Class of 2006 Graduate from: Edcouch-Elsa High School
Currently Attending: Baylor University
Major: Biology/Pre-Med
{denise} My name is April Denise Guerrero and I am currently attending Baylor University in Waco, TX. I am a 2006 graduate of the Mighty Yellow Jackets of Edcouch-Elsa High School. I am extremely proud to say that a lot of my success and accomplishments were originated with one single organization called GEAR UP. GEAR UP opened my eyes in so many ways that only benefited me in the future. I can honestly say that I believe I am a stronger student and individual because I participated in such a prestigious organization. GEAR UP not only assisted me financially for concurrent enrollment classes but also gave me the chance to think about my future before I was actually encountered with it. I completely feel that I was prepared for college and all the decisions that come along with being on your own. GEAR UP gave me such a strong background to build up from and for that, I am exceptionally grateful.
Presently, I am majoring in Biology/Pre-Med and have never had to work so hard in my life. College is everything anyone has ever said it would be. Yep, that means no easy walk or stress-free days. College is like a rollercoaster, once you get on you can’t get off. Even, when there are those days where I just totally feel like giving up, I make it through the day somehow. And even though I hate those late study nights doing homework for 3 or 4 classes a day, I wouldn’t change it for anything. Baylor University is truly a wonderful campus. The administration and instructors are extremely open and only want you to learn. The school sprit is not as enthusiastic as my high school but we are proud to be bears, nevertheless. Recently Baylor hosted a Thanksgiving feast, outside under a huge tent, for the whole campus. It was very welcoming and made me feel like Baylor was united.
In addition to the great campus life, I have also made numerous friends here at Baylor University. Befriending all different types of people, different races, and meeting people from different backgrounds has truly been a wonderful experience. I have also been blessed to have 3 special friends in my life, that I met here at Baylor, that I can honestly say I can count on them whenever I call. Having that security is just all the better.
In closing, I would just like to say that Baylor University was the right choice for me, and not one day passes by that I regret coming here. I believe that GEAR UP played an extremely significant role in my college decision and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Class of 2006 Graduate from: Hidalgo High School
Currently Attending: Baylor University
Major: Communication Science and Disorders
{veronica} Veronica Trevino is a 2006 graduate from Hidalgo High School and participated in the Region One ESC GEAR UP: Right Choices for Youth program since she was in seventh grade. Veronica is currently enrolled in her first semester at Baylor University and will be officially classified as a junior in January 2007. Of the 62 hours of college credit she earned while at Hidalgo High School, 42 hours actually transferred to Baylor for her chosen major.
This Gates Millennium Scholar is majoring in Communication Science and Disorders and is currently taking 16 hours this semester. Veronica is a member of the National Speech, Language, and Hearing Association and the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.
This former Lady Pirate continues to give back to her community as she did in high school. This Halloween she helped collect canned food door to door instead of candy. The food will be distributed this Thanksgiving for those in need.
Veronica, a former migrant student, credits her mother for instilling the values she has that will never let her forget where she comes from. The former Miss Hidalgo and head cheerleader says that the biggest adjustment she has had to make is getting used to going to a school with only 7% Hispanic enrollment. She has met people from very diverse backgrounds.
Veronica traveled to Los Angeles November 10 - 12, 2006 to attend a Gates Millennium Scholars regional meeting. She was able to meet William Gates, Sr. and mingle with other GMS recipients.
Veronica advises the current GEAR UP students to "Take the most rigorous courses you can handle; it really does pay off even if you don't think so. Enjoy high school, but always stay focused on your goal and develop good study habits. The more AP courses you take, the better you will be able to handle college courses and earn college credit. And don't forget to thank your family for all they do for you."
Class of 2006 Graduate from: Simon Rivera High School (Brownsville)
Currently Attending: Southwestern University
Major: Political Science (Pre-Law)
{linda} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "Financing the application process was a challenge."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I would have taken concurrent enrollment courses."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "They can promote the AP program for students."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "Take the most challenging route they can take. It will be tough, but it will definately be worth it."
"Preparing for college was the most difficult challenge I faced. I had to deal with paperwork and programs that were new to me. Since no one in my family has attended college, I relied alot on GEAR UP for guidance when it came to applying for college, financial aid, and scholarships."
Name: Albert Arevalo {tsu}
Class of 2006 Graduate from: Simon Rivera High School (Brownsville)
Currently Attending: Texas State University (San Marcos)
Major: Biology
{albert} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "I had problems with the financial prlanning."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I would have taken more dual credit courses."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "I would suggest having a GEAR-UP office at every campus to help students out with either preparing for SAT's or getting ready for college."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "Dale Ganas - give it your all!"
"The money issue was a problem for me. I thought that financially I would not be able to go to college, but my teachers helped me achieve my goal of going to college."
Class of 2006 Graduate from: Edinburg North High School
Currently Attending: University of Texas-Pan American
Major: Criminal Justice
{monika} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "Finances were a problem and concern for me."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I would have done better in class work and had a higher GPA."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "I would recommend college tours."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "Stay focused in school and devote yourself to the bigger picture (College)."
"The main challenge I faced in preparing for college was trying to determine what university I would attend. As a result of this I ended up staying at UTPA and now feel that I have not had a true college experience yet. GEAR UP should focus on helping students realize that, although it may be scary, it is a risk they should take."
Name: Jonathan Becerra {tamu}
Class of 2006 Graduate from: Edinburg North High School
Currently Attending: Texas A&M International University
Major: Psychology
{jona} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "Meeting all the deadlines for applications and financial aid was a problem I faced."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I would have applied for more scholarships."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "I would recommend more field trips to different colleges."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "Start preparing early before it is too late."
"The biggest challenges I faced in preparing for college was meeting all the deadlines and making sure I was making the right decision in the college i picked."
Class of 2006 Graduate from: Edinburg North High School
Currently Attending: University of Texas-Pan American
Major: Engineering
{jason} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "Finances were a challenge for me."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I would have put more effort into my underclass years."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "I would have offered more college tours."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "Stay focused throughout high school."
"Preparing for college was difficult, but the information provided by GEAR UP helped me make my decision of where to attend college. The application for admissions was a bit of a challenge along with scholarship applications. Financial issues were also something I had to figure out depending on the college I was interested in."
Name: Jessica Salinas {tamuk}
Class of 2006 Graduate from: Edinburg North High School
Currently Attending: Texas A&M-Kingsville
Major: Animal Science
{jessica} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "My main challenge was finding the money to pay for my college expenses."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I would have applied for many more scholarships."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "I think it's fine the way it is. Even though we've already graduated, GEAR UP is still helping us out through the scholarship."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "Start as soon as possible. Do well in school. Don't let people distract you from your studies."
"The most difficult challenge that I faced in preparing for college was money. My parents are not exactly poor, but are not rich so it made it very hard for me to get any grants. I would do scholarships, but most of them were for people with a greater need for the money than me."
Name: Cynthia Izaguirre {utpa}
Class of 2006 Graduate from: Edinburg North High School
Currently Attending: University of Texas-Pan American
Major: Criminal Justice
{cindy} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "I would often go to sleep late to study."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I would have gotten used to writing a lot more!"
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "It keeps us motivated to go to school especially our teachers from GEAR UP"
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "Stay in school especially with GEAR UP because you get a lot of benefits out of it. You get to visit universities so that one day when you get the opportunity to go to college you get to choose the one you liked best. GEAR UP prepares you for what to expect in college."
Name: Victoria Gonzalez {utpa}
Class of 2006 Graduate from: La Villa High School
Currently Attending: University of Texas-Pan American
Major: Nursing
{vicky} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "Knowing what type of classes to take was often a challenge for me."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "Study more and try to pay more attention to what the teacher was trying to teach us."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "Help students know that college is totally different from High School. Let them know that it is more challenging and more demanding, and to never give up on their dreams."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "Take your studies very seriously because your GPA counts in getting financial help when it comes to tuition and for books."
Name: Ivan Garza {tamuk}
Class of 2006 Graduate from: Edinburg North High School
Currently Attending: Texas A&M-Kingsville
Major: Pre-Med
{ivan} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "Adapting to the college environment and adjusting to a new place away from home."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I would have been involved in more extracurricular activities."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "I really dont think it needs any improvements. GEAR UP is a great program. Personally I'm very thankful, but a few more college tours would make it perfect!"
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "I would tell them to get involved with GEAR UP and to take advantage of this great oppurtunity that comes once in a lifetime."
"The biggest challenge, I believe, was graduating from high school. Other than that, I think I was well prepared."
Name: Fidel Covarrubias {utpa}
Class of 2006 Graduate from: Edinburg North High School
Currently Attending: University of Texas-Pan American
Major: Health Science
{fidel} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "I didnt really face too many. The only thing I would have to say is getting used to the routine of going to school on a different schedule."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I would have looked into more colleges."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "It helps out alot by providing information about colleges and financial aid, and it helps students get into college."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "I would tell them to follow their dreams and they can be whatever they want. College is the catalyst that helps you accomplish your goals."
"I faced many obstacles in preparing to go to college. I had to pick out what college to go to . It wasn't easy even though there is a college in my town. I had to pick one that was comfortable not only for me, but for my parents as well. It wasn't easy getting to college. I had to have the right grades and the right scores on my TAKS and college entrance exams."
Name: Lisa Leandro {utpa}
Class of 2006 Graduate from: La Villa High School
Currently Attending: University of Texas-Pan American
Major: Double Major in Communications and Psychology, Minor in English
{lisa} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "The only challenges that arose for me as I was preparing to go to college was finding money to be able to afford to go to college. Luckily, with the help of GEAR UP, I soon overcame that obstacle."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I would have tried harder in school. Even though I did well, there are some classes I could have taken more seriously."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "To further help students, GEAR UP can perhaps offer tutoring for their new GEAR UP students from the "old GEAR UP students".
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "I would tell them that even though they only go through High School once, live it up, have fun, but try hard nonetheless. You can have fun and still do good in school and have a good high school experience."
"The only challages I faced, were financial. I come from a single parent household so it was hard for me to find the money, but as I mentioned earlier in this survey, with the help of GEAR UP, I was able to "GEAR UP" and continue my education."
Name: Guadalupe Casarez {utpa}
Class of 2006 Graduate from: McAllen High School
Currently Attending: University of Texas-Pan American
Major: Music
{lupe} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "Filling out all the paperwork for college was a challenge. Trying to make your school schedule fit with your time or even filling out the FASFA were difficult."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I would have paid more attention and studied more."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "GEAR UP should continue with the same ways."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "I would say that without GEAR UP, I would havn't been prepared for my college career."
"The challenges that I faced were basically just preparing the beginning part of my college year. I just didin't know how to get started-what to do first. At times, I would catch myself not being ready for my freshman year in college. I thought I would be the only student lost in space."
Name: Andres SalinasClass of 2006 {ut}
Graduate from: Rio Grande City High School
Currently Attending: University of Texas in Austin
Major: Journalism
{andres} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "Financing my education seemed to be the paramount obstacle I had to overcome."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I would have taken school more seriously. Studying is a forced habit that I never picked up in high school and now its becoming a problem in college."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "By providing a more in-depth look into college classes and what it takes to excel in college."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "Study, study, study - thats all it takes. If you can study you can succeed in college."
"College never was a big part of my worry list until about senior year in high school. As I have menitoned before. the financial aspect was the biggest hurdle I had to get over, but I just had to keep on trucking towards my goal."
Name: Barbara Barrientos {utpa}
Class of 2006 Graduate from: Edinburg North High School
Currently Attending: University of Texas-Pan American
Major: Communication Science and Disorders
{barb} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "I faced financial problems when I was preparing for college."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I would have take harder classes such as Advanced Placement classes or maybe more concurrent enrollment classes."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "GEAR UP can improve by showing students what the world has more to offer, more college trips, and always reminding students that they can go anywhere in the world for college. It's what you do with your degree that will shape your future."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "Try going for your dream school even if it seems out of reach.You'll always regret it if you don't try."
"College was a big step for me and my family but as far as problems there wasn't that many. The most important challenge for anybody is money because the cost of tuition is going up. Maybe if the colleges or univeristies were to lower the cost then they would see an increase in students."
Name: Rebecca De Leon {utpa}
Class of 2006 Graduate from: Veterans Memorial High School (Mission)
Currently Attending: University of Texas - Pan American
Major: Business Management
{beck} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "I faced the challanges of deciding what college I wanted to attend, as well as deciding on a major."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I would have not done anything differently in high school because I got a lot of advice from GEAR UP and faculty that helped me make my decisions."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "GEAR UP does not need to improve their services since they are doing an excellent job at this time by helping students prepare for college."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "I would advise them to take advantage of everything that GEAR UP has to offer to them. They can take different trips to colleges, and learn how to prepare for their journey to college."
"The challenges I faced while preparing for college was the decision as to where I wanted to go to school. I had the opportunity to attend any college in Texas due to being ranked in the Top 5% of my class, but I made the decision to stay close to home."
Name: Gabby Jimenez {utb}
Class of 2006 Graduate from: Simon Rivera High School (Brownsville)
Currently Attending: University of Texas at Brownsville
Major: Sonography
{gaby} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "It was a difficult transition from high school to college. Being able to adapt to different studying styles was difficult. Some other challeges were being faced with scholarship deadlines, as well as college applications."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I would have taken more Advanced Placement (AP) courses, since they help you to adapt better to college."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "GEAR UP can motivate students to take Advanced Placement courses, which is very useful."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "The advice that I would give to new GEAR UP students is to apply to as many scholarships as you can. There is no limit to how many scholarship you can apply to, so take the opportunity. There is money everywhere - you just have to look for it."
"I faced different kinds of challenges, starting with my family. I come from a Mexican-American family and they have given me enormous amounts of motivation to go to college. My mother had an issue with me going away for college. College is the most important part of my life and is going to have a great impact on me. Nevertheless, I didn't go away for college and decided to stay here because I got a scholarship which paid for my entire college tuition for four years. College is very diffrent from high school, you do more reading but less homework."
Name: Julissa Rivera {utpa}
Class of 2006 Graduate from: Rio Grande City High School
Currently Attending: UT-Pan American
Major: Physical Therapy
{julissa} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "I faced many challenges in preparing for college such as being responsible and knowing what I was going to do once I graduated from high school. If I wanted to get to where I wanted in life, I had to start preparing for the role of being a physical therapist"
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "What I would have done differently in high school was to start off with a good education by getting good grades and not slacking off. Once I was in high school, I should have earned better grades because it all starts off when you are a freshmen."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "I believe GEAR UP has no reason to improve their services to students. From what I have been involved in the past few years with GEAR UP, I have learned a lot. I have continued my education by attending college and that was by the help of GEAR UP."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "My advice to the new GEAR UP students is for them to pay attention in school, especially high school because that's where their journey begins in life. Colleges look for good grades, well educated students and students that are willing to try their best in life."
"I never expected to get myself into college, but fortunately I did. I looked for the right path in life and that was to get further educated. Like my family members always say, "SIN LA EDUCACION NO ERES NADIEN"
Class of 2006 Graduate from: San Benito High School
Currently Attending: Texas State University - San Marcos
Major: Anthropology
{nora} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "I faced the challenges of being financially prepared as well as becoming more mature"
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I would have probably researched the different career possibilities open to me and also explored more colleges that I didn't think were possible for me."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "GEAR UP has done a lot for me. I think GEAR UP can help lead any student to the right path towards success. GEAR UP can really open your eyes to bigger and brighter things. This program has proven to be successful and I believe will continue to through its current efforts."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "I would tell them to stay focused in high school and to try their hardest to overcome all the obstacles. Also, I would tell students not to listen to anyone who tells them you can't and to just keep going foward in their road to success."
"Transitioning from high school to college was a big change for me. You had to grow up in a summer, have money for school, be ready to live on your own, and set your own ideals, morals and values. It comes at you fast, but you have to learn to take it and run. Having to experience these things in a moment's notice was not easy, but I was able to do it. I don't think anyone can ever really be fully prepared, but you do what you can and be ready for life."
Class of 2006 Graduate from: San Benito High School
Currently Attending: Texas State University - San Marcos
Major: Mass Communications
{sarah} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "Challenges such as the transition from high school, being away from my family and friends, and going into a new city have been difficult. I also had to be financially prepared as well."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I probably would have researched a couple things more, especially looked into more scholarships and not have procrastinated so much. I would've liked to take more college credit courses as well because now I know that those really helped out a lot."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "Keep informing students what is out there and continue aiding students in the process of going to college. GEAR UP is a very helpful program that steers students in the right direction."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "Stay focused in high school, don't procrastinate too much, meet deadlines, do as much research as you can into the field you would like to study and what colleges provide that field, look into scholarships and most importantly don't stress too much."
"There's always the financial aspect of it, but with the right amount of research and qualifications money is awarded. The main challenge for me was the transition. I had to move away from home and a life where everything was sheltered, but the good thing is that that was the hardest part. As soon as I was able to get over it and move into my "new home", I met so many nice people and discovered that it was as bad as I had thought."
Name: Domingo Montalvo {tamu}
Class of 2006 Graduate from: Rio Grande City High School
Currently Attending: Texas A&M University
Major: International Business Management
{mingo} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "I would have to say preparing financially and just leaving the only place I knew, "the Valley". Being away from home and starting a new life is the first step into our college and career."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I would have taken more concurrent enrollment classes throughout high school."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "Trips to more universities and colleges around the state would help students decide on what college to attend. My first trip to Texas A&M definately opened my eyes to new opportunities and the unknown. More trips like this would benifit students with different options."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "START EARLY!!! invest time in college searching and keep an open mind. If you have no clue on what you want to be, don't worry. It'll come to you. BECOME AN AGGIE!"
"Graduation seemed like only yesterday. Summer went by in a blink of an eye. The hardest thing to do before I left was say goodbye to my friends and most importantly my family. Home is a place where most of our troubles are taken care of by our family members, a place were we are nutured. To move away into an unknown enviorment with few, if any, friends to share our inner emotions with, is a tough step to walk into. Emotionally, it's a rollercoaster."
Name: Anthony Ortega {ut}
Class of 2006 Graduate from: Rio Grande City High School
Currently Attending: University of Texas at Austin
Major: Music Studies
{tony} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "Getting into UT's prestigious music program was a difficult task. I knew that becoming a Texas All-Stater would get my name known well enough that UT would accept me, so I prepared for 3 years and became the first All-State percussionist from Rio Grande City."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I do not regret any of the choices I made in high school. I feel that my high school career was a success, and therefore I would not have changed anything for the world."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "GEAR UP is a program that not many students have had the luxury of experienceing. I personally feel that not enough students get to share in the GEAR UP experience."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "Take advantage of everything that GEAR UP and UTPA have to offer. They can really keep you ahead of the game and prepare you for the hardships you will face as both high school and college students...and go to UT!!!."
"Ever since I was a kid I knew that the University of Texas at Austin would be the college for me, but choosing a career path and major would be a difficult choice. I found that in my early high school years my talent and love for music was growing profoundly. My senior year I became the first Texas All-State percussionist ever to come out of Rio Grande City. My next move was to get 1 of the 4 spots in the UT percussion studio. Now, I am attending UT and things have never been better."
Name: Sandra Lopez {utpa}
Class of 2006 Graduate from: Rio Grande City High School
Currently Attending: University of Texas-Pan American
Major: Double Major in Political Science and Philosophy
{sandra} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "The pressure I was placed on because things were going to change for the better."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I would have taken the rest of the Advanced Placement courses that were offered to better myself in different subjects (like math)."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "Help out those who decide to drop out of school, but there is nothing much that they can do because as it is it's already an excellent program."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "First of all, I would recommend for students to stay in school. Also, students should be ready for what is to come. It is never too early to begin planning about college because in the blink of eye, you will be preparing for your college applications. Keep up with your classes and especially with your grades."
"I knew this day would arrive. I had to move from home so that school would be closer to where I was."
Name: Alexsandra Martinez {tamu}
Class of 2006 Graduate from: Veterans Memorial High School
Currently Attending: Texas A&M University
Major: Petroleum Engineering
{alex} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "I faced financial and academic challenges."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I would have taken more difficult classes in high school and I would have taken more concurrent enrollment classes in the summer at UTPA."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "GEAR UP can help improve services by offering students more university level courses so they could get the college experience and not to be so scared when they get to that level."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "Study, study, and study hard! If you can take as many classes as possible in college during the summer or if you can take a lot of AP Classes - DO IT!!! It will help you in the future. High School is easy compared to college. So try your best and take the challenge and keep up your grades!!! Most importantly - DO NOT BE AFRAID OF COLLEGE! SI SE PUEDE!!"
"Get used to living by myself, and being prepared academically and emotionally have been my greatest challenges. When I left home, I was thinking it was not going to be the same up there, and it was not. The food is not the same and you do not have your parents that can take care of you!"
Name: Sabas Quiroz {utpa}
Class of 2006 Graduate from: Rio Grande City High School
Currently Attending: University of Texas-Pan American
Major: Political Science
{sabas} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "The challenges I faced were the "friends" I had and the peer pressure they would place on me."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I would have not taken government during summer school!"
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "They can keep up the great work. I do not see anything wrong with the program, but it would be better if they had more college field trips."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "Keep your grade point average HIGH!!!! Think about the future, but don't forget you are in the present. Do the best you can right now!!!!!"
"I guess it was the transition from high school to college for a guy who didn't care that an education is essential. I have learned that it is essential if you want to be succesful."
Name: Benito Coronado {stc}
Class of 2006 Graduate from: McAllen High School
Currently Attending: South Texas College
Major: Computer Science
{beni} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "Filling out applications, taking the correct classes for my major, realizing that I'm independent were all challenges."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I would have studied harder in my clasess and paid better attention in class"
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "GEAR UP should have more parent involvement"
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "Take school more seriously."
"Filling out applications, taking the correct classes for my major, realizing that I'm independent and facing economical challenges that need to be sovled have all proven to be challenges."
Name: Luis Fernando Reyes {sw}
Class of 2006 Graduate from: Simon Rivera High School (Brownsville)
Currently Attending: Southwestern University
Major: History (Pre-Law)
{fern} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "The biggest challange was having to catch-up, since I come from the bottom of the barrel when it comes to education. Even being valedictorian doesn't help you when the education you recieve is below state standards. However, I have overcome that obstacle."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "Purchase and study (heavily) books based on helping improve PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP scores."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "By eliminating the ignorance that has consumed the Rio Grande Valley when it comes to higher education. This would include chasing out the Democrats in power from the Valley in order to heal the wounds they've caused both students and parents of the RGV. GEAR UP could also provide more scholarships aimed for children of the middle class who have to compete with the money given to the children of the lower and working classes whose entire financial reward sometimes is based on the principles of socialism and not on merit."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "I might be blunt when I say this, but the only way to actually get out of the Valley is through education. This can only be achieved through gaining knowledge (i.e. reading books, the classics), gaining a taste for American culture, and striving for the best and not simply the average. Also, it's very important that kids by their 9th grade year should have some idea of how scholarships work, how FAFSA operates, and how good college applications should be developed."
"I was actually dreading having to go out of the Valley for my education, but I understood I had to do it. Staying here would mean the death of any potential at greatness. However, I knew would face the demons born from the ignorance of my parents, of my society, and of myself. Overcoming the challanges that leaving the Valley presented has to be one of my happiest achievements, and I owe a great deal of that to GEAR UP."
Name: Joanna Acosta {utpa}
Class of 2006 Graduate from: La Villa High School
Currently Attending: University of Texas-Pan American
Major: Biology (Pre-Med)
{joanna} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "I believe that I was well prepared to enter the college atmosphere. Being part of the GEAR UP program and having wonderful teachers in high school helped make my transition from high school to college an easy one."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I would have probably taken better advantage of all of the visits that my class and I made to various universities. Also, I wish I would have taught myself how to defeat procrastination with my school work, so that I would not procrastinate in college."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "GEAR UP can organize more gatherings with high school students and college students so that high school students can be able to hear the the college life experience from a college student."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "I would advise students to take advantage of all of the great services that they are being offered. Take high school seriously because it will prepare you for college."
"Being the first person in my family to actually go to college, I was a bit intimidated at the fact that there will be much pressure on me to sucessfully complete college. However, after my first semester in college, I felt a great ease fall upon me, and I now feel confident and reassured that I will succeed in college."
Name: Esther Hernandez {tamu}
Class of 2006 Graduate from: San Benito High School
Currently Attending: Texas A&M University
Major: Anthropology and History
{esther} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "Believe it or not, it was deciding what to pack to take to my dorm. Dorms aren't that big and you have to keep in mind that you're sharing with another person. You really don't need to take 20 pairs of shoes. Trust me."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I would have of began looking for schools earlier. I recommend looking for colleges at the beginning of your junior year."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "I believe GEAR UP is doing a wonderful job as it is. Taking trips to colleges opened up new worlds to me. I'm pretty sure it can do this for others as well."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "With determination, anything is possible."
"I have always been close to my family, so going to College Station, I thought that I would get homesick. I didn't allow that to become a factor. It shouldn't be a factor for anyone else."
Name: Jose Longoria III {ut}
Class of 2006 Graduate from: Rio Grande City High School
Currently Attending: University of Texas at Austin
Major: Advertising/Design
{jose} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "My challenges were common, as those faced by everyone who graduated: filling out scholarships, applying for financial aid, and of course exams, and applying to the colleges of my choice. The challenges which I brought to myself were to taking college courses while in high school. I excelled, gaining 12 college hours from the University of Texas at Pan American."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I can actually say that my choices, with the help of my GEAR UP facilitator and counselors, certainly prepared me for college. I took rigorous courses and attended several college information sessions."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "If it were possible, I would love for GEAR UP to expand their funds with all grade levels, informing everyone on the importance of attending college."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "It all starts when you enter high school. Grades, learning, and getting information about what is out there. Schools across the nation are looking for someone who is hardworking, intelligent, and overall well rounded. Do not limit yourself to a community college, expand your horizons, ask questions, GET INFORMED! Si Se Puede!"
"Deciding to attend the University of Texas at Austin was the best choice for me. It didn't hit me until about a week before graduation that it was time to leave our friends and family behind, but only for a short time of course. I think that was my biggest challenge, accepting all the hard work I did during my high school career, graduating as my high school's Valedictorian, and making sure I attended college. I deserved going "away", but for only a while. There are certain times you must make sacrifices, for the better of the future."
Name: Vanessa Garcia {tsu}
Class of 2006 Graduate from: San Benito High School
Currently Attending: Texas State University-San Marcos
Major: Communication Disorders
{vane} What challenges did you face in preparing for college? "I believe the biggest challenge I faced in preparing for college was simply leaving. Leaving my family, the valley, and the mexican food was a difficult adjustment that I had to make. However, I am glad that I have tried something different and I am very happy at Texas State."
What would you have done differently in high school to better prepare yourself for college? "I chose the university I was going to attend in March of my senior year. I felt that if I had chosen sooner my senior year would not have been so stressful."
How can GEAR UP improve services to students? "I entered college as a sophomore thanks to programs such as GEAR UP, Upward Bound, and Dual Enrollment classes. I believe that if everyone had a taste of college while they were in high school they would see that college is not as hard as they may think and it is achievable."
What advice would you give new GEAR UP (currently 8th graders) students as they begin their journey to college? "I believe that it is crucial that as a freshman you should get to know your counselor. They are EXTREMELY helpful during your senior year when scholarship and application time arrives. I also encourage them to join clubs and extra-curricular activites. It makes high school much more enjoyable."
"I was afraid to leave my family and to just leave the Valley. I didn't know if I would be able to last away from home. The adjustment was not as hard as I thought it would be,and my friends new and old made the challenge easier. I know many students are afraid to leave the Valley, but I guarantee the world has so much to offer if you just take the chance."
Last Modified on 7/25/2007 1:24:00 PM
