Upward Bound Scholars (2018-2019)

BrendaAlfaro

Brenda Alfaro

I am a senior at Channel Islands High School. My subject in school is English because I enjoy writing and reading. My future college will be Harbor College, which is located in Los Angeles. My future career goals are being a nurse, doctor assistant, or an elementary school teacher. I chose Upward Bound because I wanted to raise my grades up and because joining the Upward Bound program helps you meet new people.

DanielAlfaro

Daniel Alfaro

I am in 12th grade. My favorite subject is science. A dream college of mine is UC Berkeley. I hope to one day become a vet or an orthodontist. I joined Upward Bound to better myself and go to college.

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Melissa Ambriz

 

Muriel Anthony, UCLA

Muriel Anthony

Hello, I am a junior at Channel Islands High School. My birthday is on October 13, 2002 and my family is from Bangladesh. I enjoy running around hurdling; in fact, I am the second fastest 300 hurdler in the Pacific View League. I am also a 4.0 student student and hope to continue pushing past my limits and growing as a person. I joined Upward Bound because its empowerment benefits, both academically and mentally, and I hope it leads me towards the path of becoming a biomedical engineer.

Enrique

Enrique Arambula

I am in 11th grade at Channel Islands High School. I  joined Upward Bound because I wanted to grow as a person and I heard that Upward Bound helps with that. But then they also helped me get my grades up. They also helped me with what I want to do after high school. Upward Bound is a great program and helped me with my school and life.

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Sarai Ascencio

I am a Senior at Channel Islands High School. When it comes down to a favorite subject, I enjoy learning English. I have three universities I would like to attend; the first one I would like to attend would be UCLA followed by UCSB or USC. My career goals include becoming a doctor or working in the Criminal Justice field. I chose to join Upward Bound because I want to be ready for college or university and I believe it will prepare me for it.

Juan Barrera, Oxnard College

Juan Barrera

I am going to be a junior at Channel Islands High School. I have lived in Oxnard, CA all my life. I chose to join Upward Bound for the reason that it can help me in school and college. When i grow up I want to become a vet and attend UC Davis to get my degree. I am a CIHS cheerleader and i really love to draw.

alexandreabautista

Alexandrea Bautista

I am a 10th grader at Channel Islands High School. My goals are to graduate high school with straight A’s. After I will go to either Oxnard College or Harvard University, if I get in. I joined upward Bound to help me with my classes. The tutoring and summer program helped prepare for my classes and future classes. I really enjoy the field trips UBCI provides because it helps me figure out or see new universities.

 

NylaBetancourt

Nyla Betancourt

I’m a 10th grader at Channel Islands High School. I’m dedicated to school and like to keep my grades up. My goals for the future is to attend a 4 year university right after high school. I would like to pursue a career as a vet because i enjoy working with animals. I joined UBCI because I need the guidance to be successful in high school and to help me achieve my goal of going directly to a 4 year university.

PedroCalderon

Pedro Calderon

I am 15 years old. I was born on February 3, 2003. I am in 10th grade at Channel Islands High school and my favorite subjects are science and mathematics. My dream college is UCLA or Stanford; my future career goals are to get accepted to either of my dream colleges and to become a Mechanical Engineer. I chose to be in Upward Bound because Upward Bound is a guide to all students to be successful on getting to college. Upward Bound is amazing and it offers so much help and I also get to have a lot of fun while learning many great things at the same time.

Valeria

Valeria Cardenas

I'm in 10th grade at Channel islands High School. I have lived in Mexico and in Oxnard. I have two siblings, a brother and a sister. I chose to join Upward Bound because they help you with your grade, classes and how to get into college. I would like to be an architect when I grow up. I would like to attend UCSB or Harvard University.

Denise

Denise Carrillo

I am a senior at Condor High School. There aren’t many clubs or activities to be involved in at Condor, but Channel Islands has given me the opportunity to join EAOP (Early Academic Outreach Program) as well as Upward Bound Channel Islands. Both programs help me prepare for college and support my future future goals of becoming a math teacher. I joined UBCI because I wanted to get the chance of meeting new people that have the same goal as me of going to college. So far UBCI has given me the opportunity to meet such wonderful people like Dr. Cruz, Zoe, Arleen and all of my friends at UBCI, who became like family to me.

Samantha

Samantha Carrillo

I'm 16 years old almost 17. I have always wanted to study law or something that has to do with politics because I have always hated injustices. I do not believe it is fair for a country to separate families. I decided to join Upward Bound for all of the opportunities it can give me. The students of Upward Bound have all become my second family.

JohnCasiano

John Casiano

I am 15 years old. Currently, I am entering my sophomore year of high school at Channel Islands High school. My favorite subjects from last year was biology and I am interested in many things: computers, video games, drawing, physics, astronomy, and biology to name a few. I chose to join Upward Bound to gain more insight on colleges and universities. In the near future, I hope to get a Bachelor's degree or higher in a STEM field while attending an Ivy league college, a University of California, or Stanford and Caltech. I am hoping for a STEM career where  get to use my skills.

JuanaCasares

Juana Cazares

I am a 10th grader at Channel Islands. I would like to go to the University of San Diego. I would like to be an elementary school teacher or police officer. I love to play tennis at school. The reason I chose to join UBCI is because I heard it can help me get to college. I need help with this because I am the first person in my family to go to college.

Evelyn

Evelyn Chichil

I am in 10th grade. I was born on October 19, 2003 and lived with my grandma for as long as I can remember but moved just recently. School is a place where everyone goes to lean and I personally love biology and anything that has to do with science and English, two very distinct school subjects that I’m not even sure go together. My dream school has been UC Davis because i want to be a veterinarian. The reason I joined Upward Bound was because I wanted someone to always check up on me and guide me in the right direction and I feel content knowing that I’m not alone.   

Adrian Contreras, Ventura College

Adrian Contreras

I’m a junior at Channel Islands High School. I live in Oxnard, California. I have a brother, Francisco (17) and a sister, Alexa (12). I joined UBCI because I needed help and UBCi offered the help I needed. I would like to be a nurse or a flight attendant. My favorite subjects are history and geography. I play division 2 varsity soccer. My favorite food is my mom’s enchiladas. Two people I love and cherish are my mother and father.

Francisco Contreras, Oxnard College

Francisco Contreras

I am 17 years old and I’ll be a senior at Channel Islands High School. I’m in Spanish club, AVID club, LULAC, Upward Bound, water polo, and swimming. My family consists of my mom, dad, brother, sister, and 2 dogs. I am Mexican-American, my family is from Mexico, whereas my siblings and I were born in America. My career goal is to be a biochemist or biophysicist so I can change the DNA of plants to help increase production, which in turn may help people who are starving worldwide.

Nathaly Delgado, Oxnard College

Nathaly Delgado

I am a junior at Channel Islands High School. I have two siblings, an older brother and wonderful parents. Many people would want to graduate high school in order to continue their education, but having a big dream with struggles in school isn't the best combination to have. That’s when Upward Bound came into my life. Starting fresh, bigger goals, and expectations, and getting everything together is one of the best news I have received in my two years. They have helped me so much and more to this point and I would wish it to never stop. I gained so much knowledge, not just in education, but in socializing. Everybody here is a second family.

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Yael Escalona

 

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Amy Estrada

I've lived in Oxnard most of life. I was born in Ventura. For the part of my life that wasn’t spent here, I lived in Bakersfield. I have 5 sisters and 1 brother. My two oldest siblings are attending college/university. One of them is attending UC Davis and the oldest one goes to Taft College, which is in Bakersfield. I have a pet dog and his name is Kiko. Some of the things I enjoy doing are going to the beach, playing basketball and hanging out with my friends. I am also an aspiring rapper.

 

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Brenda Estrada

I am a Junior at Channel Islands High School. I’m 16 years old. My interests are water polo and swim. I also joined a dance group called Folklorico. I decided to join Upward Bound because I wanted to experience new things. I want to expand my knowledge of the different universities, and i want help deciding which school is best for me. I would like to attend UCSB because they have my major, which is Biology. I would like to major in Biology because I like to study natural life and the function of living things.

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Mary Jane Franco

I'm in the 10th grade. I come from a Latino household and am very proud of my Latino roots. I try to embrace them as much as I can to others. I am the oldest and only girl in my family, Being the oldest brings a lot of responsibilities but I manage it. Everything I do is to be a good role model for my parents. Going to college is something I am working hard towards, I know I am capable of succeeding. I joined Upward Bound to get future help with college and financial aid, being in the program will benefit me as a student and person in life.

 

Savannah Gamboa, UCSD

Savannah Gamboa

 

Alejandro Gonzalez, Ventura College

Alejandro Gonzalez

I am 16 years old. I am a junior and attend Channel Islands High School. My favorite subject is math and I am hoping to go to Cal Poly Pomona or CSUCI for my bachelors degree in mathematics. I want to be a high school math teacher. My future goals are to go to college and graduate. I chose to join Upward Bound because I need to get more involved for college applications, but when I joined I ended up loving it. It has helped me in many ways and has turned out to be a great decision.

FernandoHernandez

Fernando Hernandez

I am an 11th grader at Channel Islands High school. I joined Upward Bound because I believe UBCI will help me make a path into a successful future. Thanks to UBCI, I found my passion for math and hopefully one day become a successful engineer. I want to change the way we all live in a beneficial and prosperous way. Hopefully many others can join UBCI and discover all the doors they are opening for us.

Ricardohernandez

Ricardo Hernandez

I am an 11th grader at Channel islands High School. I joined Upward Bound because Mrs. Carvajal told me that they would help me with my grades, classes, and help you to get to college. My future college is Ventura College and my future plans are to be a lawyers and a professional soccer player. I would like to attend UCSB and UCLA because those are very great schools. I play soccer and an extracurricular activity.

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Melanie Lopez

I am a 10th grader at Channel Islands High School. My dream career is to be a Doctor. I joined Upward Bound so that I can know what kind of university would be good for me and to help me get good grades all through high school. The reason I choose to be a Doctor is because I would always be seeing my family struggle with health issues and that motivated me to be a Doctor to help others who are in need of help. Ever since I was a child, I would always have in my mind that I wanted to be a Doctor and i have never changed my mind. I don't want to make a bad decision and choose the wrong college/university and that's why I know Upward Bound would help me find a great path. Also I can learn so much from this and I can know what to do when the time comes for college/university and how to pay for it. I am so lucky I found you guys (Upward Bound) so it can help me know what way I'm going to lead in.

Eduardo Martinez, Oxnard College

Eduardo Martinez

Hello everyone, whoever is reading this will learn something about me. I go to Channel Islands and I am in 12th grade. My favorite subjects are art and math. I love to draw and paint because it feels relaxing. Math gives me a hard time sometimes, but it is my favorite subject. I don’t know what college I am going to, but I am looking for a college with architecture because that involves art and math. I chose Upward Bound because they go on field trips to colleges and universities, which will help me find the right college for architecture.

Michael Martinez, SUNY Mohawk Valley College

Michael Martinez

I'm a junior at Channel Islands High School.  My favorite subject is Math. I enjoy playing sports. My future career goals are to graduate from a university, get my bachelors degree, and become a civil engineer. I chose Upward Bound because it would help me reach all my goals.  

Rogelio Martinez, Oxnard College

Rogelio Martinez

I'm in 11th grade and I attend Channel Islands High School. I have two brothers and 1 sister. I chose to join Upward Bound to get more opportunities in school. I have been part of a swimming and martial arts team.  

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Yazil Mejia

I am a sophomore at Channel Islands High School. I like to draw, paint, and do anything related to art. I would like to go to UCLA when I graduate. My future career goal is to become a nurse practitioner or an actual nurse. The reason I joined Upward Bound was because my friend told me about it and I believe it can help me reach my goals.

Karen Melendez, Oxnard College

Karen Melendez

I am a senior at Channel Islands High School. AT CIHS, I am involved in science club, MESA (engineering, science, achieve math), EAOP (early academic outreach program), AVID, and Upward Bound. During my free time I love to volunteer at my local church and school events. I am a first generation student so I chose to join UBCI to receive support and better preparation for college success. My goal is to attend UC San Diego and become a Biomedical Engineer.

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Guadalupe Mendoza

I am a sophomore at Channel Islands High School. My career goal is to be a lawyer. I chose to be in Upward Bound because I want to have a good future. Right now my future college is CSUCI. My favorite subject is Spanish.

JuanMendoza

Juan Mendoza

I am in the 11th grade and I attend Channel Islands High School. I play linebacker and tight end on my football team. I also love playing basketball. My favorite type of music is old school rap. My plans are to attend either UCSB, UC Irvine, or San Diego State University to get a Bachelors degree in criminal science or criminal justice. I chose Upward Bound because I know they can help me in school and because they take us out to explore different universities.

JesseMora

Jesse Mora

I am a 10th grader at Channel Islands High School. My hobby is cooking and it would also be something I want to do as a job. For a career I would like to be an executive chef or a head chef. The college I would like to attend is either Santa Barbara College, ICE (Institute of Culinary Education), or CIA (Culinary Institute of America). I chose Upward Bound because I was interested in what the program does and provides.

Bryan Navarette, CSU Long Beach

Bryan Navarrete

I am going into 11th grade. My goal is to go to a good college and get a career can be proud of that pays well; I am choosing to do to make my family proud of me and also doing what is best for me and my future. I chose to be in upward bound because I thought It would help me be responsible and punctual on things that I do at school. I also chose to be in Upward Bound because it helps you get into college by helping with applications and knowing what college you would want to go to. The program is a really great one that was made to help students succeed in their goals of going to college, like myself.

Faith Pollett, Oxnard College

Faith Pollett

I'm a junior a Channel Islands High School. My entire life consisted of moving from place to place, school to school. I never got the chance to make long-lasting friends, or think about my future. I applied to Upward Bound because I finally had a stable home life and was ready to get involved in my own education. My goal, while I do want to go to college, is to have fun and make money doing it.

Elizabeth Razo, CSU Channel Islands

Elizabeth Razo

I am 16 years old. I was born in Ogden, Utah. I lived in Utah only for 5 years, I lived in Mexico for a whole year and I have lived in California for 10 years. I am a junior at Channel Islands High School. I always think about my dreams and how would I be able to accomplish them and I have the help I need now. Upward Bound is a big part of my future accomplishes right now and I know I can trust them is helping me with my dreams. For years my mother has told me that she wants me to be somebody in the future since she couldn’t accomplish her own dreams. My mother graduated from Ventura High School but she couldn’t have the same opportunities as the people that are legal residents. For years my biggest dream is to become a lawyer and for that reason is why I want to go to Harvard University.

Denise Reyes, Oxnard College

Denise Reyes

I'm in 11th grade at Channel Islands High School. My main career goal is to write a poetry book and have it published. I joined Upward Bound because I know it will help me get to where I want to go. Another reason is because I know they help me with my school work if I ever need it.

LuzReyes

Luz Reyes

I go to Channel Islands High School. I am in 11th grade. My favorite subject is Math. My future college is California Lutheran University. My career goal is to be a polygraph examiner. I chose to be in Upward Bound because it is going to prepare me for college.

Primitivo

Primitivo Reyes

I am in 10th grade at Channel Islands High School. My favorite subject is math because I enjoy doing it and I am good at it. I’m not sure which one is my future college yet but I would like to go to good college. My future career goals is a Lawyer, Judge, or a Architect because as a lawyer I could help people and architect because I could design and build stuff. I chose to join UBCI because I need help going to college and because my cousin told me that it would be fun.

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Jadeli Reyes

 

Daniela Rivera, CSU Channel Islands

Daniela Rivera

I'm a senior at Channel Islands High School. I live with my parents my brother and my sister. I have a lot of cousins from my dad's side that finished high school but didn’t keep going and I don’t want to do the same thing as they did. I want to go to college or maybe even a University and maybe not be someone important but someone in life. Since 6th grade I’ve been wanting to be a lawyer, that helps immigrants. But right now I have a lot of careers in mind and I still can’t decide. I joined Upward Bound for a big reason, which was so they can help me decide what’s best for me for my future, since I am the oldest and I don’t know how to apply for University’s or what exactly to do and I don’t have anyone else that can give me options.

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Alejandra Rodriguez

 

Arantza Rodriguez, Oxnard College

Arantza Rodriguez

I am an 11th grader at Channel Islands High School. My favorite subject is currently Spanish because it is a language that comes so naturally to me. There is not a specific college I would like to attend, I’d like to go to the one that has the best program for what I want to study which is education. I am not sure what I would like to teach, but my goal is to graduate with a teaching credential and follow my dream of becoming a famous singer. I chose to be in Upward Bound because I believe it is a program that will help me get exactly where I would like to be in my life.

GraceRojas

Grace Rojas

I am a Junior at Channel Islands High School. I’m in Drumline because it interests me, so does art. At school my favorite subject is English. I chose UBCI to purse going to college. I would like to go to college to pursue education, but I do not know about career wise.

Vanessa Rojas, CSU Channel Islands

Vanessa Rojas

I’m a senior, class of 2019. I’ve been playing tennis for three years, ever since my mom encouraged me to play a sport that I never thought I’d enjoy but I did. I chose to join Upward Bound because it’s a great academic program that can help you in some ways like with extra tutoring. My career goals are to get a masters in Child Development and a minor in Business Administration. With those career goals I want to pursue the dream since I was little girl which is to open my own daycare.

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Kalani Rozet

I am a sophomore at Channel Islands High School. In my spare time, I work at my family’s auto salvage yard. I also love playing chess and being on my school’s Academic Decathlon team. College has never been an optional for me so Upward Bound will help me learn about it. I would like to become a computer programer or something in the field of technology.

Carla Rueda, Oxnard College

Carla Rueda

I'm an 11th grader and student-athlete at Channel Islands High School. One of the universities I'm planning to go is UCSB. The reason for that is because I have a high interest in marine biology and I know that this university is mostly recognized by that. I'm also interested in being a physical therapist because I like helping others with their physical health. I also love photography because it's an art that I admire. By my sophomore year I started questioning what college I would attend and one day at school i heard about the Upward Bound program. They announced that the program could help me choose a college and how to get in, I thought it was too good to be true and I was a little curious so I decided to figure out what it was. When i went to visit them, I knew that this program would give me an opportunity to find the college I desired and how to qualify for it. So far it has been a great help to me.

 

 

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Bryan Ruiz

I'm a junior this year at Channel Islands. I am planning in finishing high school and go to college. I still do not know what I am going to do in the future but i am sure i'll figure out a way. I joined upward bound to help me stay on task and turn in my assignments. Upward Bound has helped me with my school work and making the process easier.

Tania Salceda, UC Berkeley

Tania Salceda

I am a junior at Channel Islands High School. My favorite subject is English and I would love to attend Stanford or UC Berkeley to major in Political Science and English, and minor in Philosophy. My first choice for a career is to become a lawyer and my second choice is to become a writer or journalist. At school I am part of the Mock Trial team, Academic Decathlon team, EAOP, and the swim team. I chose Upward Bound because I knew that if I wanted to get into my dream university, then I would need the guidance of people who have already gone through education and are now successful.

Tarsicio Sanchez, Oxnard College

Tarsicio Sanchez

I’m a junior at Channel Islands High School. I was born on September 25, 2002 at St. John’s Hospital. I love playing sports with my friends and teammates. My favorite subject is history. I joined Upward Bound to help me find a career after high school. My dream school is USC. Upward Bound takes students to visit universities, such as USC. In the future I would want to make a change. I would want to help someone change their life like Jackie Robinson.

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Alexander Tanap

I'm a senior at Channel Islands High School. During my sophomore year I thought critically about my plans after high school, what college I would be applying to, and what career I’d be pursuing. Keeping my grades up has been a real struggle as i had not taken my studies seriously up until sophomore year, even so i’d like to turn that all around and get my grades back up so I can pursue my goals in college and eventually obtain a career doing something. I would also like to get a job to earn some money for educational purposes. My final goal is to graduate from a university of my choosing. Deciding to apply to upward bound might be a good opportunity to better myself.

JoselynTexis

Joselyn Texis

I'm in 10th grade. At Channel Islands High School I play soccer as an extracurricular activity. I chose  to join Upward Bound because I got told that hey help you with your classes and they show us ways to get into college. My future college and career plans are to be a ob/gyn. I would like to attend Harvard University and university of San Francisco.

MariaTexis

Maria Texis

I am a sophomore at Channel Islands High School. STEM is one of my biggest interest at school. I would like to work at NASA or become a dental hygienist. I am currently doing a sport which is cross country. I am the second eldest in my family but I am usually in charge of taking care of my two younger siblings. I chose to be in Upward Bound because it is a helpful program that will help me succeed during my remaining time in high school.

Gabriela Valdez, Oxnard College

Gabriela Valdez

I am in the 11th grade at Channel Islands High School. My motivation to succeed in life is my family. I come from two hard working Mexican parents who everyday motivate me to try my best in school. They both had a rough childhood growing up in Mexico and they didn't have an opportunity to have an education. My dad has worked as a gardener ever since he came to the United States and my mom unfortunately hasn't been able to work because she is sick. My parents came to the United States to have a better life, and it is because of them that everyday I give it my best in school. I want to thank them for every sacrifice they have ever done for my siblings and I, by becoming someone successful in life. I’ve always dreamed about going to UCLA or UCSB, and although it may be tough I know I will be able to live that dream if I just have the motivation to never give up! One of the many reasons I chose to be apart of this amazing program is because I knew this program would direct me to be successful and give me more knowledge about college. I’m so thankful that I also had an opportunity to meet new people in this program.

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Marcos Vargas

I am in the 10th grade and I live in Oxnard California. I am very fortunate to live the life I live. I am so thankful that my parents came here to the United States to give their children an opportunity they never had. My parents especially my mom are very supportive of how I do and what I do in school. They are giving me an education they never got. I always want to try my best because I want to go places. I want to go where my parents haven't gone I want to see the places they never got to. I want to reach dreams they never achieved. I am not just doing this for myself but i am doing this for my family. I want to show my younger relatives what they can be capable of and much more.

Kevin Viado, CSU Channel Islands

Kevin Viado

My career goal is to go to medical school, become a registered nurse, and then go to college again to study game design and go into making my own games. I joined Upward Bound because it had many tutoring and college bound opportunities that would make getting into the colleges that I wanted easier.  I also joined to learn about what I can do to get into college and what I should do to better my chances of getting into my college of choice.