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

Where to Live in Houston? - Montrose Area

Roommates and best friends for life: Christi and Dustin

• Why did you choose to live at Gaslight Square Apartments? How long have you lived there?
• Dustin: We've lived there for 8 months. It was affordable and is a great location and a perk that came with it was free cable and Internet.
• What are a few things you like about the complex?
• Dustin: The management lives on site so they are easily accessible and they are constantly renovating the complex. It is close to major grocery stores like Kroger and night life entertainment. I also really like that it is close to the Metrorail, which can easily take you to downtown and all the sports arenas. So if you wanted to catch a Texans, Rockets, Aeros, and Dynamos game- you can easily do that. Oh and they have an on-sight laundry facility.
• Christi: A dollar to wash a dollar to dry! Oh and I really like the fact that it is an LGBT friendly community. It is also a very unique area of Houston because they have a lot of independently owned restaurants.
• Dustin: Also, being from Chicago I like to walk around the city a lot and just explore Houston. The Montrose area is a great place to walk around because it is very pedestrian friendly. In a two mile radius, I can walk to Downtown, Mid-town- which has lots of bars and restaurants, Hermann Park, Rice University area and the Museum District.
• What are a few things you do not like about the complex?
• Dustin: The outside is dated anddd I have low sink pressure so it makes the process of washing the dishes a little lengthy
• Christi: When you wash the dishes...
• What are your neighbors like?
• Dustin: Most of the neighbors in the complex are probably from young 20's and early 30's, single professionals. Nice people but they generally keep to themselves.
• How much does it cost to live there?
• Dustin: Splitting a two-bedroom, I pay $437.50 and that includes everything except electricity. Since you're gone most of the day the electricity is not bad- we pay around $45 a person (on an expensive month)
• If some of our future Houstonians have more questions, would you mind if they contacted you?
• Dustin: Yeah of course! They can reach me at dduncan@collegeforward.org
• Christi: Sure! Email me at cgarza@collegeforward.org

**Apartment website: http://littellproperties.gdx2.us/gaslight.html

Coach Profile- Qiji Wang

Qiji Wang is one of the newest members of College Forward- Houston. He joined the organization in January 2012 and serves as a Junior College Coach at Sterling High School.

• Where are you originally from?
• I am from Zhengzhou, China and I came to the United States when I was 14 years old. I lived in Brooklyn, NY before moving to Houston to accept a position as a Junior College Coach.
• Where did you graduate from?
• Cuny City College with a Bachelor's and Master's in Chemistry
• What brought you to College Forward?
• I have always been fascinated by the South, and moving to Houston is very alluring
• What is your favorite thing about working here?
• I like the many hats that I wear. My college friends see me as a community leader. Other teachers seem me as a team captain. But most importantly, my students see me as their big brother, who is going to guide them through their college application process.
• If you could describe College Forward in 5 words, what would they be?
• I would say College Forward is all about being fun, caring, loving, responsible, and knowledgeable
• What has been your biggest accomplishment at College Forward thus far?
• My biggest accomplishment so far is gaining my students' trust and helping them apply for scholarships
• What is your favorite thing about living in Houston?
• The friendly local residents
• What is your favorite food?
• Halal chicken with rice
• What kind of music do you listen to?
• I enjoy all types of music but my favorite is country
• What is your favorite place to go in Houston?
• I love Hermann Park- very relaxing and a great place to take pictures
• Do you have any talents or hobbies?
• Photography
• What is your favorite restaurant in Houston?
• I love the food at Kim Son. It is a Vietnamese restaurant located in Chinatown
• And last not but not least- what advice would you give to future coaches?
• Introduce yourself to people who are key to your success

Coach Melba's Baby Shower



From L-R: Natalie, Melba, Xenia, Teanna


In just about a month, Coach Melba is going to give birth to the first Cofo Houston baby! Everyone in the office is excited for Melba and we wish her the best!

Here is a picture from Melba's baby shower this past Saturday. Coaches Natalie, Xenia, Teanna, and Jessica attended the event and had a great time! Thanks Melba and we look forward to meeting your beautiful baby boy.