The Last Hurrah

This is a post dedicated to Upward Bound, a federally funded college-prep program for high school kids that is designed to increase their chances of success in higher education.  There is so much I can say about this program, but first, it saddens me to come to the realization that this past Summer is very, very likely my last time being involved with this Program in this capacity.

Just to put things into perspective, of how significant this program is, I personally, owe all of my success to my involvement with this program during my high school years.  All of it!  In one way or another, whether direct or indirect, my personal successes can be traced back to Upward Bound, or someone in Upward Bound.  It's true!

I have to say, the last five Summers I have been a Resident Advisor for Upward Bound, has been one helluva learning experience!  Especially, I have learned a lot of about myself, and how I relate not just with high school students, but other human beings.  So, so serious!  There is absolutely not enough time and space for me to write about everything I have done or learned during my time with this Program, also because there are minors involved with this program so I can't name their identities, but all I have to say is, this place has had a huge effect on my development as a person and I can't thank the people, supporters, and families of the program.  It's really too much to say, and would take me an eternity to give thanks -- at least, the type of thanks I want to.

But I have come to the point where all great things end, and now I must take my place in what Upward Bound essentially was designed to create for me - the very existence and life the program visions for its students.  There are things about the program I agree with, as well as disagree with, but overall, if those who are in charge of the program remain true to its identity without straying too far from the system that is known to work, I think it will be fine.  I think I had a lot to offer the Program as a student and as a staff member, but I know I could not become too attached for fear of not becoming what I initially got into the program to become - which is a working professional.  Otherwise, I could see myself in a leader position with the program, especially after Director Wayne Kitchen and Director Janice Dirden-Cook have had their influences on me.  I feel strongly for the program, but that just was not my calling.

I will miss the program, and I will definitely seek out other ways to be involved with it because I believe so strongly in the program, but as far as the capacity in which I have been involved in the past, that's all folks...

Farewell