California GEAR UP e-Newsletter

Jaliza Collins, a graduate of Fremont High and former student of Havenscourt Middle School, is attending San Francisco State beginning in the fall 2006.

1. How did you decide on this college and what is your career goal?

   I have always wanted to be a lawyer ever since I was a little girl. I either wanted to go to a school far away from home or real close to home. When I didn’t get into Stanford, I looked into all the schools where I was accepted and also the school where I thought I would do well.

2. How did the award of the GEAR UP Educational Trust Award Scholarship in middle school help you to make your future educational plans?

   When I found out that I got this scholarship, I was ecstatic. I didn’t think other people, besides my family and teachers, wanted to see me succeed or cared about me doing well in the classroom; so I just kept up the good work and positive attitude throughout my whole high school career.

3. Is there anything you would like to say to middle school students as they plan for their high school courses and future education?

   I would like to tell all middle school kids, private or public, to take advantage of what’s being taught to them because education is the key to doors they think are impossible to open and walk through. It’s okay not to know what you want to be when you grow up, but do set goals for yourself at all times in anything you do. Remember that you are your biggest critic so no one can stop you but you.