Juan is an 8th grader at Syracuse Junior High School who has this to say about the GEAR UP program:
"I have finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up. It has been motivating me to stay in school and keep doing schoolwork. My parents have really been motivating me to do good work. I can help people and I want to help people. You can stay motivated by thinking of what you want to do, try new things, be real with yourself, do something simple, find new hobbies that are simple and fun and it will bring your spirits up. For me, that is longboarding. It keeps me active, motivated, it keeps me as me, as I should be. It helps me cope and get places. I participate in GEAR UP because they have fun activities. It is one of the best things I could have signed up for. I want to be as active in GEAR UP as I can. It is just so much fun! I would rather be in GEAR UP than be at home doing nothing. I get to meet new people, have new experiences, and in general be happy!"
