From TikTok to Our CEO’s Desk: Supporting a Student’s Journey to Graduation

mclane89
6 days ago
2 min read

Occasionally, something crosses your social media feed that stops you in your tracks. That’s exactly what happened when we saw a TikTok from Paris, a determined college student asking for help to finish her final year at Wayne State University. She had launched a GoFundMe and was doing everything she could to stay enrolled and complete her degree. What she probably didn’t expect was that her story would reach our PSCU’s team and CEO.

And as soon as it did, we knew we had to step in. After watching Paris’ video and visiting her GoFundMe, our CEO, Dean Trudeau, felt an immediate connection to her story. Her strength, honesty, and drive to succeed really struck a chord. Without hesitation, he made the decision to cover nearly $3,000 that she still needed for tuition, and we were able to share the moment in a video on our TikTok channel. For us, it wasn’t just a donation. It was a way to celebrate Paris, the strength of social media community, and the values we live by every day.

“This is who we are, people helping people” Dean said. “At PSCU, we believe in listening deeply, acting with purpose, and investing in people. Paris didn’t just need financial support she needed to know someone believed in her. We’re honored to be part of her journey.”

Paris’ determination reflects everything we stand for at PSCU. Her story is a perfect example of our mission in action, to empower people, remove barriers, and support our members beyond just dollars and cents.

“When we say ‘your story matters,’ we mean it,” Dean added. “This wasn’t about a transaction. It was about connection. It was a chance to live out our values and remind people what community really looks like.”

Paris is now heading into her final year at Wayne State, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead for her. She’s not just finishing school; she’s inspiring a wave of support and hope far beyond campus.