Staff

Leny Valerio-Buford

Background History: BA in Education (1966), MA in English (1971)

Name: Leny Valerio-Buford

Position: Senior Instructor/Counselor

Thoughts On Upward Bound

 

What is it like being around high school students vs. college students?

High school students are college students in the apprenticeship period. They will grow into their own in 3-5 years. By then, the typical high school student will curb (hopefully) the impulsive, aggressive, confrontational, overly dramatic tendencies.

How did you get involved in Upward Bound and why?

My sister told me about this job opening. I was working as a Program Manager for an employment training program with the Edmonds School District at the time. I switched employers because I was interested in working at the UW.

What is your fondest memory in Upward Bound so far?

Each time a UB student I have known since 9th or 10th grade graduates from college, I feel extremely grateful.

How do you motivate yourself at work?

I tell myself that what I do matters.

Besides working for UB, what are some of your hobbies?

Gardening, sewing, arts and crafts, painting (acrylic), reading, writing, listening to music, and cooking/baking.

If you were an Upward Bound student, how helpful would it have been for your college career?

Extremely helpful. I could have saved myself from the pain of the trial and error process that I went through.  Without appropriate guidance, college is like baptism by fire.