Catching up with the Students, Part 1

Today we begin a new series of posts about the lives of Bridges graduates in college and beyond. Our first student is Luis Arrieta, who graduated from Bridges 3 years ago. He is entering his junior year at Belmont Abbey College, and he plays on the soccer team. Be sure to read about his successful experience and important plays here!
We asked Luis several questions about his Bridges experience. Here's what he had to say:

What impact do you think Bridges has had on your college experience?
It had a great impact in the fact that it prepared me as well as anybody could be prepared for my freshman year. The classes, the independence, everything that Bridges teaches you is pretty much the same things I encountered my freshman year. I'm very proud to be a Bridges alumni.

How are you doing academically?
Right now I'm doing pretty good even though is a little hard to juggle between soccer and school. I have a 3.2 GPA, and I have declared my major in International Business with a minor concentration in Accounting.

What advice would you offer current Bridges students?
I would tell you guys to enjoy it as much as possible and to soak in and take advantage of all the opportunities that bridges has to offer. I remember my high school years as being part of Bridges. Even today, every summer I wonder how would it be to be back. Also, the friendships. I met people there that have influenced my life so much and I know that they will be my friends for the rest of my life.

What would you like to brag about?
My life. I think I'm a very lucky person. I get to go to school do what I love that is playing soccer. I'm enjoying my college years, I love my major, what can I say, I want to brag about being happy.

We are very glad that Luis has kept in touch, and we hope that his future continues to be full of bright and wonderful things! Stay tuned!

Banquet pictures!

At the end of each summer, professional photographer Charles Register comes to take pictures of the Bridges banquet. This summer was no different, and we now have some of his pictures to share!

Saturday College

Thanks to a grant from the Jolley Foundation (see the newsletter for more), the Bridges to a Brigther Future Saturday College program is just about to start! Some of you may be wondering what this expansion of Bridges is all about. To shed some light on this exciting new initiative, we once again turn to the words of program director Tobi Swartz:

The Bridges to a Brighter Future Saturday College is an expansion of the current four-week summer program. Although the current summer residential program makes a significant difference in these students’ lives, Bridges finds it increasingly difficult to overcome the difficulties that these students face daily. As negative influences increase, so does the need for consistent and ongoing support. Saturday College will provide much-needed year-round reinforcement and services. The Saturday College program will consist of nine meeting dates held once a month throughout the year at Furman University. Each session will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 1:00 p.m. Our goals are to further increase students’ academic and personal success; keep students focused on the goals they have set for themselves; and to identify student challenges as they develop, in order to provide opportunities for intervention before problems magnify and become insurmountable. These goals will be met by providing:
· Intensive tutoring in:
o Math (Algebra, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus and Calculus);
o English (Writing, Grammar, Essays, Research Reporting, etc.);
o Social Studies (Reading Comprehension, Memorization, Writing, etc.); and
o Science (Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science)
· Academic success and college planning workshops such as:
o Time Management, Study Skills, Effective Test Preparation, and Note-taking Strategies; and
o Completing College Applications and Financial Aid, Writing College Essays, and Determining the Right College Fit.
· Mentoring by Furman and community leaders:
o The Saturday College will provide a consistent location and time to establish mentoring relationships. Mentors will be invited to lunch each Saturday.
· Emotional support and strengthened friendships with Bridges classmates and staff.

This program is the largest expansion in the history of Bridges. Saturday College starts in just one month, so stay tuned for more information as it gets closer.