Alumni
If you are an alumnus of Upward Bound and would like to submit your story, send us an e-mail.January 2004 Spotlight: C. W. Van Baale
One of the best aspects of the Upward Bound program is the education it provides beyond classroom interaction. All tolled, I spent three years in the program as a student and one as a TC. When I was accepted into the program, it sounded like some geek camp vacation. I had always been a good student, but had little inclination to reach out to my peers for friendship or support. My age group continually frustrated me with its ignorance and mean-spirited, shallow treatment of anyone different. Plus, I came from a homogenous town (Newton, IA) full of stereotypes and prejudices, which did nothing to bolster my faith in mankind. My experiences were limited, but I thought I knew it all. It was at this time I entered the UB program and my outlook changed.
My first summer was after my sophomore year. I lived on the fourth floor of sweltering Hoffman Hall with nine other students and for the first time in my life, I was a minority. The role reversal was initially quite frightening. I did not feel threatened, but I was unsure if I threatened anyone else. I did not want to offend or demean anyone, but there was not much I had in common with my floor mates, at least on the surface. As the days went on, I became friends with those guys and realized that we had more in common than I imagined. The guys on my floor were funny, friendly, supportive, accepting, and, most importantly, good people. Plus, they thought the same about me. For the first time in my life, it felt good to be wrong and to acknowledge that fact.
After my first summer ended, I began to appreciate the experience much more than when I lived it. The students back home did not have compassion for each other like at UB. They only cared about themselves and what the cool kids thought of them. Ironically, I considered not returning for my second year. I thought it was greedy to keep UB to myself and not let someone else duplicate my enjoyment. I felt guilty. The choice belonged to me and I decided that if UB wanted me back, then I would go. It was a great decision. In that regard, I can credit Upward Bound with starting me on the path of decisiveness.
The second summer was just as good as the first, but nothing compared to my bridge year. My most vivid memory of that third summer was the flood. It was 1993 and all throughout Pella, the signs read “Visit Lake Red Rock.” In reality, with the massive rainfall we had, it seemed that the lake was coming to visit us. With only a few weeks left, the state was in bedlam and under three feet of water. One of the TCs announced at breakfast that anyone interested in sandbagging the river in Eddyville would be excused from classes and to meet outside the Physical Plant after breakfast. To my surprise, about 45 students went, including myself. We filled sandbags, built levees, and ate with the people in their town hall. While we were eating, I realized we had all volunteered for 6 hours of manual labor! High School students don’t usually do that. Plus, I don’t think any of us were even from Eddyville. It was a great feeling to help people who did not ask us and not ask them for anything in return. It was very refreshing to see my peers as willing to sacrifice their time and effort as I was.
My decision to attend Central was in large part due to my involvement in UB. I was accepted to bigger, more reputable schools, but the campus in Pella was familiar and several other UB alumni would be there too. At Central, I studied Theatre, worked in the Media Center, and spread the UB spirit to a slightly older crowd. It was UB who enabled me with the confidence to pursue what I wanted. Now, I live in Chicago. I perform in plays and with improv troupes here in town and, for a day job, manage a theatrical lighting rental and corporate production company. It takes a great deal of humility, decisiveness, and sacrifice to cope with the rigors of entertainment industry. I thank UB for motivating me to take what I want, want what I have, and have time to take advantage of my opportunities.
October 2004 Spotlight: Heather Isaacson
I credit Upward Bound with being as influential a part of my life as anything else, including my parents… which is saying something. I have an undying love for UB for many reasons. I was able to live for four summers as a high school student participating in the creation of my personal heaven, six weeks at a time. I met my very best friends either directly at UB or through my UB family. UB nurtured a belief in myself that otherwise may have never existed. Someone (and in the case of UB, many someones) saw things in me I didn’t see myself. They kindly gave me that image and I was able to live amongst hugs and love and a security I hadn’t known before. In that environment, the image others had of me became my own to live up to – and it led me to personal success I hadn’t realized I was missing. I became myself through Upward Bound. And what a great jumping off point!
I was going to college! And I was going to make it! I chose to attend Central College, because thanks to UB, there were people at Central who already cared about me, and I wanted to stay a part of that. I hoped to be privileged enough to continue my UB life and see other teens who, like myself, could find their way through that program. I was fortunate to be a TC for two summers and had an amazing time. The relationships meant so much to me… and I did get to be a part of students’ lives and help them see all the really wonderful things inside of themselves. It was the best. I wanted to be a TC forever.
But, the real world does call. Despite heading out into the world after graduating college, my family of friends (built largely from my UB roots) remained my rock. And eventually, I was able to rejoin Central and work for the GEAR UP program. GEAR UP is similar to UB in that we help students get to college, or some post-secondary education, and achieve their goals. We build relationships with the students and their families to ensure their success. GEAR UP adopted a class of 7th grade students in Des Moines in 1999. This year, they are seniors. I have had the privilege of sustaining the UB spirit of support, caring, challenge facing, down home hugging, and full-blown love through my work in GEAR UP. I adore what I do, I adore the students, and I just know they are destined for great things. I feel honored to work in a job that is kind of like being a TC forever. Corny, but honest: It’s a dream come true.
I think one of the most challenging, but most obvious things about being a UBer is to be grateful. Being grateful is a verb; you have to live it. There are so many others out there who are equally deserving of a UB life, but they don’t get one… they may never have what you have. You are one of the fortunate ones. Welcome. Now take advantage of it. Take care of UB; it takes care of you. Honor the program in your gratitude, positive energy, and love. Someday, you may choose to make it your life’s work. So, this is easy practice. Why are you still reading this story? Get busy!
