Making an Impact

In a discussion about how students know adults in their lives care about them, they were asked, "How many of you have been visited in school by Mr. Bullard this year?" The response was captured in the above photo.

Merely every student raised his/her hand confirming that Mr. Bullard, the College and Career Specialist, had visited them...multiple times. Students glanced around the room recognizing how many others he serves on a regular basis and began to share stories about how he's reached out to them. Like a light a bulb flashing on in the dead of night, they realized that their Upward Bound staff cares a lot. The evidence is in the fact that he commits time (whether school visits or course preparation), information, wisdom, and resources to position them for greatness.

Bullard, a first generation college student, himself, expressed, "As I look back over my college journey and experiences, I understand it was 'Trail by Error.' Because of my college struggles, it is my desire to help students avoid the unknown college transition process. I am driven to help others achieve their college dreams despite the personal obstacles they may have to overcome."

Mr. Bullard's commitment equally reflects the rest of the HEC Upward Bound staff and teachers, who also pour in countless, often unpaid hours to make sure our students have the very best. The saying goes, "You can give without caring, but you can't care without giving." We are grateful for staff who give of themselves and are committed to caring for students, which does nothing less than making a lasting, positive impact on their lives.

Students' response from another angle.