UPWARD BOUND’S OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSLETTER!
AUGUST, 2013
THE PELOTON UB ’13 comes to an end Seniors reflect on their experiences in influential program By ASHLEY ROGERS Staff Writer The time has come. It’s the end of the 2013 Upward Bound summer program, which means seniors will be moving on next year to college to start their lives. A few seniors were asked to reflect on their past years attending the Upward Bound program. “Upward Bound is a great opportunity for anyone and everyone who steps through the
doors,” said Briana Alford, a second year senior. Upward Bound has helped average students believe that they can academically achieve any goal the students set their minds to. The program also allows students to actively interact with other students from different schools, meeting people they thought they’d never meet. The program has made a social impact on 3rd year senior,
see UB ’13, page 4
Bye, bye, Upward Bound By KRISTINE SNYDER Staff Writer The Upward Bound summer program at BU helps students learn good academic values while combining fun activities with school work. Nita Baldwin assistant director of upward bound has been here ten years, spending three of them as a teacher and seven as an academic counselor. Why does she do this? “I believe in the students” she also believes that students should go to college “college gotta go to college”
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Upward Bound is a high school program that helps prepare students to be successful, not only just during the summer with prep classes for the upcoming year or review classes for extra help, but also to prepare them for college from teaching them how to get scholarships and funding to visiting local colleges to help the students decide where they would like to go. Also UB is the perfect college experience with rules to help adjust to the freedom of college without
The PELOTON? What’s that? By TIA SWIFT and THOMAS A. NORDSTROM
By KRISTINE SNYDER Staff Writers VESTAL —Student reporters from journalism class in student wing room 305, contemplated the name for their newspaper for many days. One day, students were joking around after class not wanting to join the herd of people down the hall. Mr. Medina, their journalism teacher, stated, “Do you know what they would call that group of people in a bicycle race?” Students then replied by shaking their heads and answering with a nonchalant “no.” As the students leaned in closer to hear, he began telling them what it’s called. “Well, a peloton is a big group of bicycle riders in a race that are clumped
see PELOTON, page 2
see BYE, BYE, page 5
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UPWARD BOUND’S OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSLETTER!
AUGUST, 2013
Seniors say ‘bye’ By PELOTON STAFF The Peloton asked a few seniors to express and reflect on their experience here at Upward Bound over the years. Here are there messages of goodbye and thanks. __________________ Neil “Fluffy” Terrell — Hi my name is Neil Terrell, I have been in the upward bound program for 3 years, and I’m on my way to be a senior in high school. Throughout my 3 summers at UB, I have had many ups and downs. But it all started my first year in the summer of 2011. I started the
program with an apprehensive approach.
ready for what was about to happen.
I did not know anyone, I had no friends there, and I could not find the nerve to talk to anyone. I never thought my first day would change my life and the way I thought about school forever, before the program I wasn’t the best student, my grades were low I didn’t do my homework, but that all changed.
We go to school and we get homework, I couldn’t stand it. But I learned quick enough that homework is one of the most important things in school, My first year flew by almost like it never happened, But my third year has been the best year thus far.
The first person I met at UB was Derek Josek; he was 15 when I met him. He was the first person to welcome me and he asked why I didn’t talk to anyone. I said “because I’m fat,” he said, “you’re not fat you’re fluffy,” so that nickname just stuck. But I wasn’t
PELOTON, conintued #om cover together, moving along at the same pace. It’s like the students here at Upward Bound.” He then leaned back casually in his chair when one of the students suddenly jumped up like a frog and said in an extremely excited voice, “I know what we can call our paper!!” The other students stared blankly waiting for the answer. “Well you know how we all move together in this program as a big cluster of students from one place to another? Well were like a peloton! So why don’t we call the paper The UB Peloton?” The Peloton is the program’s first-ever journalism outlet, run as an experimental program this year. So far, the students seem to be enjoying their work. “It gives me the opportunity to write about things that I normally wouldn’t get to write about,”
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This program has helped me decide who I am and who I want to be in life. This year I am preparing for my senior year and my college years. Each year in this program has helped me develop
see SENIORS, next page
said Devon Santamaria, a student in the class. “The journalism side I also find interesting.” Back in room 305, as the students pondered the newspaper name for a few minutes, others began to notice more and more the symbolism which connected the name to our group. They realized that everyone is trying to move forward in this program with teamwork. “It’s a good name,” said Ashley Rogers, another student in the program. “At first I didn’t know what it was. But after seeing it and talking about it, it all makes sense. We are all a group moving forward together, very similar to a group in a bike race.” All seem to agree that it was great name and it seemed perfect for UB’s first-ever student newspaper. “The name fits because the name means heard or group,” said Joe Wilcox, another student in the class. “And in this program, we are definitely a group of motivated scholars.”
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UPWARD BOUND’S OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSLETTER!
AUGUST, 2013
to Upward Bound SENIORS, #om previous page and discover who I really am. And honestly I’m going to miss this program. I have considered it my family since day one and it will always have a place in my heart. Thank you.
Joe Wilcox __________________ Dustin Glezen —
Kristine Snyder __________________ Bradley Kocick — I go to Union-Endicott High School and I’m a senior. I’ve been with this program for two years and if it wasn’t for this program I would probably be still anti-social and not so well educated, if you can call it that. My first time at Upward Bound, when I came to this program, I didn’t know how to react. I thought this was going to be terrible and boring. But as the program started it actually was fun. I was happy because I was in an environment where they didn’t care if you were a joker or anything like that, they looked at your character. I have to say that I’ve made better friends in this program than I did in my home school. My first year, for my TC, I got Scott. He is an awesome TC and he soon became my friend and someone I can talk to and relate with. My second year TC was Donnie. Donnie is one of the nicest and coolest guys I have ever met in my life.
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These two TC’s have taught me many things and and they are friend I’ll remember and from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Upward Bound is an absolutely amazing experience that I wish could go on forever. My first year at the program was fantastic and I made a lot of friends after I gave a little effort. The remaining seniors
_________________ “I have made friendships so deep that I can’t really call anyone here my friends; they are all my family...” UB Senior Dustin Glezen
_________________ from that group of freshmen now feel like family to me. We have been through the greatest happiness and a hard loss after the first year. This family of mine has so many talents and have given so much to the experience of the program.
The first week of the program of my first year made me feel like a fish out of water. I was in with a bunch of kids I hardly knew and I have always been shy. This year however nothing in the world could stop me from coming to this program. I have made friendships so deep that I can’t really call anyone here my friends; they are all my family that even through thick and thin we will be together. I have also gotten in a really deep relationship with somebody in this program. It started my second year here and we are together today as well. We plan to stay together after this whole experience at upward bound. Upward Bound is responsible for bringing me all of this family with all of these wonderful experiences and I would recommend anyone to join this wonderful program. THANK YOU UPWARD BOUND!!!!
Tia Swi$ __________________ Corey Green — There have been many people I have met during my three years of Upward Bound, many people like them I haven’t seen and others that share my personality. It always seems as though just when the program is coming to an end is when you just start becoming friends.
see SENIORS, next page
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UPWARD BOUND’S OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSLETTER!
AUGUST, 2013
Seniors reflect on UB experience SENIORS, #om previous page So, as a third-year student there will be many people I will be missing as well as many TCs. It seems that whenever I see a person I have a different relationship with them as someone else and that’s what keeps things interesting. When it comes to the final trip of the program that is really the last hurrah you get. When everyone is riding the bus and being at the hotel talking and feeling like people are truly their friends is a great feeling. I have to admit I’m not the biggest fan of school but, when it comes to the people and their relationships this program does a pretty good job at making them happen.
Rachel Kennedy __________________ Josh Williams — My reflections of being a third year student at UB are good. When I look back I remember my mother wanting me to come to this program and me being
reluctant to go, but I do not regret what has come out of this program whether it be good or bad because of what I learned. People come and go and sometimes they leave for good, we as a UB family coped with loss and got through it together as one. I would also like to say that I have met some pretty amazing people here, name aren’t to be said but this person is an inspiration to me to me as a person and a scholar, he had many hardships in life and still picked his head up and kept going, and now he is going to college with a scholarship and I am proud to call him a friend. Reflecting back on my TC’s Erik was the best with Rupert coming in close second. Erik almost never took anything too seriously unless it came time to, and that’s how people should live their lives, he taught me to be a little happier because of this. Each and every year we learn new things about others and most importantly ourselves. I learned that at the end of the day if you can look in the mirror and have no
UB ’13, #om the #ont page Brad Kocicki, who said in his reflection, “If it weren’t for this program, I would probably be anti-social.” “Each and every year, we learn new things about others and most importantly, ourselves,” said Josh Williams, a third year senior. Seniors who were asked all seemed to agree that Upward Bound was an amazing experience and that
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regrets it was a good one, and if you did, you just have to remember that tomorrow is a new, and today is the past.
Devon Santamaria __________________ Briana Alford — I’ve only been in Upward Bound for two years, but those years I’ve learned some things. Upward Bound is a great opportunity for anyone and everyone who steps through the doors. UB has given me the closest experience to college if I ever had one. From trips, floor walks and good old fashioned, “good morning everybody,” I’ve come to love and hate strongly dislike some of the people here but I have respect for all of them. They wake us up at 7 a.m. every morning to go to school and learn , some more than others but I can guarantee that every one of these kids have learned some things from the UB experience.
Daija Vaughn
they’ve been together since the beginning, making them practically family. This program has about 160 students all within the same age range, who have grown to be compassionate with others, making it hard to part ways and say good-bye. One of many seniors who have been impacted by the program, Neil Terrell, another third-year senior said, “I never thought my first day would change my life and the way I thought about school forever.”
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UPWARD BOUND’S OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSLETTER!
AUGUST, 2013
Six ways to make a little money By ASHLEY ROGERS Staff Writer ! We all love to have money and spend it, but not everyone has a job. There can be reasons why you don’t have a job, or don’t want one. But there are ways to make some money to go out and do what you want with it. Here’s a list of things you can do to make money fast! 1.) Babysit - It’s summer, parents are at work during the day and kids need to be watched.
2.) Petsit - Some people are crazy about their pets being safe during the day, and it’s easier to watch a pet than watch another living being. 3.) Recycle bottles - It’s helping the environment, and you make easy money. 4.) Clean people’s houses - It’s not as bad as it sounds, not all houses are disgusting and gross, you can make up to 50 dollars for a few hours of cleaning a house.
5.) Sell things - Get together with a relative and have a yard sale where you can sell books, jewelry, toys, and just about anything else, you could make at least $100 or more. 6.) Tutor - School is on it’s way, not everyone will grasp the concept, and if you do, talk to your guidance counselor about being able to tutor, the school will pay you, and it’s an easy way to make money to share your knowledge with someone else’s.
BYE, BYE, #om #ont page
What’s really done during fourth-floor study hours By DEVON M. SANTAMARIA Staff Writer ENDICOTT BUILDING – During study hour fourth floor students do a variety of things if they are done with their homework or had none to begin with. Having finished their homework students try to find things to amuse them for the time that they have remaining. Some would sit out in the hallway; quietly talking to their TC’s, others would listen to music with headphones or earplugs so they did not distract others. Others would read, draw, or play Magic in their rooms making sure not to make more noise than necessary “I normally do my homework” Said Joe Wilcox “If I’m done I like to read.” Depending on the student’s interests they will do different things. If the students have absolutely nothing to do they will just sit calmly at their desks. Some will make the occasional faces at the students in the rooms across the hall.
being set completely loose on the campus to figure it all out for oneself. Students from the UB program have enjoyed this summer’s enriching experience such as Brandon Greiner whose favorite class is “visual Literacy” and for the most part likes the teachers here. Rebecca Bartlett said that the prep classes “They will help me for my next year” and her favorite class being health with Miss. Anderson “because it gives you a credit and the people in the class are good” Seniors from the program were asked to write a senior reflection for their English class and described upward bound as a fun and very helpful program. “If it weren’t for this program I would probably be still anti-social and no being so well educated” said senior Bradley Koicki. Some seniors even wish they could stay with the program forever such as Dustin Glezan. “Upward Bound is an absolutely amazing experience that I wish could
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UPWARD BOUND’S OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSLETTER!
Boston trip looms By DEVON M. SANTAMARIA Staff Writer Students look forward to the upcoming Upward Bound trip to Boston Massachusetts this coming Tuesday for multiple reasons. Tuesday August 6th Upward Bound students will be heading to Boston. They will be stopping at many places in the city. One stop is the Boston Aquarium (according to TC Joe Clain) which most of the students consider the best part. Afterwards they will stop at the market and be able to purchase novelties and souvenirs.
TC’s alike are both worried about. Due to students acting up at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the staff is worried about how they will act in public at the restaurant. The staff members stated that if anyone acts up or does anything bad they will not be attending the trip “I think that Boston will be fun” said UB scholar Rebecca “but people will get in trouble for playing around.”
TC Scott Cardozo said that as soon as he gets on the bus he’s going to play the Dropkick Murphy’s “Shipping up to Boston” due to the irony of the trip. All together the trip will be fun and “I think the Boston trip will exciting, but only if students act be exciting” Says Brandon King properly and respectfully. “and the aquarium will be Students will return to the amazing! Go Yankees!” Endicott build the Wednesday Another stop in the city will and be expected to move out by be to a restaurant which AC’s and the next day.
The Peloton, Volume I, Issue ii The Peloton is the official student newsletter of Upward Bound. It is written by students, for students, and is published as often as possible during the five-week summer program. Subscriptions are free. Contact the journalism class teacher, Mr. Medina, with any questions or concerns. Staff includes: Rachel Kennedy Thomas A. Nordstrom Ashley Rogers Devon M. Santamaria
Kristine Snyder Tia Swift Daija Vaughn Joe Wilcox
AUGUST, 2013
Scholars, TCs, show off talent By RACHEL KENNEDY Staff Writer Upward Bound scholars and TCs held a talent show at th e underground, July 31st. The show displayed their g ifts and hidden talents that th ey have been hiding for awhile . By the ACs and TCs setting up the stage and seats for th e show and walking the stude nts down to the Undergrounds Having kids who want to sign up for the talent show sign up. Dajia Vaughn, 11th grade, d anced with her dance class. Sh e danced HipHop, they called themselves the Bad Girls. Vaughn said “I’m chill with da ncing, I don’t get scared to p erform anymore.” Everyone had their hidden talents from dancing, to readin g poetry to singing. There was one unique type of dance called Jumpstyle a rave dance to German music, The type of music it was is called Hardstyle. Th e scholar who was brave enou gh to get on stage to do thi s dance was Christian Lopez. Who said “I have a love for music and
see TALENT, page 8 !
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UPWARD BOUND’S OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSLETTER!
AUGUST, 2013
when it comes to advice. Even though a lot of people don't want to hear it, By Tia Swi$ believing in yourself does work. Think Staff Writer of the time you might of won that prize, or came first in that race. You were super proud, not just because Studying you won it, but because you believed 1.Select a good study space. in yourself. Try it and you'll love the Pick someplace quiet, that way results! you don’t get distracted too easily and Social life you get all your work completed. You don’t have to try and fit in, 2. Stay Organized be yourself! Don’t worry about what This will make it easier for you to other people have to say about you. find everything and not lose anything Eventually you’ll see who your true important. friends are. Try to make a lot of friends the more the merrier. Mentally Preparing
and see how good they are. The games are usually another way for people to have fun and compete with friends.
BACK TO SCHOOL PREP
1.Think positive thoughts Thinking negative isn't always going to do you any good, or the people around you. Like we said before, make it count. You will remember high school when you are older, and you don't want to tell your children embarrassing stories you'll regret once you are grown up.
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“It’s fun!” Michael Doan, a UB scholar from CV says. “You get to play and take on new challenges. There’s different elements for the cards you play with, and you can trade your cards. I love trading!” The game is commonly seen being played by UB ______________________________
COMPLAINTS By Joe Wilcox Staff Writer
GROWING POPULARITY OF MAGIC THE GATHERING
There are people here that have complaints about the program mainly the food everyone here has small Thomas A. Nordstrom complaints which makes sense Staff Writer because everyone has different ideas about the perfect program. Several of Throughout the UB program, the the students here have problems with 2.Learn to accept the truth. the food like Tyler and Nick but there popular card game of Magic the are other complaints like the length of Gathering, which has been around for Sometimes, this isn't easy. If you class from Devon. 20 years, has been played by at least want to do well, you will have to learn over 25 of the scholars and tutor that you are not always right in life. The food complaints are as always councilors, and the numbers still rise. like from Nick who says “The food You are not always doing the correct thing, and that you are not the best at Though the game is more popular needs to be better.” than there is the everything. wording of the complaints that with boys in the program, even some change but the meaning is always the girls can be found collecting the cards Lots of kids when it comes to this same Tyler says ”The food is to play. Since the first day of UB, time in their life refuse to listen to the sometimes terrible.” They both mean students gained interest in the cards, truth because their mind is set on the same thing the food here is not and in some ways it can be look at as impressing others, and they let their the best. even more than just a game. attitude get the better of them. This isn't good though, because you can't The facts are that people will “I think the game is very improve then, and advice is good. educational without trying to be.” TC always have complaints some different Joe Clain says. “I started playing when some the same but there will be Even if you think that it's rude, complaints on food or class or even I was 10 and it was a lot less it's actually quite flattering someone's the walk to the building, people will complicated back then. Yeah it’s helping you, if you look at it that way. never truly be happy unless complicated, but that’s a good thing This comes back to the last step. everything is to their standards which about it. And I think it’s popular Think positive thoughts and you is completely impossible. because it’s a game you can have a could be on the run home happily! style of your own while playing.” The complaint that Devon makes 3.Believe in yourself. is ”Classes are to long They can be The people that find the selves Anything can happen. It's that engaged in the card games, buy ranges about 5 or 10 minutes shorter than, old saying again, you do hear it that would be better I think.” of different cards from stores and everywhere, but it's absolutely spot on each other, to become better players ______________________________
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UPWARD BOUND’S OFFICIAL STUDENT NEWSLETTER! TC YULI’S LAST YEAR?
TALENT, #om page 6 German music is a story by itself.” TC Yuli who read her Sl am Poem and did an amazin g job, She spoke and acted to all scholars by reading Smarty Pants. She says “I was nervo us cause of the new crowd I had to memorize lines and act it out and I wanted to be per fect even though I have acte d out a slam poem before.”
By Daija Vaughn Staff writer Wednesday after Upward Bound scholar receives shocking news that TC Yuli may not be returning to upward bound ever again. TC Yuli explained to the scholar that she loves the program but she wants to start a career. She stated that the experience of upward bound was trying and a bit stressful, yet the most fulfilling experience of her life. Although through all the stress everyone knows this TC to stay cool, calm, collective and always a burst of fun. Usually.
AUGUST, 2013 “I’ll miss everyone” said Perez. This year was more relaxed for her; last year was just a great surprise she tells UB scholar. She loves the new building, the new people, and the old people. Perez plans to work backstage of movie productions and theaters. Although upward bound has been a great experience for her, she feels it’s time to move on and start her life. Her favorite memory this year was the dance and she very excited to go to Boston. When asked if she missed home, her eyes lit up. “Yes! I miss my brothers so much!”
Signatures
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