WAYNE COUNTY — Growing up in a small rural community in Wayne County gave Evelyn Trejo a deep appreciation for connection, resilience, and community values that continue to shape her life and career.
“Everybody knew each other,” Trejo said. “I loved that about where I grew up. I definitely prefer the smaller town.”
Those early experiences influenced Trejo’s educational journey and eventual career path. A 2026 graduate of the University of Mount Olive, Trejo earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology, though her future plans were not always clear.
“I was uncertain about what I wanted to do after graduation,” she said. “I was considering speech-language pathology or social work.”
A class project helped Trejo realize social work aligned more closely with her desire to serve others and advocate for students facing barriers similar to those she once experienced.
Raised by a single mother in a low-income household, Trejo said the cost of college was her biggest concern in high school.
“My biggest worry in high school was how I was going to pay for college,” she said. “I didn’t want to put that financial hardship on my mom.”
With guidance from her high school advisor, Trejo learned about the Golden LEAF Scholarship, a turning point that made higher education possible. With that support, she was able to attend college and graduate debt-free.
Another defining moment came through the Golden LEAF Rural Internship Initiative, where Trejo interned at the Mediation Center of Eastern Carolina in Kenansville.
“That experience really stood out to me,” she said.
During her internship, Trejo worked with youth through Teen Court and the Girls Empowered program, helping lead workshops focused on resilience, financial literacy, and self-esteem. The work was especially meaningful as she supported many Hispanic families through translation and communication.
“Giving back to my community in that way meant a lot,” she said.
Today, Trejo serves as a Next Step Advisor in Cumberland County, where she supports more than 370 low-income, underserved, and first-generation students. Her role includes one-on-one advising, workshops, and guidance on college applications, financial aid, scholarships, and career exploration.
“My ultimate goal is for every student to feel seen and supported in their goals,” Trejo said.
Trejo’s journey has come full circle. Once a student encouraged by a counselor to see college as attainable, she now provides that same encouragement to students navigating their own paths forward.
For Trejo, rural North Carolina represents strength, perseverance, and opportunity.
“Rural North Carolina is about family, community, and shared experiences,” she said. “It also means giving back and creating opportunities for the next generation. There’s hardship, but people keep pushing forward and that gives me hope.”
