Fatima Duba’s journey to Saint Paul College began with a hurdle few students will face. Her international high school diploma did not transfer to the United States. Fatima was able to join the Gateway to College program, now renamed concurrent enrollment, where she took classes that earned her high school and college credits. The program helped her earn the high school diploma she needed to enroll in college.

When Fatima transitioned to college, she looked for an institution with a strong support system, helpful resources, and greater diversity among students, staff, and faculty. Again, as with the concurrent enrollment program, Saint Paul College met her needs. She enrolled in the Psychology Transfer Pathway in 2024.

Building a Network of Mentors

One of the most significant support systems Fatima found at SPC was TRIO Student Support Services (SSS), which is a federally funded program for low-income, first-generation students.

Through her TRIO advisor, Xiong Chang, and the TRIO SSS team, Fatima found a dedicated hub of mentors and fellow students who understood the unique experiences and needs of first-generation students. Instead of generic advice, they walked alongside her through the daily mechanics of college life, including breaking down course syllabi, drafting professional emails to professors, balancing work and college demands, and building leadership skills.

I appreciated being able to talk with people who could relate to my experience, especially across faculty and staff.

Fatima Duba

TRIO SSS Student

Inside TRIO’s doors, she found a safe space where she could have hard conversations and ask for help without judgment. The program has helped her build a path to a career she will love and feel confident in her ability to succeed at every level.

Family Ties and a Debt-Free Degree

That support extended into her home, where Fatima’s family served as her steadfast cheering section. Determined to see her start her future on a solid financial footing, her family pushed her toward an ambitious goal of graduating debt-free. Fatima hunted down scholarships and awards until her tuition was fully covered.

Her momentum grew when she joined the Career and Academic Planning – Science and Health (CAP-SH) program. Immersed in the program’s science coursework and healthcare exploration, Fatima realized where she could best serve her community: dentistry, addressing oral health that affects general health, as well as the broader landscape of healthcare and public health. Driven by that clear focus, she earned her Associate Degree in Psychology with zero student debt.

The Next Chapter

In Fall 2026, Fatima began her bachelor’s degree at Augsburg University. As she continues her studies in healthcare, Fatima carries forward the confidence, support network, and sense of purpose she developed at Saint Paul College.