The reason I didn’t actively participate over this fall semester is because I lost my motivation along the way. Over the years, I’ve heard numerous times about how golden my seat was to be in the Upward Bound Program. I believe I took that as an advantage to do whatever I want. As soon as my senior year of high school started I wanted to do everything I can to please myself. I applied to every college I wanted to attend; I had my whole schedule out about my life after high school. One rejection letter messed up my entire plan, and that is what caused me to lose interest in any activities. I was not connecting and communicating positively with Upward Bound Staff during this Fall Semester because I lost all hope after all my plans failed. I have never fully communicated with the Upward Bound Staff members as much as I would have liked, but I do believe that it may have made my life much easier if I did. It was planted in my head that if I never talked to them about anything before, why I would start now. At the end of the probation meeting, I had a serious talk with Mrs. Peterson and I felt a million times better. I just wish I would have had that relationship with everyone when I was a freshman. My responsibilities as an Upward Bound Program Student are to live up to my goals, participate in Upward Bound activities, and commit myself to Upward Bound. I want to stay in Upward Bound Program because this is my last and final year to show who I really am and get a feel for my life and path after high school and Upward Bound is over. I really feel that my status in Upward Bound reflects how much I care. I started the Upward Bound Program with an “I don’t care” attitude. I know that if I continue to stay like that I will complete with that same attitude. I know that if I stay the same way I have a high chance of not completing the program and terminated. By the end of the semester I will have determination with a different attitude. I want to start this year off with a clean slate. I just have to show everyone how serious I am. I would like to thank the Upward Bound Staff for allowing me to get a second chance to complete the program.