My Three Year Experience With TRIO: Upward Bound/Upward Bound Math Science
Samantha Oliva
My Second year
2019
Because I enjoyed my first year so much, I had to go back :)
Education
I was really excited for my classes that year because I wanted to be prepared for my junior year. The three classes I took were algebra 2, English, and anatomy and physiology. My greatest moment would be taking algebra 2 because it was a breeze when I got to my junior year.
I met some new teachers and reconnected with old ones. The class environments were definitely warm and I felt comfortable. The schedule was different from the prior year. We had study hall in the middle of the day instead of the start. I loved this new schedule because I could finish assignments from my first hour and not have any homework. Overall, the education portion of my second year was similar to my first year and a success once again. I learned a good amount of material from wonderful teachers and tutors.
Dorm Living
Now that I was going to be a second year, I was excited to move on down to the second floor. Funny to think about, but it was a good feeling! (I was right to feel excited because it had a microwave...it comes in handy!) I was able to get my cousin, Jasmin, to join the program. We roomed together and had a fantastic time! Our floor was full of funny, and chatty girls, so we were always busy. The only difference was the building.They separated boys and girls by buildings instead of by sides. Ironically, the girls had the building that had men restrooms instead of women restrooms. (I found it funny) The meal plan was still the same. We had a variety of options. Breakfast was my favorite because I always looked forward to a warm waffle with fruit.
Activities
Just like my first year, my six weeks during TRIO UB/UBMS were filled with many fun and new experiences. On the very first day, they took us to a rope course where we had the opportunity to try many different activities. Rock climbing was definitely my favorite! Of course, my summer wouldn't have been complete if I didn't play volleyball with my friends in front of the dorms. (that is a must) When it came down to the mid point of the program, they once again took us on a free trip. We went to Utah, where we visited college campuses, had a scavenger hunt, shopped around, toured the Natural History Museum of Utah, toured the Red Butte Garden, and even dined at La Caille, as shown above. It was a great trip!
Environment
I had no doubt I was going to feel right at home when I got to the program again. I felt prepared, unlike my first year. A new year meant new students. I was able to meet, yet again, a wonderful group of people who I shared a lot in common with. Just like my first year, I had an amazing group of peers who encouraged me and my classmates the whole six weeks we were there. Since I was a returning student, I would say my second year experience was better than my first year experience because I knew what to expect. However, I had my best summers through both of the years I was apart of the program!