Student Spotlight: Khaleigha Evans

Director's Note: Khaleigha has been with Upward Bound from the beginning. She is an excellent student and a lovely person. She is always willing to lend a helping hand; whether it's setting up for workshops, organizing the classroom, or even helping get younger students on track. Her active involvement in Upward Bound and her commitment to personal development are incredible.
Yesterday we had a long conversation about her plans for college, career, and for her future. She's not certain what she will do with her life, but is determined to use her talents to make a difference in this world and help others.
​I'm happy to know Khaleigha, and I know she will achieve her dreams and make whatever community she lives in a better place. 
​

Name: Khaleigha Evans
Grade: Senior
Favorite MCHS class: Math, Econ.
Least Favorite MCHS class: English
Favorite UB Field Trip: IUPUI Research Day
Favorite Summer Workshop: Networking and Mock Interviews
Ideal Career: Social work, perhaps.
Why should someone join Upward Bound? If you're determined to go to college, and you meet the requirements, you should join to help further your education. You may think you're the only one struggling to get to college, but Upward Bound showed me that me and my family were not alone. Other people are experiencing it, too, and now we have people to talk to about it.
How has Upward Bound helped you? UB has taught me to speak up. I feel like since I'm one of the oldest in the program, I have to take on a leadership role.
It's getting me ready for college in ways that regular school can't. My grades have improved since joining UB. I've always been a good student, but now I'm even better.
Tell me about an Upward Bound workshop that stuck with you. The networking workshop and interview workshop during the summer. I met the CEO of the Boys and Girls Club (Jason Newman). I'll always remember him teaching me how to talk about myself and sell myself. He told me he had to drag information out of me and that no one could tell him my story but me. I remember that.
How do the Upward Bound staff show you that they care? They check in on me and expect me to take ownership and responsibility for my work. Miss KeAyra is always asking me if I got something done, then she says, "Come on, Khaleigha! You know in college they don't check in on you. It's YOUR grade, not mine." She gives me tough love.
Where are you planning to go to college? I've been accepted to Harris-Stowe in St. Louis, Missouri. It's an HBCU (historically black colleges and universities). I think I might major in social work.
​

---