Jenn’s Jots ~ Jennifer L. Cughan, Academic Coordinator

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Aug/Sep/Oct

2015

FROM THE DIRECTOR’S DESK ~ JOHN KULA, PROJECT DIRECTOR

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 cen-ter meetings and meet each of you.

Prior to joining the UB staff here I was the di-rector 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 Clari-on 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, East-ern 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!

We all have positive comments about someone who does what they say they will do. Are you someone who follows-through 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, mentor-ship, and motivation!

Remain dependable in your attendance and you WILL build confidence to suc-

ceed today & in your future! ~Jenn

“The greatest ability is

dependability.”

~ Bob Jones

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 prepa-

ration. Unlike knowledge tests, aptitude tests measure potential and ask questions that go beyond a specific curric-

ulum. 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 gener-

ally multiple choice with a few exceptions, in-

cluding a short essay in the writing section.

Each section is scored on a scale from 200-

800, with a total possible score of 2400. Each

section contains one ‘experimental’ section that

does not count toward your total score, alt-

hough the test taker doesn’t know which sec-

tions count and which do not. The SAT is of-

fered 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 sub-

ject 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).

http://www.myfuture.com/

Christina Not all 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 Sep-

tember 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 ex-

am. Since we depend on our brain to func-

tion 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 re-

sources!)...put the phone down...yes,

you...put it away...breathe...and let your

brain do its thing!

Page 4 NE WS LE TT ER TI T LE

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 ener-

getic, 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 fam-

ily 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 gen-

eral! 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!

When I was in high school I was a

dependable TRIO UB student be-

cause…

I would always attend any of

the TRiO UB functions. I remember the

one day it was the day of my prom and I

had a hat on my head to cover my curl-

ers in my hair. I was not going to miss a

TRiO UB function. I went and no one

said a thing about my hair but I did re-

ceive lots of compliments about my hat.

I will never forget that. I was a dependa-

ble TRiO UB student because over the

course of the summer academies I

would always get my work done for all

of my classes. I was also a good one to

depend on if you needed a smile or

someone to talk to. I would always offer

my helping hands to anyone

who was in need, school-

wise and socially.

~Best of Luck this year,

I show I am a dependable TRIO UB work-study student by…

Hey Bounders! Working in the UB office is a great at-

mosphere 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.

What is dependable you ask? The definition is “trustworthy and reli-

able”. 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

what you are working on does not leave the office, literally and ver-

bally. Obviously some things that are talked about in the office will

be heard by all of you, for instance the theme for the summer acade-

my and all the cool things happening within UB!

My job is to take the information from center meetings and record it

into the computer and pass it on. If I don’t record that information

and something happens to the original paper then the dates get

messed up and we can’t see what you all accomplished for that cen-

ter meeting. I also have other jobs during the semester like helping

with fall forum, summer orientation, along with getting information

on scholarships. I show that I’m a dependable work-study student in

the TRIO UB office by not only getting these jobs done but by get-

ting them done right. I do this by asking questions when I don’t un-

derstand something (which you should also do!) and getting it done

when it needs to be finished.

~ Beth Perkins

A U G/SE P/OCT Page 5

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 depend-

able. Your parents and guardians need to trust that you are capable of handling the chal-

lenges out there in the big world. Your professors and mentors need to see you as being a

reliable and responsible student. Your roommates need to know that you can be count-

ed on to create 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 un-

derstand 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

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.

By GA Cassondra

At school:

Being on time for class

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

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Page 8 NE WS LE TT ER TI T LE

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

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

https://sat.collegeboard.org/home

A U G/SE P/OCT Page 9

Description of the ACT

The ACT consists of four multiple-choice tests: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The ACT with writing in-cludes 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, eval-uation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in the natural sciences.

Optional Writing Test

1 prompt 40 minutes Measures writing skills emphasized in high school English classes and in entry-level college composition courses.

http://www.actstudent.org/

College Matters – for Life

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, econom-

ics, geography and population.

Classic Encyclopedia: This online encyclopedia is based on the 1911 11th edition of the Encyclopedia Brittannica. Alt-

hough 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 eve-

rything, from medicine to weather.

When Wikipedia Won't Cut It: 25 Online Sources for Reliable, Researched Facts

Character Counts Corner—DEPENDABILITY

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 Universi-

ty of Pennsylvania is committed to affirma-

tive action by way of providing equal educa-

tional and employment opportunities for all

persons without regard to race, religion,

gender, age, national origin, sexual orienta-

tion, disability or veteran status.

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?

http://workethic.coe.uga.edu/less5.html

“Work on yourself first, take responsibility for your own progress. ~ I. Ching

Upcoming TRIO UB@BU EVENTS

10/8 Seniors ONLY: College Ap-

plication Completion Night*

11/7 ALL Bounders, Families &

Guardians: Fall Forum*

11/8 Seniors ONLY: NACAC Col-

lege Fair, Philadelphia Conven-

tion Center

*Information in mail, on FB, and at Center Meeting