Hi everyone!! I am on my second week with the kids and it has been a great experience! 

My picture for the week are the sticker designs I submitted to the CRE contest!! Wish me luck! 

By Alice Costa Braga

N = New information

I have learned so much about these first generation teenagers! Being completely transparent, through my research before the summer, I realized there is a stigma from those students. They are perceived many times as lazy or unmotivated because of their lack of resources. It is extremely hard to focus on school when financial resources do not allow you to have your needs met. It is hard to break the cycle and deciding to be the first in your family to attend university. But this group is so determined and passionate. They are excited to learn. They want to be better than their parents. It is very rewarding to work with them because they know how helpful this program is for their future. 

S= Self reflection and evaluation

I have changed so much since the start of my Global Scholars program. This spring semester was the toughest of my academic journey. Between health issues and the hardest courses I have encountered so far, I have matured a lot. GS taught me I do not need to follow the 9-5 path in order to be successful and allowed me to prioritize a summer experience that focus on service that I’m passionate about, rather than what it is expected of me. I feel like helping those teenagers in which I was at the same situation a few years ago is a full circle moment.  

E= Environmental influences

Environment wise, there were not a lot of changes. I am working with them at Florida State, more specifically at the Rovetta building — which is were my usual Business classes are in. The relationships I am forming with the students, parents, and teachers are helping me a lot with my Capstone taking shape! 

W= Where do I go from here?

I am having one on one conversations with the kids a lot. Allowing myself to connect with them and understand their background has helped me with my Capstone. Some goals I am setting for myself this summer in order to understand my CBI better are to connect better with the program heads and learn more about the backstage of the Upward Bound Program in general. So far I have been getting a lot of information and perspective from the kids which is helping me a lot with my Capstone!