Students Speak: How a Hospital Program Helps High Schoolers Prepare for Life After Graduation
While there are more than 200 Upward Bound Math and Science programs in the Unites States, only one is operated by a children’s hospital. Nationwide Children’s program focuses on high school students who live in low-income neighborhoods, or who would be the first in their families to receive a college diploma.
During the school year, Nationwide Children’s Upward Bound Math and Science helps provide tutoring, mentoring, academic advising, financial aid application assistance and other supports. During the summer, it helps students receive hospital and community internships and experience college life with a visit to The Ohio State University.
Two seniors at Marion-Franklin High School wrote about their experiences over the last year.
“Future Possibilities I Never Would Have Imagined”
By Tayana Wright
“What’s so cool about Upward Bound?” Well, excuse me. I would just like to start by saying they saved my life! Well, not literally, but more in a sense of gratitude. Just to go back in time, there were moments at the beginning of high school when I did not know what I wanted, but Upward Bound Math and Science's summer experience exposed me to future possibilities I would never have imagined.
Going back in time with the help of COVID, it was hard going into high school after almost two years of split learning, meaning online some days and in-person on the others. I was unmotivated yet still ambitious, but I needed the crew around me, a group of supportive friends and teachers, to push me to thrive academically and socially.
At the end of 9th grade, I heard the name “Upward Bound” and their mission, and I immediately knew they were for me. Still, I lacked communication and the ability to find resources on my own, so around that time, I didn’t hear about them again until my 11th grade year, and that’s when I finally reached out to them with the help of a friend.
Though some issues tried to play their part, I was able to go through with joining the program. I don’t know why I waited so long, either. I guess I was just in my personal development stage and had to figure myself out independently. But within those years without them, I realized so much about myself and the relationship between me and my education. Reaching out to Upward Bound to talk to them about my goals inside and outside of academics was indeed a blessing. They even blessed me with the most fantastic mentor, but of course, I knew that if I had gotten to them sooner, I would have been even more efficient than I am now. But still forever grateful.
After school ended, I became aware of the Upward Bound Summer Experience. I joined because I knew I needed something to do other than stay in the house all summer. So, talking with my program leaders led me to the South Side Thrive Collaborative internship, an organization that works inside the South Side of Columbus to achieve what the South Side needs.
During the internship, I learned about the social determinants of health and where the South Side stands. I learned more about myself, such as enjoying volunteer work and helping my community prosper. Learning how to do that planted a seed that made me want to pursue more. Starting the program, I had my mind set on becoming an environmental scientist or doctor, but during the summer program, I wanted to pursue even more careers. Although I need clarification about what I want to be, I have a good selection of interests that UBMS helped me narrow down.
The summer experience exposed me to interests such as public health, engineering, American Sign Language, and chemistry. So yes, I recommend Upward Bound to other students like me who are confused yet determined to achieve their goal of learning more!
“Upward Bound Math and Science Gifted Me Knowledge”
By Lena Arrington
Initially, deciding to join Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) was nothing more than spontaneous. Hearing that the program could be an aid in figuring out what I wanted to do after secondary school was enough to convince me to join. Seeing as though it was my junior year, I figured it could excel me and give me a head start, but it turned out to do much more than that for me.
I was able to meet so many kids like me who didn’t know much about what they wanted to do either. I was given the opportunity to be exposed to different career paths and socialize with people who have successfully made it to where I see myself in the future. UBMS gifted me knowledge into so many different fields including medical, agricultural, mechanical, engineering, and many more.
The most important thing to me that I learned about were the social and cultural determinants of health. I was able to learn about this through the work-study internship with South Side Thrive Collaborative. It taught me about how different people make decisions based on their belief system, environment, economic ability, etc. I also learned how to check the health of a growing tree which was all very interesting.
My favorite memory from the experience hands down was our four-day stay at The Ohio State University’s main campus. While we were there, we got first-hand dorm experience, and more exposure to different college courses including engineering courses, chemical science courses, and agricultural courses. It not only gave me more insight on college engagement, but it also gave me a chance to build a better bond with my peers. At the end of our trip, we played thought-provoking games together and made very good memories.
In conclusion, If I find that any other student is having issues figuring out what they want to do after high school, Upward Bound Math and Science would be my immediate recommendation.
Published August 2024
