Upward Bound Narrative

I was able to grow up into adulthood as I experienced a significant event, pushing me out my comfort zone, and learning who I truly am, thus better preparing myself for the future. And this was made possible due to my time dorming at Cal Poly Pomona, as a student of the Pasadena City College Upward Bound Program. However, in truth, intentionally, I didn’t want to go. Afterall, during my childhood, I was an easy target for bullies, constantly physically and verbally abused; lasting from elementary school to middle school. And due to this, I became a much more antisocial and shy person. But regardless, I still went because of my parents and my oldest brother, Edgar Diaz, an alumni of Upward Bound, told me that it would be good for me. I thought nothing of it at the time, but in the end, they were right.

As I arrived, I practically didn’t know anyone and wondered if I would be able to handle it. And then, as the parents were saying their last good-byes to us, the RAs decided to play a game with us in order to set this at ease. The game was simple; we would try to pop balloons, tied around the student's leg while also protecting our own. This game was a first for me and ended up being a fun experience, even though I had lost. After that, it was time that I head to my dorm room, with my junior roommates named Vulfano and Wilfredo, who soon became one of my best friends