I have been involved with the Upward Bound program since 1996. I was a student at the UMaine Farmington Upward Bound program from 1996-1997. Shortly after being a student I became a counselor/tutor for the summer program for seven consecutive summers. I was hired during the fall of 2007 to work for Upward Bound full time in the St. John Valley. I work with high school students in four different high schools. I provide assistance to the students to help them get to college. As part of getting students ready for college we encourage them to go beyond the easy and comfortable ways of doing things, challenging themselves with their educational experiences. Prior to working for Upward Bound I graduated from UMaine Presque Isle with my bachelor degree in education.