New student orientations on college campuses are nearly finished as many students across the nation prepare to start their college campus lives. Upward Bound will have 23 graduating seniors this year heading to a wide variety of post-secondary schools in Washington State: including University of Washington, Seattle University, Western State University, Eastern Washington University, Seattle Pacific University, and Bellevue College. New student orientations on college campuses are nearly finished as many students across the nation prepare to start their college campus lives. Upward Bound will have 23 graduating seniors this year heading to a wide variety of post-secondary schools in Washington State: including University of Washington, Seattle University, Western State University, Eastern Washington University, Seattle Pacific University, and Bellevue College.
I think orientation is something all incoming freshmen should do because it allows them to view the campus and their future dorm, as well as shows the students who they will be going to school with.
2019 Garfield graduate Khabirah had selected Eastern Washington University as her school, but she wasn’t sure about attending student orientation. Fortunately, her Upward Bound counselor strongly encouraged her to attend and ultimately, she was able to go. Smooth transitions to campus life can play an important role in a student’s success. Being oriented to dorm life, the idea of roommates, campus resources, etc. is all part of it. As Khabirah said after her orientation last week, “I think orientation is something allincoming freshmen should do because it allows them to view the campus and their future dorm, as well as shows the students who they will be going to school with.”
One student, Hermela, has participated in Upward Bound from 9th grade through to high school graduation. With program guidance, she earned a full-ride scholarship to Carlton College in Minnesota. She also received a Seattle School District Scholarship of $3,500. Hermela was highlighted in Carleton’s brochure as an incoming freshman.
Seeing Upward Bound graduates go off to college is exciting and bittersweet. She recently shared that, “Upward Bound is like my second family. From the start of freshman year to now, they have always been there for me, whether it was to celebrate or to comfort.” We will miss Hermela, but we look forward to hearing about the continued personal journey of all our graduates!