The Edge: a Publication of Upward Bound

The Edge: A Publication of Upward Bound

Senior Edition!

Congratulations to the Upward Bound class of 2016!

We are thankful that we’ve had the opportunity to help you successfully complete high school and also prepare for college. You are full of potential and we look forward to hearing all the great things that you will accomplish.

As you head off to college, stay focused, give it your all, and know that we’re ALWAYS here if you need anything.

- Upward Bound Staff

Congratulations to the Aldine Education Foundation Scholarship Recipients- Yahaira, Victor, Lesley, and Vy

1 Staff Farewell Notes

Dear Graduating Seniors,

It brings me so much joy to congratulate each of you. Over the past ten months, I’ve seen each of you grow both physically and mentally, maturing into a fine group of young individuals. I know this is an exciting time but it’s also a pretty scary one. The future can be uncertain, but the best way to fight that is to embrace that uncertainty. Life hits hard but each of you has the capability of hitting back so much harder.

What’s most important is that you capitalize on the opportunities that are presented to you. Whether it’s on campus or in a trade school, find your own path. Don’t mimic the paths of others. Be flexible but be patient. Who knows where life will take you so take measured risks and encourage yourself when times get tough. Remember, that diploma you received proves that you can overcome any obstacle.

Let me leave you all by saying that when times get hard, don’t hesitate to call on your UB family. We will always be here for you. Hold fast to your confidence, move your feet forward and keep your eyes on every opportunity. Class of 2016…Have fun as you step out and make your mark on this world.

Remain Blessed,

- Mr. Carter

Dear Graduating Seniors,

Congratulations Class of 2016! You’ve done it! I am so proud of each one of you! Many of you are starting the tradition in your family and friends to attend college and are setting amazing examples to those who are younger than you. I am so proud of you for that. I know that your parents and guardians are also so proud of you taking advantage of the opportunities that your parents and guardians have worked so hard for you to have! My hope for each of you is that Upward Bound has been a formative, fun, and unforgettable experience and has helped show you the limitless opportunities that you can have for your life with some dedication and hard work. I hope you each have an incredible college experience! My advice: get involved and get active in college and you will make memories, friendships, and grow in ways you never imagined. Always remember that you are capable, valued, and you will always have your UB family cheering you on! Please keep in touch. We want to celebrate with you in your victories and support you in your challenges! I believe that you each have the potential to be world changers and can’t wait to see how you use your unique talents and gifts to make our world a better place to live!

Congratulations Graduates of 2016 and may you be blessed in all that you do!

- Ms. Hays

2 Congratulations class of 2016!!!

You did it! I am super proud of you all. You don’t know how great it is to be done with one chapter in your life to continue with another one full of adventures. I want to thank you for allowing my first year at UB be the best of many, it feels great to be on the other side serving you. I hope you know that all of your hardships in life are only to help you become a better person; always keep your head up regardless if you hear differently. You will become great young adults and know that your UB family is always here for you.

Again, thanks for being amazing human beings! - Ms. Gonzalez

Congratulations on this big accomplishment! You have all studied and struggled and stressed for the past four years, and now in this moment, all of your hard work has come to fruition. And, even better than that—your journey is not ending, but just beginning. Finally, you are crossing into the world of college—a big, beautiful world where you have the freedom to find yourselves and grow into the wonderful people that you are destined to become. Although your time after high school may not prove easy, I am confident that each one of you has it in you to succeed.

Thank you all so much for allowing me the privilege to have a small part in your lives over the past year. Truly, you inspire me. Getting to know you and watching you grow has filled my heart with joy, and I absolutely cannot wait to witness more of your successes in college and beyond. 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 successes and struggles, and know that you are each so valuable to us. Congratulations again!

- Ms. Judd

Dear Class of 2016,

It seems like just yesterday when you all first joined UB. Now you are graduating and heading off to college! Whether you will be attending Lone Star or heading straight to your 4 year school—we are so proud of you.

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, challenging, and full of life lessons. Be open to meeting new people, trying new things, and joining an organization or two. If you ever need anything—remember that we are here for you! We can’t wait to have you come back and encourage the younger students.

- Ms. Tigney

3 Dear Graduating Seniors,

I want you all to know how much it has meant to me to be able to work with you this past year. You are a fine group of young men and young ladies and you have the brightest of futures ahead of you. I am confident that each and every one of you will be a shining star and that you will forge ahead in your new college adventures. Remember that each new chapter in your life truly is an adventure and cherish all of the adventures that are put out in front of you. Each one is there to teach you something important.

Never forget that education is your door to success and perseverance is your best friend. Even when you feel like it is too difficult to get through the semester you must persevere and do your very best. It will be worth it in the long run. You will look back on your life and be thankful that you gave it your all and you made it through.

I am looking forward to seeing all of you back in our office in 4 years to show us your college diplomas! May you be blessed in all that you work toward.

- Ms. Rivette

Congratulations Upward Bound Class of 2016! It has been a blessing to work with Upward Bound students the past seventeen years. I am still amazed, each year, of how bright and talented you are. It has been an honor to watch you grow, develop, and leave to become all that I know you will. This is a new chapter in your life, embrace this time and be proud of your accomplishments. I know that there are many new experiences and successes in your future. Don’t be discouraged when times get tough. Chase your dreams with vigor and a good attitude. The Upward Bound staff are your biggest fans and 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 Ms. Carolyn Wade and the Aldine ISD administrative team for their outstanding support and dedication to the Upward Bound program.

“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go, instead, where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

4 Cristian Amaya Bertha Arellano College attending in the fall: College attending in the fall: Lone Star College University of Houston

Major: Welding Major: Nursing

Favorite UB memory: Going to Favorite UB Memory: When we Lone Star and Texas A&M. went to the Spaghetti Warehouse and the Christmas play. Another favorite memory was when we went rock climbing.

Vanessa Benavidez Yahaira Chaverria College attending this fall: College attending this fall: Blinn College University of Houston

Major: Criminal Justice Major: Business

Favorite UB Memory: The opportunities and time I have spent Favorite UB Memory: The summer with my UB classmates. Also, the trip to California and all of our trip to California last summer. shenanigans is my favorite Thank you for everything you all memory! have provided.

Shandricka Cole Victor Cruz College attending this fall: College attending in the fall: Cosmetology Lone Star College

Major: Psychology Major: Physical Therapy

Favorite UB Memory: All the trips. Meeting and creating bonds and Favorite UB Memory: Attending friendships with people and making the SWASAP and traveling all the a second family. way to Van, TX. It was fun meeting new people from other Upward Bound groups.

Kiarra Felder Veronica Flores College attending in the fall: College Attending this fall: Lone Star College Lone Star College

Major: Art Major: Undecided

Favorite UB Memory: My favorite Favorite UB Memory: Summer trip UB memory would be when we to California. I had always wanted went to Camp Allen. to visit California and it was a wish come true. Visiting Disneyland with friends was very memorable.

“Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” -Malcolm X

5 Kelly Garcia Samantha Gonzalez College attending in Fall: College attending in the fall: University of Houston-Downtown Texas A&M Corpus Christi

Major: Nursing Major: Computer Science

Favorite UB Memory: The summer Favorite UB Memory: Summer program helped me communicate trips, summer classes, field trips, with other people from other overnight trips and college prep. schools.

Maximo Hernandez Valerie Hilliard College attending this fall: College attending this Fall: University of Houston Texas State University

Major: Business Major: Athletic Training

Favorite UB Memory: The cruise Favorite UB Memory: Watching boat in California was my favorite! Max dance for the first time on the boat ride in California.

Adriana Ibarra Ke’Ana Jones College attending in the fall: College attending in the fall: Lone Star College Texas Southern University

Major: Nursing or Pharmacy Major: Business

Favorite UB Memory: Visiting the Favorite UB Memory: When we University of Houston went to UT-Austin and Texas State in San Marcos. Also, attending all the lunch and learns, college visits, college preps, and the overnight trips.

Precious Lopez Breanne Mallard College attending this fall: College attending this fall: Coastal Bend College Lone Star College

Major: Education Major: Psychology

Favorite UB Memory: Being with Favorite UB Memory: A restaurant my squad. where they dressed like movie characters. One guy was Nacho Libre and he blew our chips on our plates just like the movie. That place was fun.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” —Eleanor Roosevelt

6 Lelsey Martinez Rodazha Maxwell College attending in the fall: College attending in the fall: University of Houston-Downtown Army

Major: Nursing or Sonography Major: N/A

Favorite UB Memory: When I went Favorite UB Memory: Being able to to the University of Houston. I join the program as a sophomore enjoyed the spirit the students had was a blessing. It prepared me for and visiting the different places on college and has been helpful in so campus. It was a great experience. many ways. It is an extraordinary program!

Cristian Meraz Angie Moreno College attending in the fall: College attending the fall: Texas A&M University Lone Star College

Major: Mathematics Major: Biochemistry

Favorite UB Memory: Camp Favorite UB Memory: My favorite Allen—It introduced me to all of UB memory would be attending the the perks that Upward Bound had summer classes at LSC and the to offer. I remember climbing up a banquets. huge pole and facing my fears.

Yulissa Nava Vy Nguyen College attending in the fall: College attending in the fall: Texas A&M University Lone Star College

Major: Social Work Major: Science

Favorite UB Memory: The trip to Favorite UB Memory: The summer Los Angeles was my favorite. trips where I got to see and learn new things in different states. I enjoyed camping, going to the zoo, and visiting different universities.

Luis Palma Diana Ramirez College attending this fall: College attending this fall: Lone Star College Sam Houston State University

Major: Undecided Major: Business

Favorite UB Memory: The UB Bowl Favorite UB Memory: My last was an awesome experience that summer trip and enjoying my time brought out the competitive sides with Ms. Skaggs & Ms. Paiz. I in all of us! It was a great day! enjoyed going to LA.

“Believe with all of your heart that you will do what you were made to do.” -Orison Swett Marden

7 Tierra Randle Angelina Rocha College attending this fall: College attending this Fall: Blinn College University of Houston-Downtown

Major: Communications Major: Undecided

Favorite UB Memory: Camp Allen Favorite UB Memory: Overnight and participating in all the team trip to Texas State and UTSA. building exercises and getting to know other UB members.

Jazminda Saenz Janelly Saucedo College attending in the fall: College attending this fall: Lone Star College Texas State University

Major: Veterinary Medicine Major: Exercise and Sports Science

Favorite UB Memory: Camp Allen Favorite UB Memory: The cruise and trying new things. we had in California in Summer 2015!

Vanessa Segovia Carla Silva College attending this fall: College attending this fall: Lone Star College Lone Star College

Major: Undecided Major: Nursing

Favorite UB Memory: When we Favorite UB Memory: College went to New Orleans and after the visits. ghost tour the girls put hand prints in the shower window to scare others (me) and it was really funny.

Zaria Solomon Jocelyne Soto College attending this fall: College attending this fall: Texas Southern University Prairie View

Major: Physical Therapy Major: Medicine/Science

Favorite UB Memory: My first trip Favorite UB Memory: Overnight to Texas A&M Corpus Christi and trip to UNT the SWASAP trip. I had some real fun meeting new people from everywhere.

8 Azari Sumbler Autumn Thomas College attending this fall: College attending this fall: University of Texas Prairie View

Major: Undecided Major: Nursing

Favorite UB Memory: Going to Favorite UB Memory: The summer school and taking theater overnight trips. They allowed me class. That elective was the to come out of my comfort zone highlight of my day. and it's always fun to sleepover in a hotel with friends and explore whatever city we're in.

Dahndre Thomas Katrina Trujillo College attending this fall: College attending this fall: Texas A&M University Army

Major: Biology Major: Medicine

Favorite UB Memory: The last Favorite UB Memory: First trip to summer trip to California was the SFA because I made a really great best time of my life. friend that day.

Fatima Zavala College attending this fall: Lone Star College

Major: Music Education Congratulations to our Favorite UB Memory: My favorite UB memory would be 4-year when we went to a career expo Upward Bound my junior year and I learned about different colleges. Participants!

Cristian Amaya Shandricka Cole Kiarra Felder Samantha Gonzalez Ke’Ana Jones Rodazha Maxwell Angie Moreno Vy Nguyen Janelly Saucedo Azari Sumbler

9 UB Memories