The Edge: A Publication of Upward Bound UPWARD BOUND
Class of 2017 Edition!
Congratulations to the Aldine Education Foundation Scholarship Recipients - Gilbert, Steven, William, Gabby, Adrian, Alma, Isaac, Rene, and Laura
1 Staff Farewell Notes
Dear Graduating Seniors,
It seems like only yesterday that I walked into a brightly lit classroom at Lone Star College to encounter a room filled with anxious juniors. You all have come such a long way together since then and you are now graduates, ready to break records and make your way in the world! It seems unreal.
I would like to start by congratulating you all on your graduation. You have all worked hard, and watching you develop and grow into confident and intelligent young adults has been an extremely rewarding experience for me. Your willingness to learn to take chances and grow has made you all much stronger. My hope for each of you will be to continue to be successful in all your future endeavors.
When I think of our time together, many great moments spring to mind. Thank you all in advance for the everlasting memories. I also want to congratulate each of you on the hard work you put into your academics, sports, Saturday College preps and extra-curricular school activities. I know it was a lot. Know that I am proud to have met such a generous group of individuals with a passion for community service and helping others. My hope is that you all will continue to contribute and inspire wherever you go. Remember, your UB family is always here to assist you and we look forward to hearing about your future achievements.
Congratulations Graduates of 2017 and may you remain blessed in the days, weeks, months and years to come!
-Mr. Carter
Dear Class of 2017,
You’re graduating! Congratulations! All of your hard work and struggles have come to fruition, and in this moment we celebrate you and your accomplishments. More than that—your journey is not ending, but just beginning. Finally, you are graduating into the world of college—an amazing world where you have the freedom to find yourselves and grow into the wonderful people that I have no doubt you will become. Although this new chapter may seem intimidating, trust in yourself and your ability to succeed. Thank you all so much for allowing me to have a part in your lives over the past two years. Getting to know you and watching you grow has filled my heart with joy, and I absolutely cannot wait to see all that you do with your lives. Even though some of you may be moving far –or not quite so far—away, please don’t let that distance keep us from hearing about your life. Call anytime to share your successful (or not- so-successful) moments, and know that you are each so valuable to us. Congratulations again! We are so proud of you all!
- Ms. Judd
2 Dear Class of 2017, I would like to “Thank you” for allowing me to be here for you! I am glad I was granted the opportunity to be your college prep advisor in the most important stage of your lives. Remember how hard you’ve worked and how far you will continue to go. I am beyond excited to see you grow older “Young Adults”! Please be open and welcome great opportunities that have yet to come, college will prepare you “enough”! We’ve shared many memories and many heart to heart moments that it will be hard to let go. However, no matter how far you will go, always remember that your UB Family loves you! “Goodbyes are not forever, Goodbyes are not the end, They simply mean I’ll miss you, Until we meet again.” Best wishes, Ms. Ana Gonzalez
Class of 2017!!!!! Congratulations on graduating! It has been such a pleasure working with you all. I have enjoyed getting to know you all and learning about your future aspirations. I would like to thank you for giving me the chance to help you pursue your college dreams. Make sure to follow your hearts in everything you do and remember the staff at UB are ALWAYS going to be here for you. Keep in touch!
Sincerely, Ms. Victoria Gonzalez
Dear Upward Bound Class of 2017,
Congratulations! I am so proud of you for all that you have accomplished and I cannot wait to see what incredible things you all will do in the future.
I have truly enjoyed getting to know you over the past few years. I have many great memories from Upward Bound because of you all and the adventures that we have had with UB. Like many students, I think one of my all-time favorite UB memories was white water rafting in beautiful Colorado last summer.
A few words of advice as you continue on to the next step of the journey—fully embrace this season of your life. These college years will be memorable, fun, and at the same time challenging. Be open to meeting new people, trying new things, and joining an organization on campus.
No matter where life takes you, please remember that I am only a phone call or office visit away if you ever need anything! Please also let me know when you graduate from college so that we can celebrate.
- Ms. Tigney
3 Dear Graduating Seniors,
There is so much excitement in the air with graduation behind you and a new stage of your life ahead of you. I am so proud of each and every one of you who worked so hard to successfully complete your high school education.
Now on to the important part of your new life, COLLEGE! Your college experience will be a new experience that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. Your college career and completion is one of the most important accomplishments that you will have in your lifetime.
Completing and attaining your college degree will set you up for a better way of life for you and for your family. Do not ever give up, no matter how much work it will take. You will be abundantly thankful that you made the decision to commit to this worthy endeavor.
Many blessings to all of you!
Ms. Rivette
CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2017! I am blessed to have worked with the Upward Bound students since 1999 and am still amazed, each year, of our bright and talented students. It has been an honor to watch you grow, develop, and leave to become all that I know you will. Nothing in life comes easy but I promise you, if you keep focused on your goals, surround yourself with positive people, and work hard you will be successful. Be proud of your accomplishments and know that there are many new experiences in your future. Chase your dreams with vigor and a good attitude and know that the Upward Bound staff will always be there for you. Please stay in touch…..we miss you already! Mrs. Cates
We would like to send a special thank you to Dr. Manns and the Aldine ISD administrative team for their outstanding support and dedication to the Upward Bound program.
We appreciate you!
4 Julissa Bergeron Jaesline Bernal College attending in the fall: College attending in the fall: University of Houston University of Houston
Career: Nursing Career: Nursing
Favorite UB memory: Going to Favorite UB Memory: Meeting new Disneyland in the summer with people from different schools and friends. the bond shared.
Marco Castro Jesus Contreras College attending this fall: College attending this fall: Texas A&M Lone Star College—North Harris
Career: Civil Engineering Career: Criminal Justice
Favorite UB Memory: Overnight trip to San Antonio. Favorite UB Memory: 2015 SWASAP, UB Bowl 2015 & 2016, Summer trip to Colorado.
Daniel Corona Emmanuel Davis College attending this fall: College attending in the fall: University of Houston Lone Star College—North Harris
Career: Medicine Career: Cosemetology
Favorite UB Memory: The summer trip to Los Angeles in 2015 was my Favorite UB Memory: My favorite. Being in Disneyland at favorite UB memory was night was amazing and something I attending the trip to Sam will always remember for the rest Houston State University and of my life then going to Main Event.
Roxana Escobar Alma Gomez Fall Plans: College Attending this fall: United States Army Lone Star College—North Harris
"Some people arrive and make such Career: Nursing a beautiful impact on your life, you can barely remember what life was Favorite UB Memory: One of my like without them." - Anna Taylor most memorable [UB] moments would be the bonfire from the SWASAP conference. I loved the family feeling of that night.
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
5 Gustavo Gomez Ricardo Guerrero College attending in Fall: College attending in the fall: Lone Star College—North Harris Lone Star College—North Harris
Career: Communications Career: Engineering
Favorite UB Memory: There are so Favorite UB Memory: Getting to many, but coming in the College scout and explore the SFA campus Center every time and receiving a on our field trip was nice. warm “Hello” from Ms. Judd.
D’Narius Harris Liset Hernandez College attending this fall: College attending this Fall: University of Texas San Antonio University of Houston
Career: Accounting Career: Psychology
Favorite UB Memory: College Favorite UB Memory: Lynzee campus trips. Mendoza gave a speech at a UB Banquet and dedicated it to her parents and family which brought tears to my eyes. It was so beautiful that she thanked them.
Andre Holiday Laura Jennings Fall Plans: College attending in the fall: United States Marines Lone Star College—North Harris
Favorite UB Memory: My favorite Career: Social Work UB memory was when we went on trips to colleges and to special Favorite UB Memory: The college events. preps. Hearing the student accomplishments gave me hope and I loved the teachers.
Kayla Johnson Leonardo Mata College attending this fall: College attending this fall: University of Texas at Austin The New School—NYC
Career: Fine Arts / Theatre Career: Journalism
Favorite UB Memory: I loved going Favorite UB Memory: My favorite to Camp Allen on the high/low UB memory is when I got to be ropes courses. I also enjoyed Jacobs mentor because I got to playing basketball there. meet a really great friend.
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” —Eleanor Roosevelt
6 Steven Mendoza Ricardo Moctezuma College attending in the fall: College attending in the fall: Lone Star College—North Harris Lone Star College—North Harris
Career: Neuroscience Career: Biology
Favorite UB Memory: Attending Favorite UB Memory: Going to the overnight SWASAP Leadership Colorado and all the college prep conference at UNT. I enjoyed classes. staying in the dorms and experiencing what dorm life was like.
Paige Moffett Daisy Moreno-Ortiz College attending in the fall: College attending the fall: Prairie View A&M University Lone Star College—North Harris
Career: Medicine Major: Nursing
Favorite UB Memory: Going to Favorite UB Memory: Going on the Camp Allen. Sky Ranch overnight trip. We sang while sitting around a fire, surrounded by amazing people. It was one of the best nights of my life.
Natalia Nila Paige Olaye College attending in the fall: College attending in the fall: Lone Star College—Kingwood Southern University
Career: Creative Writing Career: Nursing
Favorite UB Memory: The entirety Favorite UB Memory: Going to of my 1st year with UB. I loved visit Texas A&M College of Nursing Camp Allen, being a part of the and getting a tour of Texas A&M new sophomore members. I loved Commerce University! my first Spring overnight to SFA, the school I wish to attend.
Gabriela Ortega Isaac Patino College attending this fall: College attending this fall: University of Texas at Dallas Lone Star College—North Harris
Major: Art and Technology Major: Art and Communications
Favorite UB Memory: The time Favorite UB Memory: Being on the when I went to California and took Gondolas at Breckenridge in awesome pictures with Natalia, Colorado. Also when I fell off the Adrian, Julissa, Daniel, Alma, and raft when we went White Water William. Also, being able to create Rafting-- that was sort of funny. I’ll such a tight bond with Ms.Judd. never forget that.
“Believe with all of your heart that you will do what you were made to do.” -Orison Swett Marden
7 Lizbeth Perez Destinee Pierson College attending this fall: College attending this Fall: Lone Star College—North Harris Prairie View A&M University
Major: English Career: Nursing
Favorite UB Memory: I enjoyed Favorite UB Memory: White water going to the UB potlucks. I was able rafting in Colorado. to get together with all the UB families/friends, eat good food, and hear from interesting guest speakers.
Nicole Quezada Rene Ramirez College attending in the fall: College attending this fall: Texas A&M Kingsville Lone Star College—North Harris
Major: Pre-Veterinary Studies Career: Business
Favorite UB Memory: The summer Favorite UB Memory: going to trip to Colorado. Lone Star for the summer.
Astry Raudal Zaire Robertson College attending this fall: Fall Plans: Lone Star College—North Harris United States Navy
Major: Undecided Favorite UB Memory: Attending my first college prep. Favorite UB Memory: When UB took us to Schlitterbahn for an overnight trip.
Anna Rodriguez Gilbert Ruiz College attending this fall: College attending this fall: University of St. Thomas Stephen F. Austin State University
Major: Bilingual Education Major: biology
Favorite UB Memory: Going to Favorite UB Memory: White water Colorado in 2016 and looking at rafting in Colorado. how beautiful nature is and thinking about how NO mountain is unreachable.
8 Kimberly Sanchez Willie Stewart College attending this fall: College attending this fall: Lone Star College—North Harris Alcorn State University
Major: Undecided Major: Culinary Arts
Favorite UB Memory: Summer Favorite UB Memory: The Program 2015, meeting new Natural Caverns. friends, and falling in love with colleges during campus tours and overnight trips.
Daijah Summons Daniela Tapia College attending this fall: College attending this fall: University of Houston—Victoria Lone Star College—North Harris Major: Biology Major: Education Favorite UB Memory: The trip to Colorado. UB took us white water Favorite UB Memory: The Spring rafting and me, Gilbert, Destinee , Overnight Trip in San Antonio. We Astry, Michelle and Ms. Gonzalez ate at a restaurant called Magic couldn't stop laughing because the Time Machine and Nacho Libre water was super cold and Ms.G was our waiter. It was the kept bumping into me with her greatest experience ever! paddle and I almost fell off!
Jaqueline Tejada William Torres College attending this fall: College attending this fall: Lone Star College—North Harris Sam Houston State University
Career: Nursing Career: Accounting
Favorite UB Memory: When I Favorite UB Memory: All joined in 9th grade, my first trip experiences in Colorado. was Camp Allen and I met a few seniors. We all hung out together that day and they made me feel like I was part of the UB family.
Judit Urrea Adrian Valdez College attending this fall: College attending this fall: Texas A&M University Lone Star College—North Harris
Major: Biomedical Science Career: Business
Favorite UB Memory: When UB Favorite UB Memory: Going to took us to volunteer at the California for the 2015 Summer Houston Food Bank and we Trip. packaged food for the senior citizens. I had a great time, it was like working with your family.
9 Elion Washington College attending this fall: Houston Community College
Major: Culinary Arts
Favorite UB Memory: Going to see Wicked. It was amazing.
UB Memories
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