Aug/Sep/Oct
2015
FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK
~ JOHN KULA, PROJECT DIRECTOR
Boundie Briefs
TRIO UB @ BLOOMSBURG UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Hi, everyone! My name is John Kula, and I’m
excited to be serving as the new director of Upward
Bound at Bloomsburg University. I hope to get out to
your schools over the next few weeks to visit your center meetings and meet each of you.
Prior to joining the UB staff here I was the director of two Upward Bound programs at California
University of PA (a.k.a. “Cal U”), so I had a chance to
say hello to those of you who visited Cal U this past
summer. My entire career has been devoted to Upward Bound, a program that
I strongly believe in since it had such a profound personal impact on me when I
was a “Bounder” myself at Penn State University. While I was attending Clarion University, I worked for Upward Bound for 3 1/2 years in every possible
role, including as a work/study student, tutor counselor (for three summers),
resident director (for my final summer), tutor, and intern. Once I finished my
master’s degree at IUP, I knew I wanted to continue working with the program,
and I have been blessed to have directed programs at Clarion, Penn State, Eastern Gateway Community College, Cal U, and now Bloomsburg. The program
helped me in so many ways when I was in high school, and I hope you have a
similar, positive experience and fond memories in the future.
I’m looking forward to meeting each of you and helping in any way I can
to continue the great work of UB. Until then, take care. See you soon!
Jenn’s Jots
~ Jennifer L. Cughan, Academic Coordinator
We all have positive comments about
someone who does what they say they
will do. Are you someone who followsthrough on promises? Do you keep your
word?
There’s aN axiom that says, “Oh what
tangled webs we weave when first we
practice to deceive.” If you only say those
things you think people want to hear,
then you are NOT dependable, rather you
are considered unreliable—and no one
wants that as their moniker!
TRIO UB@BU IS a DEPENDABLE
source of information, guidance, mentorship, and motivation!
Remain dependable in your attendance
and you WILL build confidence to succeed today & in your future!
~Jenn
“The greatest ability is
dependability.”
~ Bob Jones
http://www.myfuture.com/
Test Preparation
The best way to get a good score on exams that measure knowledge (GED,SAT Subject Tests and AP Tests) is to
study. You can prepare for them by taking college-preparatory or AP courses throughout high school if they are
offered. Take practice tests and request detailed score reports so you can focus on the areas you need to improve.
And, if need be, enlist a tutor for extra help, most high schools offer special tutoring programs for standardized
tests. If you don’t want to use a tutor, check out one of the many test preparation books at your school, local library
or bookstore. There are dozens available, and you can get one specific to the test you are taking. Some private
organizations also offer specific test-prep courses in person and online.
Aptitude tests (TOEFL, ACT, SAT, PSAT), sometimes referred to as ability tests, require slightly different preparation. Unlike knowledge tests, aptitude tests measure potential and ask questions that go beyond a specific curriculum. The results help determine your natural strengths and weaknesses, and college guidance counselors often
use them as a reference for academic direction. The best way to prepare for an aptitude test is to become familiar
with the types of information covered and the types of questions that are asked. You could start by purchasing a
study guide. It will cover every area of the test so you know what to expect, and many include information on time
limits and the test’s scoring system. Also, take any practice tests available. Aptitude practice tests will allow you to
get used to the types of questions asked, how they are worded and working against a time limit.
SAT (Scholastic Assessment
Test)
The SAT is a standardized aptitude test that
measures a student’s readiness for college. It is
made up of three sections: Critical Reading,
Mathematics and Writing. Questions are generally multiple choice with a few exceptions, including a short essay in the writing section.
Each section is scored on a scale from 200800, with a total possible score of 2400. Each
section contains one ‘experimental’ section that
does not count toward your total score, although the test taker doesn’t know which sections count and which do not. The SAT is offered seven times throughout the year, and you
are given 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete
it.
ACT (American College Test)
The ACT is another standardized aptitude test
designed to measure a student’s readiness for
college. Like the SAT, the ACT measures a
student’s potential to perform well in college.
Test questions are based on standard high
school subjects.
The test is multiple-choice and consists of four
subject areas: English, Mathematics, Reading
and Science. There is also an optional writing
section, which if chosen, complements
the ACT English Test. Some colleges require
the Writing Test; others don’t. You should
decide whether or not to take the Writing Test
based on the requirements of the schools you
plan on applying to.
Each section is scored on a scale of 1-36, and
your final score is an average of all four subject areas. (If you take the Writing Test, you
receive an additional Writing subscore and a
Combined English/Writing score reported on a
1-36 scale.) The ACT is offered four to six
times a year, and the actual test time is just
under three hours (not including the 30-minute
writing section).
Not all
Christina
brains are created equal.
The gray matter of the brain peaks just before puberty and is
pruned back down throughout adolescence, with some of the
most dramatic development happening in the frontal lobes, the
seat of judgment and decision-making…[Furthermore,] A 2005
study published in the journal Child Development found that
the parts of the brain responsible for multitasking don't fully
mature until we're 16 or 17 years old….” (as cited in Pappas, 2011)
So...give yourself a break! Things may be frustrating right
now but that is due, in part, to your continued
brain development!
Pappas, S. (2011, February 18). 10 Things You Didn't Know About the Brain. Retrieved September 25, 2015,from http://www.livescience.com/12916-10-facts-human-brain.html
Okay—so here’s the 411 on your brain
when it comes to dependability: TAKE
CARE OF IT! This baby works on overdrive
every day to make sure you are functioning
at your best. We rely on our brain to do
even the smallest task—like brushing our
teeth and tying our shoes—to larger scale
requirements like remembering everything
you studied for that American History exam. Since we depend on our brain to function at the highest capacity, then we must
take special care of it—Super boost your
brain power! That means SLEEP; eat
healthy; practice meditation; avoid toxic
yuckiness to slow you down like substance
use or total sugar overload; exercise; try
something new; and by all means refrain
from multitasking (it is impossible and you
end up splitting your brain’s resources!)...put the phone down...yes,
you...put it away...breathe...and let your
brain do its thing!
Hello my name is Nashá Faulks, and I am a senior at the University. I am the new intern for
this semester at TRiO Upward Bound. I am a city girl from Philadelphia, PA. I’m very energetic, and love to work with people! I like to watch comedy movies, and enjoy listening to
music. Also my favorite color is pink :)!
I am a social work major and have two concentrations, one in gerontology and another in family children & youth. I decided that I wanted to become a social worker at a young age, and I
knew it would be the perfect profession for myself. Throughout my life I have been a part of
many organizations, and worked with people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Here at TRiO Upward Bound I will be working with Christina Slocum, who is my internship
supervisor. I will be going out to the target schools aiding the high school students, and providing them with
some services they may need. I will also have discussions with them about the college experience, academics,
social skills, and financial skills. My goal is to be a role model for the students and just be there for them in general! I plan on proposing a new program, with the help of Christina and Jenn, to get more involved with the UB
alumni. I look forward to visiting all the schools UB works with, and seeing how I can lend a helping hand. This
is a new experience I am taking on, and I look forward to growing from it and improving my professionalism. I
know I will enjoy my time here at TRiO
Upward Bound!
I show I am a dependable TRIO UB work-study student by…
Hey Bounders! Working in the UB office is a great atmosphere with laughs and conversation! But, it’s still a
job. This will be my fourth semester working with the
UB office and being able to come back each semester
requires that Jenn, Christina, and John (PSU UB alum
and our bright & smiley new director!!!) see that I am
dependable and responsible to work in the office.
When I was in high school I was a
dependable TRIO UB student because…
What is dependable you ask? The definition is “trustworthy and reliable”. I couldn’t say it better myself! There are many tasks that are
involved with working in an office. You have to be trusted with the
information that is in your hands. This includes making sure that
I would always attend any of
the TRiO UB functions. I remember the what you are working on does not leave the office, literally and verone day it was the day of my prom and I bally. Obviously some things that are talked about in the office will
had a hat on my head to cover my curl- be heard by all of you, for instance the theme for the summer acadeers in my hair. I was not going to miss a my and all the cool things happening within UB!
TRiO UB function. I went and no one
My job is to take the information from center meetings and record it
said a thing about my hair but I did reinto the computer and pass it on. If I don’t record that information
ceive lots of compliments about my hat. and something happens to the original paper then the dates get
I will never forget that. I was a dependamessed up and we can’t see what you all accomplished for that cenble TRiO UB student because over the
ter meeting. I also have other jobs during the semester like helping
course of the summer academies I
would always get my work done for all with fall forum, summer orientation, along with getting information
on scholarships. I show that I’m a dependable work-study student in
of my classes. I was also a good one to
the TRIO UB office by not only getting these jobs done but by getdepend on if you needed a smile or
someone to talk to. I would always offer ting them done right. I do this by asking questions when I don’t unmy helping hands to anyone derstand something (which you should also do!) and getting it done
when it needs to be finished.
who was in need, schoolwise and socially.
~ Beth Perkins
~Best of Luck this year,
Page 4
NEWSLETTER TITLE
Many people argue that the minute you graduate high school and leave home you
become an adult. While that beautiful phase called adulthood offers many great benefits
(HELLO Independence!!!!!!), it also comes with a lot of responsibility.
No matter how you turn it, in order to be a successful adult - you need to be dependable. Your parents and guardians need to trust that you are capable of handling the challenges out there in the big world. Your professors and mentors need to see you as being a
reliable and responsible student. Your r oommates need to know that you can be counted on to cr eate a comfor table and safe living space. Your fr iends need you to be loyal to
them and their needs.
You may be familiar with the Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. Since it was discovered
and named in 1870, it has erupted faithfully every 90 minutes or so. Many scientists have spent countless hours trying to understand the mystery of Old Faithful. Because of Old Faithful’s remarkable dependability, more than 3 million people visit the
area each year!
Where do you see adulthood taking you? Maybe you want to write the next best-selling novel
or spend time helping sick animals, maybe you want to teach kids or make new video games.
Whatever your future dreams are, having an impact on 3 million people is possible – and it
starts with your ability to be dependable. So start practicing now.
-Written by GA Emily Paul
A U G /S E P / O CT
Page 5
As high school students, we depend
on others for help in many aspects of our
lives. In the same sense, others depend
on us. But what does it really mean to
be dependable? To be dependable, we
must be trustworthy and reliable;
someone people can count on. There are
different aspects of our lives in which it
is important to be dependable: at school,
at work, and in personal relationships.
How can you show others you are dependable?
If you can add to the list, fill in the free space in the boxes below.
 Being on time for class
At school:

Handing in work on time

Taking ownership for what you do


At work:


Being on time

Not calling off

Doing what is asked of you

Completing tasks in a timely manner


In personal relationships:

Being supportive

Standing by them through the good
times and bad times

Lending a helping hand


By GA Cassondra
http://www.collegescholarships.org/search/helpful-reviews.htm
Quick Facts


4 parts: Reading, Writing and Language, Math, and the optional SAT Essay
400–1600 score scale
 3 hours and 50 minutes with the SAT Essay — or 3 hours without it
 4 answer choices
4 college application fee waivers for every student who uses an SAT fee waiver
https://sat.collegeboard.org/home
For the first time ever, the creators of the SAT have given Khan Academy exclusive access and
advice to build a personalized practice program for anyone, anywhere.
These tools are free and available now for every student to take ownership of their learning and
their future.
https://www.khanacademy.org/sat
Page 8
NEWSLETTER TITLE
Description of the ACT
The ACT consists of four multiple-choice tests: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The ACT with writing includes the four multiple-choice tests and a writing test.
Test
Content
English
75 questions
45 minutes
Measures standard written English and
rhetorical skills.
Mathematics
60 questions
60 minutes
Measures mathematical skills students
have typically acquired in courses taken up
to the beginning of grade 12.
Reading
40 questions
35 minutes
Measures reading comprehension.
Science
40 questions
35 minutes
Measures the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving
skills required in the natural sciences.
1 prompt
40 minutes
Measures writing skills emphasized in high
school English classes and in entry-level
college composition courses.
Optional Writing
Test
http://www.actstudent.org/
A U G /S E P / O CT
Page 9
College Matters – for Life
When Wikipedia Won't Cut It: 25 Online Sources for Reliable, Researched Facts
Although Wikipedia is a great place to find information, it's subject to incomplete citations, biased views, and inaccuracies. And
when you absolutely have to have undisputable facts, that's just not good enough. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives
out there that can deliver with high quality accuracy….here is an abbreviated list taken from http://www.collegedegree.com/
library/financial-aid/25-online-resources-for-reliable-researched-facts
Citizendium: This wiki focuses on credibility, using both the general public and credentialed experts. It works just like
Wikipedia, but better.
AmericanFactFinder: This database from the US Census Bureau is a great source for information on housing, economics, geography and population.
Classic Encyclopedia: This online encyclopedia is based on the 1911 11th edition of the Encyclopedia Brittannica. Although quite old, it offers an in-depth look on more than 40,000 items, and it's widely considered to be the best
encyclopedias ever written.
Virtual Reference Shelf: This Library of Congress site offers a number of high quality selected web resources.
MedBioWorld: Get professional medical and biotechnology information from this resource for journals, reference
tools, databases, and more.
Library Spot: Check out this site for libraries online, a reading room, reference desk, and more.
FactCheck.org: FactCheck.org researches politics and delivers the truth on candidates and more.
iTools: Use iTools' research tools to find facts and theories on just about any subject.
Browse Topics: Maintained by professional librarians, this site links to Federal websites that offer facts.
WWW Virtual Library: Created by Tim Berners-Lee, who also created HTML and the Web, this library uses experts to
compile high quality information.
Internet Public Library: In the Internet Public Library, you'll find references for nearly every subject out there.
Infoplease: Infoplease offers an entire suite of reference materials, including an atlas, dictionary, encyclopedia, and
almanacs.
STAT-USA/Internet: This service of the US Department of Commerce offers information on business, economics, trade,
and more.
Mathematica: Mathematica, the Wolfram Library Archive, offers research and information on math, science, and more.
Refdesk: Refdesk calls itself the single best resource for facts, and it delivers. Visit this online reference desk to find
facts in their tools, facts-at-a-glance, or facts search desk.
AskOxford: This reference tool from Oxford University Press offers facts and tips on the English language and more.
The Old Farmer's Almanac: Whether you're searching for weather, food, gardening, or beyond, you'll find what you
need in this online almanac.
CIA Factbook: The CIA Factbook offers information on world countries and
more.
Martindale's: The Reference Desk: Find reference material for nearly everything, from medicine to weather.
TRiO Upward Bound Program
258 Student Services Center
400 East Second Street
Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
17815-1301
Telephone: (570) 389-4280
FAX: (570) 389-3025
************************
jkula@bloomu.edu
cslocum@bloomu.edu
jcugha2@bloomu.edu
tbaylor@bloomu.edu
AA/EEO Statement: Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania is committed to affirmative action by way of providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all
persons without regard to race, religion,
gender, age, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status.
Upcoming TRIO UB@BU EVENTS
10/8 Seniors ONLY: College Application Completion Night*
11/7 ALL Bounders, Families &
Guardians: Fall Forum*
11/8 Seniors ONLY: NACAC College Fair, Philadelphia Convention Center
*Information in mail, on FB, and at Center Meeting
Character Counts Corner—DEPENDABILITY
http://workethic.coe.uga.edu/less5.html
Being dependable is one of the most highly sought after traits for workers in the modern workplace. This work ethic construct
includes honesty, reliability, and being on time. People who are not dependable often are very expensive to keep around because
of the wasted time and resources their behavior causes. In some cases, even peoples' lives can be lost if another person is not
dependable.
Think of the various roles you engage in on any given day. For example, you may have responsibilities as a student, a worker, an
athlete, a club member, a church member, or as a member of some type of team. Answer the following questions with these roles
in mind. Once you have completed the questions, take a few minutes to discuss them in a small group.



What personal traits can you list that make you dependable in these roles?
What traits would you like to develop to make you more dependable?
What are the most important characteristics of being dependable that will help you in your future studies and/or careers?
“Work on yourself first, take responsibility
for your own progress. ~ I. Ching