In February, Upward Bound students participated with over 500 TRIO students from across Kentucky on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University for TRIO day. TRIO day is a nation-wide initiative granted through the Department of Education with the purpose of allowing students in programs such as Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math and Science, Educational Talent Search, and Student Support Services to come together. Students participated in a variety of workshops such as Middle Eastern

Dance, Sign Language, Alcohol 101, Social Dance, and Dining Etiquette. They also viewed displays from various departments including African-American Studies, American Sign Language and Interpreter Education, AmeriCorps, Management, Marketing, etc. Upward Bound Students Thamara Pires, Gill Finley, Sandra Amponsah, and Stephanie Robinson represented Kentucky State University in the Upward Bound Scholar's Bowl. The students did very well for their first time. Although they did not make it into the Top Five, they are excited about participating in the Scholar's Bowl next year and plan to compete hard against the other schools.

In the 1980's a popular song was released by Patti LaBelle entitled, A New Attitude. Check out some of the lyrics:

I'm feelin' good from my head to my shoes Know where I'm goin' and I know what to do I tidied up my point of view I got a new attitude Runnin' hot, runnin' cold I was runnin' into overload It was extreme, ex-ex-ex-ex-ex-extreme It took it so high, so low So low, there was nowhere to go Like a dream Somehow the wires uncrossed, the tables were turned Never knew I had such a lesson to learn I'm feelin' good from my head to my shoes Know where I'm goin' and I know what to do I tidied up my point of view I got a new attitude

In this song, Labelle was proclaiming to the world that she had been through some difficult circumstances; however, through the midst of her trials she learned to develop a new attitude. This leads me to the next question. How does one define the word "attitude"? Dictionary.com defines attitude as a state of mind, feeling, and/or disposition. A person's attitude can be seen both positively and negatively. As in Labelle's song, her positive outlook on her circumstances helped her to develop a new attitude.

During the third term, most Upward Bound students witnessed their grades take a huge nose dive compared to the first and second term. There could be several explanations as to why this occurred; yet, a huge reason can be due to the development of a negative outlook upon one's academics. This outlook can be attributed to burn-out, stress, pessimism, and/or low confidence in one's abilities. mindset. You have witnessed a stark increase in your grades, study habits, and test scores. You may have begun the program with low grades but like the 2009 Kentucky Derby Winner, Mine that Bird, you have are headed towards first place. Many of you were like the horses that left the gate with a momentous thrust; but, outside conditions both predictable and unpredictable left you far from your goal.

The time is nigh to change your attitude towards your academics. For many of you the grades you receive will be your ticket to college and a good education. Without that ticket, you may not get very far. Several students who were struggling academically begin to witness the power of developing a positive

mindset. You have witnessed a stark increase in your grades, study habits, and test scores. You may have begun the program with low grades but like the 2009 Kentucky Derby Winner, Mine that Bird, you have are headed towards first place. Many of you were like the horses that left the gate with a momentous thrust; but, outside conditions both predictable and unpredictable left you far from your goal.

Nevertheless, you can still make it! Begin now by changing your attitude. Develop the mindset of the tortoise. Regardless of how fast the rabbit outpaced him, he was still determined to make it to the finish line. Or, live by the old proverb my father taught me when I was little “when life gives you a lemon, make lemonade.” The attitude you possess will dictate how far you will go in life. Push toward the finish line! Get a new attitude.