| Upward Bound

Robert Burnett 

Current job: Responsible Engineer for the F-35 JET Navigation system for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Division 

Graduation Year: 1988

Rollins College Upward Bound program has played an integral role in my life from preparing me for college to being a successful Engineer. For this reason, I owe Mr. Udeth Lugo and the Rollins College Upward Bound program a great deal of gratitude.

After Graduating from Evans High School, I attended the University of Central Florida (UCF) with an aspiration of becoming a Electrical Engineer. I later joined the Marine Corp Reserve to earn extra money to pay for school in 1988. In addition, I earned my Associates degree from Valencia Community College. In 1995 I graduated from the UCF with a degree in Electrical Engineering. After a 15 year hiatus from school, I decided to go back to school for my masters in Systems Engineering at Southern Methodist University (SMU). My anticipated graduation date is May 2013. For over 12 years, I have been married to my wife (Madeline) whom I also owe a great deal of gratitude. Together we have one son, Dominique. During my tenure in the Aero defense industry, my experience ranges from hardware design, production support and subcontract management. As an Electrical Engineer, I also had the privilege to work on some exciting products to include PDA systems, helicopters, missile systems and military fighter jet airplanes. 

Overall, the Upward Bound is a great program and it helped me stay focused during my high school years. It is an honor and a privilege to be an alumnus.

 

Mairim Aguayo 

Current Job: Nursing Student

Graduation Year: 1993

Hello, Upward Bound. I want to say I am forever thankful to you. Especially, Mrs. Moore and Mr. Lugo. It has been a very long road, but because of you I had the opportunity to go to UCF, meet great people, live new experiences be a better person, and have the chance to be educated and become a professional. I graduated from UCF with a business Administration/Marketing degree in August 2000. The economy has been really rough, so I had to make the decision to study again. In 2010, I went to High Tech Central in Ft. Myers and became a Licensed practical Nurse. Now I am attending Edison State College in Fort Myers, finishing my nursing degree in December 2012 to become a Registered Nurse. In the very near future I look forward to combining both degrees and be able to move forward in this economy. I thank you very much and stay in touch !!!

 

Talisha Harrison

Current Job: Library Technical Assistant, Writer 

Graduation Year: 2000

I gradated Lake Mary High School in 2000 I went on to earn my A.A. degree in and a Science Diploma at Seminole Community (now Seminole State) College in 2003. In 2006 I graduated from the University of Central Florida with my B.A. degree in Liberal Studies and a minor in Health Sciences.

In 2006, I published my first poetry book entitled "The Unconsciousness of an Ethiopian Princess College Days of Future Past Volume One." In September 2010, I created Kehila Magazine an online magazine for Jews of Color. I'm the editor, and only staff member of the magazine (http://kehilamagazineofficial.wordpress.com/).

In March of this year, my first comic book story-a four page story in Womanthology: Heroic entitled Defect: Light to Combat the Darkness with artist Kelly Turnbull-was published in the Womanthology: Heroic anthology which can be purchased at comic book shops, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.
I also wrote a one page story in the Womanthology Holiday PDF entitled "Don't Let the Light Go Out" with artist Brenda Kirk, and another one page story for the Valentine's Day Special illustrated by Brenda Kirk entitled 'June'. In April 2013 my three page story entitled Tzedek: 'The Forgotten Ones' will be published in The Gathering Comic anthology. Another story will be published in their War Volume also next year.

Currently, I'm a contributor to five online sites: WhyNotIndie.com, Fanboybuzz.com, ComicsCrux.com, TalkingComicBooks.com, and Toonari Post in which I write comic book reviews, columns, as well as music related articles. I'm also currently working on a few projects that I hope to get published.

I work at a state college library as a Library Technical Assistant.

 

Amanda Lugo

Graduation Year: 2009

Upward Bound was a BIG part of my high school life, I can honestly say I loved every minute of it. It taught me so much academically and personally. My first summer I admit I was scared, literally sick to my stomach nervous. While everyone was coming back and reuniting with old friends I didn't know a single soul. I was in my eyes an outcast, but little did I know everyone was very welcoming. I made friends fast, life long friends. Although we don't see each other as often as we might want I know for a fact if we were all put into one room it'll be like nothing changed, we'd pick up right where we all left off. I've met some amazing people in my journey through upward bound from the RA's to the tutors. Each and everyone has helped mold and shape me into a better version of me. It's been about four years since I spent a summer at what I think is one of the most beautiful campus's I've seen, but no matter how long its been the memories and the friends I've made will stay with me forever. I strongly recommend any soon to be high school freshmen to look into Rollins College Upward Bound its a great foot in the door for any college you may be interested in and you will learn so much. You won't regret it!

 

My Tien Doan

Graduation Year: 2011

I am currently attending Rollins College. My intended major is Communication with a minor in Psychology and Political Science. I eventually plan on graduating and going to Law School. I am involved in various organizations on campus and this fall will be holding leadership positions in many of them. This fall I will be a Resident Assistant for an upper-classman dorm. have been on the Deans and President's List my first two semesters of college which I am proud of. I have maintained excellent grades and have worked extremely hard to do well in my courses. Upward Bound has really prepared me for the work load of college and has helped me in managing my time which is essential in college.

 

Taressa Langford-George

Current Job: Nationwide litigation support and court reporting company executive 

Graduation Year: 1993 

I graduated from Lyman High School in 1993, and graduated from Florida State University in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship and Business Administration. I went on to receive an MBA from the Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business in 2006. Today I am running a nationwide litigation support and court reporting company and earning a 6-figure income... and I owe it all to Upward Bound and my mother (God rest her soul).

I will never forget the day my mother told me about the Upward Bound program. The thought of going to school on Saturdays was certainly not appealing, but after my first day I was sold. Not only did I make new friends, but the tutors, teachers and staff were some of the best I've ever met. They quickly became my second family. They truly cared about our success and gave us everything we needed to prepare for college. The Upward Bound program was an invaluable opportunity that truly changed my life and my future. I am proof that investing in young people works, especially those who feel that college is out of reach.

I wish everyone who wants to better their future the opportunity to participate in such a life-changing program. It works!

 

Janeth Henao

Graduation Year: 1987 

The Rollins Upward Bound program under the direction of Mr. Lugo was one that set my educational path. Being an only child of a single parent, this program offered my mother the support she needed in making sure that I was on the right track for my future. The two summers I spent at Rollins College experiencing college life made such an impact in what became my educational career. Although, as a teenager, giving up my Saturdays was not my first choice, I recognized that we as a society have made huge improvements in encouraging how important education is for our children.

Alec Richardson

Current Job: Teacher 

Graduation Year: 1982

Currently On Leave from Hillsborough Public County Schools; classroom teacher, technology resource teacher, tutor, mentor and Staff Development Facilitator.
Presently Pastor of The Greater Dimensions Christian Assembly, Dunnellon, Florida (www.gdcfa.org)
Married to Preceida, kids Emily, Shaquille, and Omarr.
Former Director of the University of Central Florida Gospel and Cultural Choir, gospel music clinician, speaker and counselor.
Graduate of Jones High School, University of Central Florida (B.A.), Argosy University (M.A), Jacksonville Theological Seminary (B.of Religious Study)
Doctor of Education (in progress) Walden University

 

Sheena Spencer-Boamah

Graduation Year: 1998

Upward Bound changed my life, and set me toward a path of higher education. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am the the biggest advocate for UB, that's why I worked for RC UB from 2005-2010. 

 

Stephanie Ferrer

Graduation Year: 2011

Wow. What can I say? Upward Bound showed me so much. I don't think I’d be in college after high school if it weren't for them. I really don't! UB really taught me how to work well, not only academic wise, but with the people around me—to listen to instructors and peers carefully. Concerning education, I am aware that without the influence of Upward Bound, I’d be prone to give up much more easily when faced with one of those “brain farts” everybody talks about these days. I am so very grateful I was introduced to Upward Bound. I now attend Valencia now, because it's close and cheap, but after getting my A.A., I hope to fly to Ohio and finish my education there, majoring in English and General Lit. UB wasn't always about school things, I had so much fun! I made awesome friends, and created hilariously beautiful memories with others I hope to never forget. While not everything was perfect , because this world just doesn't work that way, I wouldn't take back anything—except maybe that one time I almost lost my phone. Not cool. Anyway, free tutoring, free food, free living, AND I still got a few bucks out of it? How could I refuse? Honestly, besides all those materialistic things, what I received was an amazingly irreplaceable experience that will be with me forever. I love you, Upward Bound! Thank you so , so much, for everything.

 

Dawn Hunter

Current Job: Corporate Trainer 

Graduation Year: 1994 

I am currently a corporate trainer at New Horizons Computer Learning Center. I graduated from Christian Brothers University with a degree in Applied Psychology and I do plan to attend graduate school to pursue a degree in training and development.

Upward Bound was the best program ever!! No one in my family had attended college so it was great to have counselors who knew how to navigate the system. Living on the Rollins College campus during the summer gave me a glimpse at college life and the discipline required to be successful. It was the Radio Broadcasting class that I took through Upward Bound that peaked my interest in public speaking. I still have the CASSETTE TAPE that we created in that class!!

 

Baotran (Tina) Tran

Graduation Year: 2007 

Undergrad: University of Florida BS in Nursing Graduate 2011
Master's: University of Illinois at Chicago (Family Nurse Practitioner) Expected Grad Year: 2014

 

Gustavo Rivera

Current Job: 3D Engineering Designer

Graduation Year:1997

University of Detroit Mercy, 1998-2000, Psychology Major, transferred
University of Central Florida, 2000-2004, B.A Psychology

Seminole Community College, 2006-2008, Certificate in Engineering Drafting and Design
University of Central Florida, 2006-????, Mechanical Engineering Major

I owned a residential Construction Company with my Father from 2000-2008 until we had to dissolve it because of the housing market.
Currently Im working at Siemens Energy, Inc since 2008 as a 3D Engineering Designer.

If it wasn't for all those years at Upward Bound I don't think I would have accomplished all the things that I have. 

 

Elena Adan Esquen

Current Job: Teacher 

Graduation Year: 1989

Over the years I have often looked back on my Upward Bound years with much fondness. I am so thankful I had the opportunity to be in such a great program and learn so much from Mr Lugo, the instructors, and my fellow classmates! I wonder what happened to everyone and would love to hear everyone's success story! After graduating high school and leaving Upward Bound, I attended Agnes Scott College. I graduated in 1993 with my BA in Spanish and History. In 1996 I became a teacher and have been teaching ever since. I love my job! I am currently working on my Master's degree and teach for Florida Virtual School. I have been married for 21 years and have 4 wonderful kids- Anthony (21), Amanda (18), Alex (9), and Addie (3). I went to live in Atlanta for several years but have been back in Orlando since 2002.

 

Emily Brown

Current Job: Electronic System Specialist for ESPN

Graduation Year: 2008

I attended and graduated Converse College in 2011 (3 years); my major was BS in Computer Technology/Business Accounting. I do plan to attended graduate school in the next year or two; however, I have found a wonderful position at ESPN working with IT and broadcast equipment. My position is an Electronic System Specialist II. I interned with ESPN in the summer of 2010 as Technology Innovation Intern. Then I completed a Lease worker job on the Winter break in college (Dec & Jan) with ESPN in ESS.

Other things I did after Upward Bound:
Interned with WSPA News station as a News Intern then moved to Engineering Intern
Earned the ability to be a member of National Honors Society in College
Accomplished graduating 4-year degree program in 3-years
Work Studied and Apprentice in Campus Technology
Was Community Advisor (known as an RA)

 

Shimeah Bynes

Graduation Year: 2011

I am a second-year Physical Therapy student at the most marvelous HBCU or any University there is, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU). I joined Upward Bound (UB) my 10th grade year at Maynard Evans High School and UB has helped me tremendously. Without UB and AVID i would not have the organization skills I have today. I am a more social person and I am more focused and determined. I love the whole experience Upward Bound has given me and im glad i joined the UB Family!

 

Arthur Chang

Graduation Year: 1983 

Love to catch up with my old friends

 

Gail Green

Current Job: Court Division Manager, Orange County Clerk of Court

Graduation Year: 1984

Education
-UCF Graduate, AA, BA English: Technical Writing
-Troy University, Master of Science-Management, Sorrell College of Business
-Professional in Human Resources (PHR), Human Resources Certification Institute

Family
Married, 3 children

Church/ Community
-Church of God Minister (Exhorter)
-Board of Directors, Apopka Family Learning Center
-Board of Directors, Central Florida Employment Council (2008-2010)
-Business Advisory Committee, Valencia Community College

 

Hang Huynh

Current Job: Podiatrist

Graduation Year: 2001

I graduated from Upward bound and high school in 2001. I then attended the University of South Florida with a major in Gerontology and graduated in 2005. Soon after my undergraduate, I attended the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine and graduated in 2009. I'm currently in my last year of residency to become a podiatrist/ foot&ankle surgeon in New York City. I'm thankful that I was a part of Upward Bound. I was a recent immigrant to this country when I first enrolled in Upward Bound. The program has helped me so much to learn a new language, advance myself in math and science and well as preparing myself for college and later on a medical degree. 

 

Giang-Nguyen Nguyen

I completed my degree at Florida State University.I was fortunate to get the Gates Millenniums Scholarship. One of the counselor from Upward Bound recommended me to the scholarship (Lori Caldwell/Sheridan?). I thought I was studying engineering but then I finished my degree in Mathematics. I went to graduate school and get both of my graduate degrees in Mathematics Education. Currently, I am teaching at University of West Florida in School of Education as an assistant professor in mathematics education.

Yumani Davis

I went to Upward Bound starting my sophomore year at Dr. Phillips HS and continued until I graduated. Thanks to UB, I was accepted early to the FSU CARE program and received many scholarships to fund my entire first year. I was also equipped with a better understanding of my studying habits which helped me excel to graduating early from FSU with a B.A. in Editing, Writing, and Media. I am now at UCF getting my master's degree in Rhetoric and Composition. I also work at the UCF Writing Center as a graduate writing consultant. 

 

Melissa Bellamy

Current Job: Mental Health Therapist

Graduation Year: 1992

I am a Mental Health Therapist in the Central Florida Area. After graduating from high school I attended Florida A&M University and earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology, I then attended Troy State University in which I earned my Maters Degree in Counseling and Psychology. I am currently enrolled at Capella University seeking to earn my PhD in Advanced Studies in Human Behavior. Upward Bound was a wonderful experience for me it prepared and grounded me for the away from home college campus experience that I was about to experience. I also met and now have Life long friends that I met thru Upward Bound!

 

Tameka Gay

Graduation Year: 1998

I graduated from The University of Florida in 1998 with a degree in Agribusiness Management & a minor in business administration.

 

Jennifer Marsh

Graduation Year: 2000

 

Michelle Washington

Graduation Year: 1998