an Occupational Therapy Assistant or an Occupational Therapist. With newfound tools for success, along with her intelligence, motivation and perseverance Helms is well-prepared for a successful career and an exciting future. 

To learn more about how you can embark on your college journey, visit the START website today.