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Senior Edition!

The Edge:

A Publication

of Upward Bound

June 2014

Staff Farewell Notes

Our UB Class of 2014,

It is with tremendous pride that I write to you all, as this means you’re stepping into your next phase in life as high

school graduates! Several of you have been around Upward Bound as long as I have, and I have had the extreme

pleasure of getting to know you the last three years. Every day has been a new, and exciting adventure as I’ve watched

you mature from nervous sophomores into confident seniors, and young adults. It has been a joy to witness the impact

our program has had on you all, and without knowing it, you all have been highly influential on me, as well. I have first-

hand experience with your eagerness to learn, determination to succeed, and nothing gives me more pride in knowing

that you all are reaching to meet your highest potential. The future before you is no doubt a little intimidating, and you’ll

encounter a number of bumps and dips that will make you want to throw your hands in the air and quit, but let the goals

you each have for yourselves be your driving motivation to never give up. We’ll always be on the sidelines cheering for

you, and if you ever need anything, we’re never too far away. Don’t be afraid to take risks, or nervous to make mistakes,

because everything can be turned into a learning opportunity, and with experience comes knowledge, and with

knowledge comes power. Allow yourselves to have the power to control your own destinies and paths to success. You

all are stronger and capable beyond imagination! I am eternally grateful to have had the chance to meet the graduating

class of 2014, and look forward to seeing what the future holds in store for each of you.

Remember to stay positive, smile when times get tough, and lean on those who support and

encourage you.

Best Wishes,

Ms. Skaggs

Class of 2014,

The great Nelson Mandela once said “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Class of 2014, you are well on your way to changing this world. I would like to begin by telling each of you

congratulations on completing such a big step in your academic careers. Your life is better because of the good decisions

you have made so far, but the best is yet to come!

Personally, college was the greatest experience of my life. I learned so much about myself, matured, and made some

very powerful, long-lasting relationships that have aided me in my personal and professional life. To say college was

easy would be a lie. It was difficult; full of many struggles and hardships. Often, the thought of giving up crossed my

mind, but I am happy I didn’t. I would not have had the opportunity to meet each of you had I given up.

Equip yourselves with the tools you will need to face your obstacles head on. Never give up, no matter how impossible

the task may seem. Each of you is capable of great things and I await the day to hear about your continued wonderful

accomplishments. Lastly, always remember Upward Bound will always hold a special place for you so please keep in

touch. Not goodbye, only see you later!

Best of luck Class of 2014,

Mrs. Gonzales

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Dear 2014 Graduates, Congratulations on making it to this step of the journey! You have worked very hard over the past four years and it is a privilege to join you in this season of celebration. You each have a bright future ahead of you and I'm very excited to see you continue to achieve your goals. The most important piece of advice that I can give to you is to fully embrace this season of your life. Your 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. I'm proud of you all and I know that our entire UB family is as well. Thank you for setting a good example for other students and encouraging them to stay focused. I wish you all the best in the transition to college life. Please keep in touch!

Ms. Tigney

Congratulations! You’ve done it! All of your hard work and determination has paid

off! It hasn’t always been easy I’m sure, but you persevered, and I am proud of each

of you for that! Many of you are paving the way for your friends and family to show

that college is not only an option, but that it’s a fantastic way to achieve your dreams

and goals in life. I hope for each of you, that Upward Bound has been a formative,

fun, and unforgettable experience but I want you to know that as AMAZING as

Upward Bound has been, your experience in college can be EVEN more incredible, (hard to believe,

I know). 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! 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!

Ms. Hays

“Leap, and the net will appear.” - John Burroughs

Congratulations Class of 2014! I’ve had the pleasure over the last two years to get to know this great class of students.

When I reflect back to when I began working with Upward Bound, I think of those wild, loud,

brave sophomores I first met. Though you all still have those moments that drive us Advisors nuts,

overall I must say this class has grown up and matured a great deal. Take this time to relish in your

current accomplishments; for many of you graduating high school is just a stepping stone to a life

time full of achievements. With that said though, make sure to truly enjoy this moment before mov-

ing on to the next chapter in your life. There is nothing and no one in this world that can stop you

from obtaining your dreams but yourself. While each one of you will move on to begin different jour-

neys, do not allow life’s unexpected curve balls to throw you off course. 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 achieve whatever you set your mind to. I have high hopes and dreams for this

group of students, and I cannot wait to see all you accomplish. If you ever need anything; a pep talk,

a recommendation letter, help with financial aid, anything at all, we will always be a phone call away.

Ms. Paiz

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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 life 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

I have been blessed to work with Upward Bound students the past fourteen years 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. Be proud of your accomplishments and know that there are many new experiences and accom-plishments 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

“Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.” -Sam Levenson

We would like to send a special thank you to

Dr. Steve Head, Dr. Bennie Lambert, &

Carolyn Wade

for their outstanding support and dedication to the Upward Bound program.

Without their support, none of this would be

possible!

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Jair Aparicio

College attending this fall: Lone Star College-North Harris

Major: Computer Engineering Favorite UB Memory: The summer classes that we get to take through Upward Bound.

Katia Bouza

College attending this fall: Texas A&M-College Station

Major: International Studies Favorite UB Memory: When we went to Chicago. I had the best time of my life. It was a great experience.

Vanessa Botello College attending this fall: Lone Star College-North Harris

Major: Accounting Favorite UB Memory: Being able to meet new people and being able to participate in different field trips and activi-ties.

Pedro Amaya

College attending in fall: Lone Star College-North Harris

Major: Welding Favorite UB Memory: The leadership conference that I got to go on.

Hana Corona

College attending this fall: University of Houston –

Downtown

Major: Criminal Justice

Favorite UB Memory:

Eating at the Time Machine

in San Antonio.

Xavier Cantu

College attending this fall: Lone Star College-North Harris

Major: Criminal Justice Favorite UB Memory: Meeting new people, having fun, and learning a lot of things for college.

“Life has two rules: #1 Never quit #2 Always remember rule # 1.” -Unknown

Gerardo Aldana College attending in fall: Lone Star College-North Harris

Major: Health & Fitness

Favorite UB Memory: All

the field trips.

Naomi Creader

College attending this fall: Lone Star College-North Harris

Major: Business Administration

Favorite UB Memory: Go-ing to visit Texas State with my crew!

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Daisy Farias

College attending this fall: Lone Star College-North Harris Major: Business Favorite UB Memory: The first time I participated in the summer program– it was easy to make friends!

Hunter Lange

College attending this fall: Lone Star College-North Harris Major: Engineering Favorite UB Memory: When we went to Corpus Christi.

Yessenia Guzman

College attending this fall: Texas State University Major: Pre-pharmacy

Favorite UB Memory: Going

to Corpus with my group and

then getting attacked by birds

on the beach after we got our

ice cream.

Lucero Fernandez

College attending this Fall: Texas State University Major: Social Work Favorite UB Memory: When we went to Chicago for our 2012 summer trip. It was my 17th birthday and everyone sang Happy Birthday to me.

Demi Deleon

College attending this fall: Lone Star College-North Harris Major: Music Education/Health Science

Favorite UB Memory: Making

new friends and having memo-

ries that’ll last a lifetime!

Jennifer Jimenez

College attending this fall: Army National Guard/ Lone Star College-North Harris

Major: National Guard/ Undecided Favorite UB Memory: The Houston Food Bank and Aquarium- I got to socialize with students I had never met.

Gerardo Garza

College attending this fall: Texas State University Major: Marketing Favorite UB Memory: Always messing with my advisor, Senora Paiz.

“Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else.”

-Les Brown

Dinina Daniel

College attending this fall: Sam Houston State University Major: Criminal Justice

Favorite UB Memory: Watch-

ing Ms. Skaggs dance when

she’s excited and trying differ-

ent types of food on the trips.

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Nyla Luter

College attending this fall: Texas A & M-Kingsville

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Favorite UB Memory:

Making new friends and riding

on the plane for the first time.

Brigido Marroquin

College attending this fall: Lone Star College-North Harris Major: Music Production

Favorite UB Memory: My

favorite memory is meeting

new people. Everything

about UB is amazing.

Alejandra Martinez

College attending this fall: University of Texas- Austin Major: Journalism Favorite UB Memory: Going to Chicago and spending my summer with some of the best people in the world.

Patricia Montalvan

College attending the fall: Sam Houston State University Major: Communications Favorite UB Memory: All the times I had with Ms. Hays on my journey to graduate.

Angel Pacheco

College attending this fall: Sam Houston State University Major: Mathematics Favorite UB Memory: The leadership trip I was on with other UB students. We all pulled funny pranks on each other .

Cristian Perez

College attending this fall: Lone Star College-North Harris Major: Pre-medicine Favorite UB Memory: The trip to Washington, D.C. and experiencing something new.

Alina Phommavongsa

College attending this fall: Lone Star College-North Harris Major: Biology Favorite UB Memory: Going to San Antonio to visit UT and Texas State. That was the first time I met Ms. Paiz.

Jordy Rios

College attending this fall: Lone Star College-North Harris Major: Interdisciplinary Studies Favorite UB Memory: Going to Chicago and watching the Blue Man Group.

“Forget all the reasons it won’t work and believe the one reason that it will.” -Unknown

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Juanita Rivas

College attending this fall: Texas State University Major: Nursing Favorite UB Memory: The entire Chicago trip.

Juliana Rodriguez

College attending this fall: Lone Star College-Kingwood Major: Pharmacy Technician Favorite UB Memory: Going to Kemah and overcoming my fear of boats by riding “the Beast.”

Fernando Rodriguez

College attending this Fall: Prairie View A&M University

Major: Architecture Favorite UB Memory: Saturday College preps.

Alicia Rosales

College attending this fall: Texas A&M-Kingsville Major: Communications/Social Work Favorite UB Memory: Being able to see Ms. Skaggs every day and have one-on-ones.

Jessica Rosales

College attending this fall: Lone Star College-North Harris Major: Photography

Favorite UB Memory: Mr.

Mendez, Chicago, and having

Ms. Skaggs as my advisor

Justin Sauceda

College attending this fall: Lone Star College-Kingwood Major: Game Development

Favorite UB Memory: When

we were at an overnight trip,

and Ms. Tigney came to our

hotel room to get us quiet

because we were too loud.

Amy Sanford

College attending this fall: Sam Houston State University Major: Kinesiology & Health Science Favorite UB Memory: Having great talks about my future with Ms. Skaggs

Jennifer Soto-Uribe

College attending this fall: University of Texas-San Antonio

Major: Social Work Favorite UB Memory: The summer field trips are by far my favorite memories as an Upward Bound participant.

“Well done is better than well said.” -Benjamin Franklin

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Jonathan Tenorio

College attending this fall: Stephen F. Austin State University

Major: Nursing Favorite UB Memory: Going to Chicago!

Mariajose Toledo

College attending this fall: University of Houston Major: Public Relations Favorite UB Memory: Going to Washington D.C.

Wilmer Tinoco

College attending this Fall: Texas A&M-Corpus Christi

Major: Undecided Favorite UB Memory: Every single event and trip with the UB family for the last four years.

Leslie Turcios

College attending this fall: Lone Star College-North Harris Major: Health Favorite UB Memory: I love going on the field trips to colleges.

Stephanie Villanueva

College attending this fall: Texas State University Major: Criminal Justice

Favorite UB Memory: All the

talks and time spent with Ms.

Paiz in the UB office.

Mayra Zuniga

College attending this fall: Lone Star College-North Harris Major: Nursing Favorite UB Memory: My favorite memory was our trip to Washington, D.C.– attend-ing different museums, especially the Holocaust Museum.

Tiera Walker

College attending this fall: Prairie View A&M University Major: Nursing Favorite UB Memory: When Yesenia, Yayo, Wilmer, Hunter and I went to Texas A&M Corpus Christi and got swarmed and attacked by seagulls.

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Congratulations to our 4-year

Upward Bound Participants!

Pedro Amaya Jair Aparicio Daisy Farias

Jonathan Tenorio Wilmer Tinoco

Contact Us:

281-618-5746 Vanessa.M.Gonzales@lonestar.edu

“Life is short, live it. Love is rare, grab it. Anger is bad, dump it. Fear is awful, face it. Memories are sweet, cherish them.”

-Unknown