Fina

Counselor

What does Upward Bound mean to you? How has it changed you overall?
UB means so many positive things to me. I am very proud to be a part of UB because I believe in its mission to assist economically disadvantaged/first generation to college high school students to prepare for college entrance. Being part of UB has given me the opportunity to serve and help others and this has been very rewarding and gratifying work for me that has enriched my life and made me very happy.

What influenced/inspired you to become a counselor?Throughout the many years that I have worked with students, I consistently enjoyed helping students recognize their true strengths and talents. I see my students as diamonds in the rough, working hard to expose their true brilliance. I also witnessed many of the hardships and barriers that my students faced and was inspired to work with them so that they could become mentally and emotionally tough and develop skills to overcome their adversities while remaining committed to their dreams of a college education. One of the true gifts from my work with students has been watching each of them mature and grow as they achieved their educational and professional dreams.

What do you enjoy doing during your free time?
I love to spend time with my family, read, and travel.

What is your favorite color? Why?
I don't really have a favorite color. I love all colors.

What is one weird fact about you that we don't know right off the bat?
My first name is really "Josefina" my younger sister couldn't say my name and decided to drop the first half of my name and I became Fina.