Andrew Denton, TRIO Programs

Andrew Denton is one of TRIO Program's Upward Bound advisors. Andrew started in January 2022 as a graduate assistant where he was a jack-of-all-trades, working for the Talent Search and Upward Bound programs both in the office and out in the field before becoming a full-time Upward Bound project advisor for Southwest Virginia.

“It's a very dynamic role that looks different from season to season and day to day, which is something I love dearly. As a whole, I serve a caseload of around 60 low-income, first-generation high school students from the greater Southwest Virginia area on their path to college. That's a very broad description because what I do is, by design, quite broad. Every student's journey looks a little different, and as such, what I do for each student looks a little different.”

During the academic year, Andrew visits local high schools two to three days a week to meet individually with students to discuss everything from their classes, their family lives, and their jobs, to their financial situations, college dreams, and career aspirations.

“I also organize trips that take our students to colleges and cities across the country to help expose them to the wider world,” he said. “My days involve a lot of planning, theorizing, creating, problem-solving, traveling, talking, community building, and laughing. I couldn't ask for anything more fulfilling.” 

What’s your favorite way to start the day?

I like to start my mornings with a dose of caffeine and high intensity exercise. I'm a CrossFit and coffee fanatic. When I get to work, I always check in with my co-workers before I get to work to share some smiles and laughs. I believe that everyone works better in a strong community, and I do all I can to foster that environment at the beginning of each day. 

What is one small thing that makes your day better?

Mugs! I love a good coffee mug. 

What hobby would you dive into if time and money weren’t an issue?

I'd love to dig more into writing. What form that writing may come in... that's a different story. I've never thought of myself as a creative thinker, but the older I'm getting, the more I'm realizing that limitation is self-imposed. The first thing I ever wanted to be was a writer, and I still have aspirations that it may happen one day. 

What is your most prized possession?

My great-grandfather's vintage acoustic Gibson.

Do you have a favorite place to spend time off?

A coffee shop or somewhere where the sun is shining.

What is your super power?

Finding a way to connect with every person I meet, somehow.

What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?

The grass is not always greener on the other side. We as humans are hard to please and are indefinitely moving toward the next thing. Stop living for your next promotion or your new car, they won't truly make you any happier. Love where you're at, love the journey. 

What's one thing about you few people know?

I worked at a skating rink when I was younger, but I still have absolutely no idea how to skate.

It’s karaoke night. What song will you sing?

Undoubtedly something by Willie Nelson or Tyler Childers.