December marks the end of the Fall 2022 semester and a well-earned break from studies. We once again asked our students to take some time to reflect on what they're proud of.

From our Junior Fellows:

• "I passed my classes with straight As and played a flute accompaniment for the choir."
• "I did great in a meeting!"
• "I would say just improving in professionalism this month was great."
• "I passed all my classes for quarter 1!"
• "I got high honors this marking period. I am very proud of that because it was tough managing everything I have but I got it done."
• "I went with some teachers and students to promote and recruit students from other schools to my school and I had to publicly speak about my experiences and the pathway that I am in. I'm usually very anxious when it comes to public speaking but I'm glad I stepped out of my comfort zone and that I'm slowly getting out of that fear."
• "I just finished my first dance show after 4 years of not being on stage."
• "I think that with MTB I have really gained some confidence when talking to other people and when sharing my feelings."
• "I completed my first semester for my early college program with As in all my three classes. I also got highest honor roll at my school for Quarter 1."

From a Senior Fellow:

"I am proud of completing two more applications, faxing my dad's signature, and sending the request tax transcript form for me and my parents. I need to work harder in setting time aside for the tasks. With applications and school work, it's been very hard but my Leader helps me a lot with staying on track."

And from Michelle, a Leader:

"As I mentioned last month, I applied for a position at my school as a Student Ambassador (tour guide), after that I got an interview and I found out a couple of days ago that I was selected for the position! Very excited to begin training in January!"

We are SO PROUD of all our students for their hard work and accomplishments this semester, and we can't wait to see what they achieve in the Spring!

The College Conversation

First-generation students not only have to navigate the college application and financial aid processes on their own, they also have to educate their families.

Initiating those conversations about money, going away, and ambitions is hard as a high school junior. That's why we practice.

Watch College Student Leaders Melissa and Ashley demonstrate!

Welcome Dr. Susan Suarez!

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Susan Suarez to More Than Bootstraps’ Advisory Board!

Susan Suarez is a high school English/Language Arts teacher in the Baltimore County Public Schools. In her 14 years of experience working in urban high schools, including in Jersey City and Elizabeth, Dr. Suarez has emphasized critical thinking and problem-solving, focusing on the 21st-century skills needed to succeed in college and beyond.

The youngest of six children born to Cuban immigrants, Dr. Suarez was the second of her siblings to graduate from college and remains the only child in her family to earn a master’s degree or a doctorate. Aware of the struggles first-generation college students face, she interweaves the navigation of college systems into her instruction as early as freshman year. She created and implemented dual-enrollment English, which she co-taught with a university professor, ensuring students would have first-hand experience with a university course before attending higher education.

We are thrilled to have Dr. Suarez join our advisory board, where her expertise and experience as an educator will contribute to the success of our students.

Coming Up Soon

Tuesday, January 3rd

Leaders Only

Lunch at the Boathouse Cafe, 11:30-1:30

Monday, January 16th

All Fellows and Leaders

MLK Celebration and Lunch at the Boathouse Cafe, 11:30-1:30

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