“I have struggled with mental health for most of my college experience,” he shared. “At the end of my freshman year, my dad was hospitalized. It was hard to stay focused, but my advisors, teachers, and our licensed professional counselor on campus consistently checked in on me. That support made all the difference.”

Trevor is no stranger to education. Both of his siblings pursued higher education, and he proudly followed in their footsteps—beginning with MGCCC, just like his brothers. He joined the Collegiate Academy through West Harrison High School and soon found his place on campus as a member of Phi Theta Kappa, where he served as Vice President of Leadership.

Now majoring in biological science, Van Norman plans to attend The University of Southern Mississippi, focusing on microbiology. His long-term goal: to become a general surgeon. “I want to take the medical route because I enjoy learning how the human body works and I want to help people in meaningful ways,” he said.

While MGCCC was the only dual-enrollment option affiliated with his high school, he said he couldn’t have made a better choice. “I would go to MGCCC again in a heartbeat. There’s a real family-like connection here between peers, and the support from faculty and administration is unmatched.”

Trevor Van Norman’s story is one of strength and determination. With a clear vision for the future and the courage to keep going through hardship, he represents what’s possible when students are surrounded by a caring community that believes in them.