Student Ahmaya Mazyun Enumerates the Pluses of East St. Louis Upward Bound Programs
The advantages of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s East St. Louis Upward Bound (UB) programs are life-building and far-reaching, according to UB student Ahmaya Mazyun.
“Upward Bound helps students with academic success, prepares them for college, find ways for them to get to college and helps them discover their college interests or area of study,” tallied Mazyun, a Cahokia High School student who has been in the UB Madison/Lovejoy/Cahokia (MLC) program for four years.
Mazyun was also eager to add that UB has enhanced her as student and a person.
“Upward Bound helped me improve as a student by encouraging me to join clubs at school,” she said. “In addition, the program assisted me in bettering myself as a person by constantly reminding me to keep moving further. Currently, I am happy with where I am in life, but in the future, I can achieve more and be in a better place.”
The programs are such a success, in part, because of the staff, according to Mazyun, who cites the person who stands out the most to her.
“Mr. (Christopher) Cooper (program director for East St. Louis UB Programs) is my favorite staff member,” shared Mazyun. “He accepts everyone for who they are, treats and protects everyone like his children, and has always been there for us. Mr. Cooper is an inspiration.”
Upward Bound (UB) programs help youth prepare for higher education and serves students from East St. Louis and Cahokia (EC), and Brooklyn, East St. Louis Charter and Madison (BEM) High Schools. Participants receive instruction in literature, composition and STEM subjects on college campuses after school, on Saturdays and during the summer. The quality services provided will prepare the students for successful high school completion and entrance into post-secondary programs. Upward Bound is a college-preparatory program designed to serve low-income and/or potential first-generation college students who are currently in grades 9-12. Upward Bound is part of the SIUE East St. Louis Center.
Photo:
Upward Bound student Ahmaya Mazyun.
