Student Profile- Kishon Joseph

Sterling High School Junior Student Kishon Joseph

Kishon Joseph is the student profile of the week! He is a junior at Baytown Sterling High School and is a very active student within his school and neighborhood community. He is a part of the Sterling High School Band, Key Club, and Student Council and he also volunteers at his church and the American Red Cross. Three cheers for Kishon!

Here is our interview with our star student:

• Why did you join College Forward?
• I joined College Forward because I knew it would be one more way to help me get into college.
• What do you love about the organization?
• It gives you opportunities to learn more about college that many kids don't have.
• What is the best quality in your College Forward coach?
• My coach Qiji is very knowledgeable about colleges and gets my confidence up when I think I can't get into one of them.
• What school are you planning to attend next year and what are you going to major in?
• I plan on attending Texas A&M University College Station while majoring in pre-vet.
• Do you have any hobbies or talents?
• I love to play basketball and I am a great saxophone player.
• What advice would you give to future coaches?
• Have a lot of fun with the kids.

Coach Profile- Teanna Harris

Eisenhower Junior College Coach: Teanna Harris

• Where are you originally from?
• I am originally from Portland, Oregon but was raised in Houston, Texas.
• Where did you graduate from and what did you major in?
• I graduated from Texas A&M University WHOOP!
• What brought you to College Forward?
• I came to College Forward with the hopes of affecting young people much like myself when I was in high school, students who are not particularly familiar with or exposed to the process of getting into college but are determined to succeed in that process.
• What is your favorite thing about working here?
• My favorite thing has ABSOLUTELY got to be working with my students, the highlight of each week is spending those four hours in a classroom directly with my students, hearing about their week and their ever evolving dreams and aspirations as they plan their future.
• If you could describe College Forward in 5 words, what would they be?
• Evolving, fun, committed, supportive, and challenging.
• What has been your biggest accomplishment at College Forward thus far?
• My greatest accomplishment thus far has been helping my students expand their notion of what college has to offer them, and assisting them in whatever way I can to bring that dream or goal to fruition.
• What is your favorite thing about living in Houston?
• I love the parks in Houston, on one of our many beautiful days I enjoy just taking my dog for a walk or having lunch in the park with a friend.
• What is your favorite food?
• I absolutely love Italian food and there are so many great options in Houston for all types of cuisine.
• What kind of music do you listen to?
• I really enjoy hip hop and soul music, I occasionally mix it up with some country music.
• What is your favorite place to go in Houston?
• I often visit the museums and the zoo in Houston, I am still very much a child on the inside so the Children's Museum has to be my favorite.
• Do you have any talents or hobbies?
• I have a talent for shopping...which could also be my hobby but in my spare time I really enjoy reading a good book or going for a swim
• What is your favorite restaurant in Houston?
• I really love Grande Luxe and Ruggles on the Green, the food is fresh and delicious and they have so many options, they are both also located in shopping centers, coincidence I think not.
• And last but not least- what advice would you give to future coaches?
• Make your students' goals your goals for your time with College Forward, commit yourself to their success and achievements and you will feel that you have served your term successfully and your students will benefit greatly from your commitment to them.

Where to Live in Houston? - Baytown

Poolside at Camden Baytown

AmeriCorps VISTA Harry's apartment

• Why did you choose to live at Camden Baytown apartments?
• I chose to live at the Camden Baytown because it's seven minutes from the College Forward Houston office and it's a nice gated apartment complex.
• How long have you lived there?
• I've lived there for five months.
• What are a few things you like about the complex?
• I like that there is a business center with internet access, a swimming pool, and a fitness room with all nice equipment.
• What are a few things you do not like the complex?
• It's hard to meet people my age at the complex.
• What are your neighbors like?
• I have a diverse set of neighbors that I barely see because most of them are from Baytown and really don't need to interact with others. They have family all over the community.
• How much does it cost to live there?
• Prices vary greatly. I live in a two bedroom apartment with another roommate and I pay $414 in rent and around $90 a month in utilities. This includes water, light, and cable. Unfortunately, no internet.
• If some of our future Houstonians have more questions, would you mind if they contacted you?
• Of course! My email address is hgilliard@collegeforward.org

Check out the apartment website: http://apartments.camdenliving.com/houston-tx-apartments/camden-baytown/default.aspx

Happy Birthday to Becky Fowler!



Becky Fowler in action!

Happy Birthday to High School Program Manager- Becky Fowler! Thanks for everything and we wish you many more!

Student Profile- Joseph Martin

Eisenhower Senior Joseph Martin

Joseph Martin is the student profile of the week! He is a senior at Eisenhower High School and is excited to attend college this fall. Joseph has one of the best College Forward attendance records amongst the Eisenhower seniors and on top of his College Forward participation he is also involved in Technology Student Association, International Culture Club, and Band. He also dedicates much of his time volunteering as he has completed 300 volunteer hours at the after school program at Shotwell Academy. Three cheers for Joseph!!!

Here is the interview we had with our star student:

• Why did you join College Forward?
• Because I felt that it was a great opportunity to better myself and to better prepare myself for college.
• What do you love most about the organization?
• The fact that it gives you help in the college process and it follows you up until you get a bachelor's degree
• What is the best quality in your College Forward coach?
• My coach is Natalie and I like that she is friendly, energetic, and helpful.
• What school are you planning to attend next year and what are you going to major in?
• I am going to attend Texas A&M University- College Station! Gig' em! And I am going to major in Computer Science.
• Do you have any hobbies or talents?
• I am a work out fanatic. Currently I am trying out Insanity Asylum and it is definitely a wear and tear on your body.
• What advice would you give to future coaches?
• Have fun and do the best you can to make your future students feel comfortable around you.

Torchy's Tacos

Coach Jessica and Natalie in front of Torchy's Tacos

Coach Xenia's chicken fajita tacos doused in rojo sauce!

The other weekend College Forward coaches went out to eat at the legendary Torchy's Tacos. It is a DELICIOUS eatery that is located within the 610 loop at Shepherd near Westheimer. Torchy's originally started in Austin, TX and has since expanded to Dallas and more recently Houston. They specailize in unique tacos at a very decent price as their tacos range from $3.25-$4.75. Customers can also try the green chile queso and chips, the "Nookies" (which are deep fried cookie dough balls!) and Maine Root soda. Overall, it is a favorite spot amongst the CoFo Houston crew so be sure to check it out!

Sky High Sports

From L-R: Harry, Xenia, Teanna, Spiderman, and Trey

Cofo coaches and AmeriCorps VISTA members decided to "bounce" it out last Friday by going to Sky High Sports- a trampoline park located in West Houston. For $10 you get an hour of bounce time where you can jump on a trampoline the size of a football field, do double flips into a foam pit, or participate in a trampoline dodgeball game. It's tons of fun and a great workout too! It was also Teanna's boyfriend's birthday and the Cofo crew sported costumes for his costume party!

Check out the site: http://hou.jumpskyhigh.com/index.php