WELCOME BACK UPWARD BOUND!

September 2014

Welcome back to a new school year! This is such an exciting time of the year as you have the op-portunity to engage in unique challenges, set motivating goals, take new classes, get involved in school activities, clubs, and participate in Upward Bound!

We had a fantastic summer program and a great trip to the Black Hills (Photos on pg. 3) The Crossed Sabres Dude Ranch in Cody, Wyoming has been reserved for next year’s summer trip. We’ll go white water rafting, spend a day in Yellowstone National Park, horseback riding, and attend a rodeo in Cody! So plan on working hard this year and look forward to another outstanding summer program and trip in 2015!

We have a new Academic Advisor in Alliance this year—Ms. Tearza Mashburn. Many of you met Tearza during the summer program during one of our excellent Chinese dinner nights. She is ex-cited to be working with you and help you succeed in your school year and plan for college. Be sure to stop in and meet with Tearza as soon as you can.

Our first college campus visit this fall will be to University of Nebraska-Lincoln. In addition, we may tour Creighton, Wesleyan, Doane, or Southeast Community College. Please let your Academic Advisor know which college you are interested in and would like to visit. The exact dates have not been determined yet.

The first 2014-2015 Quarterly Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, September 20th at Chadron State Park. We will be performing community service at the park by painting picnic tables, so be pre-pared to paint and have some fun! Two former Upward Bound students who are attending Chadron State College (Kris Boardman and Kate Sullivan) will be discussing college life and taking your ques-tions. Our new UB full zip hoodies will be distributed during the meeting also. They’re great!!

This is the start of a new year, new beginnings and opportunities. Take advantage of your daily planner, meet with your academic advisor, participate in Sakai (September Sakai asks you to set three goals for this school year), attend Quarterly Meetings, and visit colleges and universities to become fa-miliar with your higher education possibilities. We’re all here to help you succeed in high school and beyond.

Have a great year!!

Dr. Maggie Smith-Bruehlman

Upward Bound Program Director Chadron State College 344 Crites Hall (308) 432-6390

Lauren Stephens-Chadron H.S.:

Taken from a high school student intern, Carly Steyer

11 Things I Wish I Had Known When I Started High School

1. First impressions matter. Be authentic (as in, don't try to be someone you're not), but try to start off on the right foot. 2. It turns out, most people don't even no-tice what you're wearing because they're too concerned about their own outfit. The truth is, for the most part, other people are caught up in what they themselves are wearing and what people will think of it, just like you are. 3. Take risks. Try out, audition and join groups. Being ac-tive in activities is good for you and help you build strong relationships. 4. Upperclassmen aren't that scary. 5. There is a difference between "cool peo-ple" and people who are cool. Again, be yourself and do not worry what others think! 6. One grade is just that: one grade. No single grade is going to determine your fate. One grade is not worth your tears. 7. Some teachers are actually really cool. There are a lot of teachers who are really cool, and funny, and they almost make you forget that they're grading all your papers and giving you exams every other week. 8. Knowing how to collaborate with peers is important. Everyone works at their own pace and in a slightly different way, and working in a group can be frustrating, but it's a very important skill to have. 9. Don't write off a bad teacher immediate-ly. There's nothing worse than going into a new class and discovering that you really don't like your teacher. But don't write them off too quickly. Sometimes it gets better over the course of the semester or year. 10. You need sleep. You are not immune to exhaustion. You do need to sleep, perhaps now more than ever. If you don't get enough sleep, you'll suffer con-sequences. It's as simple as that. 11. BALANCE. BALANCE. BALANCE. Striking the right balance between academics, extra-curriculars, friends, family, and your own well-being is the hardest thing I tackled in high school. But it's immeasurably important. Always know your academic advisor is there for you anytime you have a need, whether it is tutoring, ACT help, counseling, etc., we are here for you!!

Heather Moore-Sager Crawford H.S.:

Advice For a New Year From Other High

School Students

Freshman: Consider getting in-volved in student government. Once you are involved, it is much easier to stay in student government. Go to a homecoming game. This is a great way to feel school spirit and to have a fun time. Try going to a few club meetings,. Get to know your teachers. Sophomores: Get even more in-volved. Explore everything the school has to offer. Don't be afraid to try new things. Dress up to the maximum for a school rally with a couple of friends. Paint your face, throw on glitter, wear your school colors from head to toe. Help a freshman who looks complete-ly lost. You were in their shoes just last year. Juniors: Stay focused on school work because this year really counts for college. If you know what career you want to have after college, get experience in that profession. Find fun places to do community service. Seniors: Keep your mind focused on college and school, at least for the first semester, and don't get senioritis too early. Bring a camera with you to school (or at least on game days or field trip days) so you can capture every mo-ment of your last year. Try to attend as many senior functions as your budget will allow. Spend some time with underclassmen friends, too, and leave them with good memories of you after your gradua-tion. Advice Taken from http://www.thestate.com/2009/08/06/891981/advice-from-high-school-students.html

Page 2

Academic Advisor Update

U PWA R D B OU ND NEWS LE T T ER

Tearza Mashburn

Alliance H.S.:

Hello Upward Bound staff and students!

First, I'd like you all to know how excited I am to join this team. I look forward to helping each of you succeed and reach your dreams. I hope to get to know each of you better throughout the year. In the mean time, I'd like to tell you a little about myself. I am a true Nebraskan born and raised here and of course bleed Husker Red. I attended CSC and graduated with a BS in Secondary Education in 2002. While in col-lege I met my future husband and we were married in the summer of 2002. Matt is an Engineer with the BNSF Rail Road and has always lived in Alliance. Together we have two wonderful children, Ryleigh 6 and Emerson 1. These two kids keep me on my toes and our lives full of adventure and laughter. When I manage to find a spare mi-nute to myself I love to dive into a good mystery book. I en-joy camping, golfing, crocheting and being with family and friends. Let’s have an amazing year and help each other reach our goals!

Upward Bound Summer Trip 2014 SUMMER TRIP 2014

Congratulations to Alyssa Parkins, our Up-ward Bound student of the month!

Alyssa is currently a sophomore at Crawford High School and is in her second year of Upward Bound. Alyssa’s favorite classes are Geometry, Biology, and Advanced Fit-ness. She also participates in volleyball, track, and dance. Alyssa plans on playing basketball this year, as well. In her spare time, Alyssa likes to sing, dance, and play sports.

Alyssa has five biological sisters, two step-sisters, and two step-brothers. She recently became an aunt to a beauti-ful baby boy named Hunter. Alyssa participated in the Sum-mer Program this last summer and had “an amazing time”! Alyssa said she enjoyed the Summer Program as she was able to meet new people and she hopes to see them again next summer! Alyssa plans on going to school to become a mortician.

“Alyssa is a joy to have in the Upward Bound program. She is a great helper and al-

ways fun to be around.” – Heather Moore-Sager, Crawford UB Advisor

Alyssa Parkins—September Student of the Month

Your Magnificent Upward Bound Team!!

Steph, Maggie, Lauren, Heather and Tearza

9/2—Audreanna Smith

9/7—Braeley Welling

9/22—Alyssa Parkins

9/29—Shytanna Mountain

9/29—Tia Love