My Summer Experience: Kevin Lewis

Kevin Lewis
Residential Mentor for Upward Bound
Junior, Telecommunications
Detroit

This summer was one of the most eventful summers I have had as a BG Falcon.

Each summer since becoming a student here, I have had the pleasure of staying on campus, which is why I love the school so much. Earlier this year, I had no idea what I wanted to do this summer. Nevertheless, I knew I wanted to do something meaningful and worthwhile, so I applied for a position as Residential Mentor in the Upward Bound program.

I came into the position not knowing much about the Upward Bound program, which has a goal of assisting low income and potential first generation students by providing educational services and activities that will increase achievement in their secondary and postsecondary educational pursuits. This program gave me the opportunity to act as a mentor for 51 high school students from the Toledo, Ohio, area.

The summer consisted of a six-week enrichment program where the students took four different courses, from Anatomy to Communications. Residential Mentors lived with the students in Centennial Hall and planned activities and events centered on career objectives, personal growth, and academic success.

However, it really was not all serious and work all the time. The job rewarded me with a balance of hard work and being able to enjoy different moments from playing "Just Dance" nearly every day to going ice skating with the students.

I really appreciated this summer experience because I feel like I may have learned more from the students then they did from me. They motivated me to continue striving for the best education that I can receive and to take advantage of every opportunity that I am given.

Because of their belief in me, I cannot stop or slow down now in school. I have to succeed and push myself, not only for myself, but for them as well. I am so grateful for my summer experience and would not have changed this mentoring experience for any other in the world.