Upward Bound!

This summer I had the privilege of working with the Upward Bound program; for those of you who don't know, the UB program provides opportunities for high school participants to succeed in their pre-college performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Working with this program was one of the most enjoyable experiences I've had the opportunity to be a part of.

Bosses

My bosses were wonderful. They were all caring, goal-oriented, smart people. They were concerned with the betterment of the students in the program, and did everything they could to encourage the students in all of their life pursuits.

Co-workers 

 I started this job knowing that three of my best friends would also be my coworkers. I also knew that I would have a ton of fun at this job because of them, if for no other reason; however, what I didn't know was that I would develop friendships with the rest of my coworkers. Each with his or her own distinct personality and style, the TAs of the Upward Bound program helped make my summer outstanding.

Students

The students in the Upward Bound program are what made my summer truly spectacular. There were about 80 students in the program, and I love each of them.  I enjoyed them coming home from classes and telling me about their day; I enjoyed sitting around the table and having family dinner with them; I enjoyed tucking them into bed at night and singing them a lullaby to fall asleep to. But mostly I enjoyed simply being a part of their lives.
There was a good portion of the students that called me Momma, and I guess in a way I acted as such. I helped with their homework, listened when they were having problems with relationships, made sure they were eating enough (including a cookie for dessert every now and again), gave them hugs everyday, and protected them like they were my own children. While I know that none of them are actually my children, I will always refer to them as my kids, no matter how old we are, or where life may take us. I am so thankful that the students of the Upward Bound program gave me the opportunity to be involved in their worlds, and I hope that I have made half the impact on their lives as I know they have on mine.