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Sport behavior graduate guides first-generation college students to success

Sarah Gould Wright, B.S. (1995) sport behavior, is all too familiar with the necessities and importance of developing resources needed to thrive. Originally from Cabot, VT, Wright has traveled up and down the east coast serving under-resourced individuals through her commitment to enhancing programs, policies and systems inclusive of these populations.

With her extensive expertise in coaching, leadership and student-development, Wright has directed projects for the greater good of innumerable organizations. Her background includes leading new initiatives and working diligently to transform “good” programs into “award winning” level ones.

Wright currently serves as the assistant director of the TRiO programs for North Carolina State University. Her primary duty is to support as many as 145 low-income, first-generation college students to succeed academically, financially, professionally and personally. The goal of the program is to ensure these students have the necessary qualities to become competitive applicants for graduate school and their desired career.

Wright’s work is instrumental to the success of the students at N.C. State. As a low-income, first-generation college student, she understands the daily struggles faced by these individuals and the need to ensure access to the many resources necessary for long-term success.

One initiative she has implemented is a podcast for the students, by the students. Now in its third season, the Beyond the Bell Tower podcast features current and former N.C. State TRiO students who share their experiences and encouragement to help current students overcome the systematic challenges they face while working toward their degree.

Additionally, Wright co-chairs the university’s program to best serve N.C. State students suffering from hunger and homelessness. She leads relevant training sessions, co-authors research and partners with the university to provide supplemental resources for students in need.

“My passion for this work is fueled by my experiences at WVU,” Wright says. “During my three years on campus, I relied on SNAP benefits and the kindness of strangers for access to the food and necessary housing to complete my degree. The low-income first-generation students I serve at N.C. State have very similar experiences – an overwhelming dedication to higher education as a means of supporting their parents and family” she added.

Wright knew early on that it was WVU or bust. As of 1990, WVU was one of two universities that offered a degree in sport behavior/sport psychology. She had only applied to WVU; the decision to come to Morgantown was transparent.

While at WVU, Wright had multiple mentors who guided her to the completion of her degree. She credits her academic advisor, Dr. Andrew Ostrow, then professor, sport and exercise psychology, in playing a significant role during her undergraduate studies. Ostrow enabled Wright to make significant contributions to the field of sport psychology, recommending she participate in the National Student Exchange Program at Virginia Commonwealth University under Dr. Steve Danish, an international leader in sport psychology.

Upon Wright’s graduation from WVU, she had earned prestigious awards including the top undergraduate CPASS student and top undergraduate student in the state of West Virginia. “There would be no way I could have ever gained the professional education and experience I did at WVU if it were not for Dr. Ostrow,” Wright said.

She also credits Dr. Floyd Jones, associate professor, sport management, as an important contributor during her undergraduate experience. Jones was Wright’s instructor for sport sociology and hired her as a summer research assistant for an enrichment program serving youth living in public housing in Fairmont, W.Va.

Wright’s father unexpectedly passed away that summer. She says Jones became like family to her. “Dr. Jones offered compassion and support and showed me the power of a professor recognizing the value of a person beyond the role of a student in a classroom,” she exclaimed.

Wright offers advice for CPASS students who plan to follow their passion and launch their careers soon. “Work harder than others. Do the extras at work that others do not,” she said.

She suggests graduates new to the work force use the opportunity to indulge and engage with others. “Those who you struggle with the most will be your most powerful teachers. They will teach you patience, the art of compromise and provide you with a much-needed opportunity for professional and personal growth.”
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