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Upward Bound Alumni

Garrett Richard Baker

Upward
Bound, Northern Oklahoma College Enid

“Upward
Bound showed me so many things that gave me an advantage in life, and they did
it with the utmost care for my future. I was always greeted with a big smile
and a helping hand. Upward Bound helped me pave a strong foundation for my
future by teaching me things like how to manage my money, receive scholarships,
network for future jobs, and most importantly always strive for something
higher.  I have made many life-long
friends through the Upward Bound program, and to this day the faculty is still
there with that same big smile and helping hands. I never dreamed I would be
doing the things I loved so much as a job, but that realization becomes clearer
each and every day. All of this wouldn’t be possible without Upward Bound and
all of the amazing people there.”

Associate’s
Degree, Digital Media and Design, Northern Oklahoma College Tonkawa

Jacob Leachman

Upward
Bound, Northern Oklahoma College Enid

“I graduated
debt-free and that’s important to me. I plan on getting my bachelor’s degree
and also doing the same thing. Upward Bound follows members through the process
of preparing for and attending college. It’s nice to have them as mentors
through the program, helping you look for scholarships. That’s a really good,
solid base.”

Registered
Nursing Degree, Northern Oklahoma College Enid

Stormie Nicole McDonald

Upward
Bound, Northern Oklahoma College Enid

“Upward
Bound showed me that I can accomplish any dream I have.”

Associate’s
Degree, Behavioral Science, Northern Oklahoma College Enid

Danielle Marie Stoneberg

Upward
Bound, Northern Oklahoma College Enid

“When I
started the program, I never imagined being blessed with the vast amount of
opportunities, skill sets or networking that I have. Being in Upward Bound not
only taught me a lot about myself, it also encouraged me to follow dreams that
I might never have attempted to follow. Through Upward Bound I have been able
to meet people and travel to places that have helped shape me into the driven
individual I am today. The one thing that has really helped me since joining
the program is still having the ladies from Upward Bound in my life. Even
though I graduated almost four years ago, they are constantly checking on me to
see how my classes are going or asking if there is anything they can do. When
you are a first-generation college student and no one in your family can really
understand the struggles that come with classes or having to study for big
exams, it’s nice to know that I can still come back to them for support and
advice. “I currently
work with the UCO Criminal Justice Department to do my research on
methamphetamine with Dr. Shukla. I aspire to earn my Master’s degree in either
psychology or criminal justice.”

Bachelor’s
Degree, Psychology, minors in Criminal Justice and Sociology, spring 2015,
University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond

Nubia Ramirez Torres

Upward
Bound, Northern Oklahoma College Enid

“You get a
sense of college while you’re in high school, and that sense helps prepare you.
It’s like an extra parent who pushes you to go to college.

“I’m now
enrolled at Northwestern Oklahoma State University Enid and am pursing my
Bachelor’s degree to work in international business administration.”

Associate’s
Degree, Business Administration, Northern Oklahoma College Enid

Odessa Michelle Whitmire

Upward
Bound, Northern Oklahoma College Enid

“Upward
Bound expanded my horizons beyond the small town where I lived. It helped me
blossom. Now I’m confident. My leadership skills are much better than what they
were. Upward Bound taught us responsibility because we were responsible for
ourselves.

“I am now
enrolled at Northwestern Oklahoma State University Enid an am pursuing my
Bachelor’s degree in elementary education. I plan to become a second grade
teacher.”

Associate’s
Degree, Education, Northern Oklahoma College Enid