Upward Bound is one of the TRIO programs that are federally funded and offered to high school students around the country. High school students involved in the program must be low-income and/or be the first in their family to receive a Bachelor's Degree. These programs are started on college campuses around the country, and students attend classes and live on campus for a certain amount of weeks every summer. In 2008, the Upward Bound at the University of Dayton was founded, and that's where I currently am involved.

At first, I was sure I wasn't going to have a good experience. I made countless pro/con lists and met with many different people to try and talk through whether or not I should participate in the program. I went into the beginning being more nervous than I have ever been in my entire life. The first week, I went to meetings and went back to my room and cried, because I believed wholeheartedly that I had chosen the wrong thing.

As time continued going on and I became closer to the students and vise versa, Upward Bound became an outlet for me. UDUB (University of Dayton Upward Bound) led me to the students that have changed my life forever. Being involved with these students and the rest of the staff gave me hope in a difficult time.

Me and two of my kids on our girl's night

During the program, I started talking to many people about how much I was struggling. With having to control many people, being authoritative, alongside trying to make a difference in the lives of others, I was overwhelmed. However, things changed again as I continued moving forward and persistently progressing through the program.

As a Tutor-Counselor for the English class in the program, I didn't know how to make a difference for them. I didn't know what was possible for me to make them hate the class any less, but as I started really thinking, I thought of giving all of them journals that they write in daily. In these journals, they finally have the spaces to share details about their experiences and what they don't have the strength to say, they write.

I've asked the students over and over again what has been the best part of the program, and many have said the same things. I've heard countless times that they love the TC's and that they think of us as an inspiration, at times. I never even believed this about myself until this program and these students told me so.

The kids at the Cincinnati Mayor's office

One thing I consider one of the most important parts of my experience, was the unbelievable openness and loving spirit of my roommate and fellow TC, Angie. Angie and I connected quickly over our experiences and I knew from the first couple days of being there that she and I were going to change each other's lives. I am blessed beyond belief to have her in my life and I know that when this is over I'm going to miss her more than anything.

Angie and I

I missed a couple of days of the program and during those days I missed the kids more than anything. When I came walking in, many of them ran up to me and hugged me. They all shared how much they missed me and supported me for the reason I couldn't be there those days. Those moments showed me how amazing the program is and how much I mean to the program and the students.

Without UDUB, I don't know who I would be. I love each and every student I've met and I've learned so many things about myself that I would never otherwise know. I owe a lot to UDUB and I know that because of this program, I am forever changed.