Joanna:

          My experience with Upward Bound has been very positive. We have met new people and traveled to new places such as foreign restaurants and shops. My favorite thing about Upward Bound is meeting new people. There is such a variety of people in the program that you never know what kind of people you will come to love and be friends with. Also, with high school classes being hard enough, the summer classes prepare you for your upcoming school year.

Daniel:

          Upward Bound has been a major part of my life. Currently, I work for UB as a TA but the program has had an impact on my life long before my job here. I feel that without Upward Bound I would not be in college now.

Tabby:

          Before Upward Bound was a part of my life I would spend my summers at home watching TV and talking on the phone. Boring!! Well, when I actually joined it was because my friend and I wanted to try something new. She had had a brother in the program and told me about it so I signed up. I passed the interview not really knowing what was in store for me in this program. So we came here and I was thinking I had done the wrong thing. But I actually have experienced many things that if it weren’t for this program I would probably never have done. Like last summer when we went to the small beach that was my first time ever to see the ocean. I was so excited! It was also the first time I had been in South Carolina. This program helped me create so many new friendships that will last for a life time. Thank you, Milly, Jami, and Lonnie for helping this program to grow and Blossom. An even bigger thanks to Lonnie who picked me to be here!

A.B.:

          I think the best way I could put it is with a writing I did for this year's Bugle, The Amaranthine:

           When I joined Upward Bound, I had no idea what I was getting into. The word was good, but it took experiencing it to comprehend just how lucky I am to be a member. It's dominated every ounce of my life in some way or another.
          I owe it my closest comrades. My best friends have all been connected to Upward Bound. It was never the friends from my county that meant something to me, it was the ones in UB. The people I can't live without are all around me when Upward Bound is in session, and that's a benefit few can claim. The people here are good people from a variety of lifestyles that teach me to give everyone a chance and bring me hope that there are others that don't get caught in the horrible tendecies of my own county.
          I owe Upward Bound my habits. I've grown a taste for the fantastic, unusual, and creative. I doubt I'd have the passion I have for the arts and fine food if it wasn't for Upward Bound. My experiment as a vegetarian would not have became so permanent without it. Nor would I have been so capable of travel; so craving of success. I wouldn't even have the confidence to take on such a project as the Bugle if it wasn't for the encouragement and support of Upward Bound.
          I owe money. It's paid for me to go on my grandest adventures in life: from Jekyll Island to Toronto; from Tennessee to Charleston; from the Begley Building to Sullivan Hall. It's given me stipends, it's paid for my food, and it's taken care of me in so many ways that I can't ever repay it in cash value.
          I owe Upward Bound my memories. My greatest moments in life could fill a book and the majority of them would come from Upward Bound. I told people in my high school stories about Upward Bounders. I seldom told Upward Bounders about people in my high school.
          I owe Upward Bound my future. My decision to stay at EKU was majorly decided by my experiences in Upward Bound. It lead me on my path and broke my state of mind that I had to go out of state to be happy. I can find happiness anywhere, but it's certainly a lot easier with good people all around you who know you by name.
          I owe Upward Bound so much that I could never repay it. But Upward Bound is not a debt collector, it is a path to happiness. Speaking of which, I owe it my happiness too. I'm not a perfect person, but after 3 years with Upward Bound, I feel like a better person. If it has this impact on everyone, imagine the massive debt owed to Upward Bound. Amazingly enough, though, Upward Bound only asks for us to be as successful as we can be. Strive to achieve and make this world a better place. That's how we pay off our debt.