Dear Parents and Students,

Throughout time, one of the things I’ve noticed about myself is that I don’t like change. Rather, I enjoy being comfortable around familiar people in familiar settings because familiarity broods a sense of comfort. Now, don’t get me wrong, I can adjust to change; however, if I can prevent change from occurring whether it’s good or bad, I notice I subconsciously tend to do so. However, life has taught me that change can work in my favor. Moreover, change can bring about new opportunities, new people, new goals, new ideas, new strategies, new involvements, etc.

I realize there are many people including students that are like me. Change and/or transition can be a challenge for them with a huge influence of the resistance rooted in fear. Fear is a paralyzer-meaning it will keep a person in the same position and the same place year after year. This person may want a fresh start, new opportunity, and/or abundance; however, fear keeps them bound in the same place, same mindset, and same position. Like it or not, change is bound to occur in some form or fashion.

Consequently, wisdom has taught me to switch my vision concerning change to see it positively rather than negatively. Again, it's all about how you "see" change. In addition, here are a few applications concerning change that may assist the UB family:

1. See “change” as an opportunity to assess your life goals. Are you on track or do you need to make some adjustments?
2. See “change” as an opportunity to examine your strengths and weaknesses. What are you doing great? What do you need to improve?
3. See “change” as an opportunity to grow in uncomfortable situations. This will help many students with big dreams and big goals which may stretch your comfortability. For example, accepting the full ride to a college out of state may take you away from your family but improve your quality of life and expose you to greater opportunities.
4. See “change” as an opportunity to start over again. Realize that a fresh start will give you a new opportunity to get “it” right. What is your “it”? Is it your grades, relationships, income, job, education, etc.
5. See “change” as an opportunity to be a blessing to others. A person who seeks out the best in themselves tend to seek out the best in others creating a win-win situation for all involved.

The 2016-2017 academic year was indeed a year of change for me. This year, we wrote for the new Upward Bound grant which will fund the program for another five years (2017-2022). Writing the grant, with guidance from someone with more wisdom and knowledge of UB than me, was a challenge but it stretched me and gave me the opportunity to gain a new skill.

Moreover, with faith I believe we will receive the funding to serve our current students and assist new ones in their dreams of going to college. In order for that to happen, I had to change my outlook on the grant writing process. Next, the year brought about a change in staff. With Mrs. Ayana David-Jacobs leaving the program to become a stay at home mother after almost four years with UB, I had to adjust to finding another Counselor with a passion and love for students—introducing Ms. Adriana Palmer.

To conclude, although change can make one feel uncomfortable and spark a fear in the unknown, most of the time it brings about the best outcome. Our decision as individuals is to choose to embrace it and seize it as an opportunity to walk in whatever newness it may bring~!

Ms. Tee