Quick Bites: APIE’s Advice on Life After High School Graduation

 “Explore everything you can and never put yourself in a box.” Natalie Persicano, Training Program Designer VISTA

“Dream Big!  Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right!” Dr. Cathy Jones, Executive Director

“Go for it!  Follow your dreams, climb every mountain.  But don’t forget to be kind and respectful to everyone on your journey—that should be your greatest accomplishment.” Dawn Lewis, School Connections Manager

“Keep your mind open to all the possibilities in front of you, and then do what makes you happy.” Barbette Cooper, Finance Director

“When you’re feeling stressed, take a few deep breaths. It opens you to new ideas and feelings.” Elena Lorio, Elementary Reading Manager

“Don’t worry if you’re not sure what’s next.  Step into life and see what happens!” Jessica Lester, Elementary Reading Campus Coordinator

“Establish/Maintain good credit – so important. Stay optimistic. Dedicate time to figuring out what you are passionate about. Build your network.” Andrea Panter, Middle School Math Manager

Donor Spotlight: Applied Materials 

Applied Materials has nearly a decade long history of supporting APIE programs and events. This past year, they generously awarded a $30,000 grant to support our College Readiness program. Because Austin serves as Applied Materials’ volume manufacturing center, they invest in local education programs through Applied Materials Foundation grants, employee donation and matching as well as volunteering. By partnering with organizations like APIE, Applied Materials and its Foundation support students throughout their entire academic career, pre-K through high school graduation.

Applied Materials recognizes that students from economically disadvantaged communities have limited access to high-quality education. APIE’s College Readiness program offers advising and tutoring to underserved high school seniors struggling to meet college readiness standards. With Applied Materials’ help, we provide Austin ISD students a better chance at succeeding in college and launching a successful career. Students who graduate from high school meeting college readiness standards, experience higher self-confidence and are more likely to complete their degree. These are especially significant accomplishments for our students, many of whom are first-generation college students.

Applied Materials congratulates all students and teachers on another successful year, and encourages students to continue learning and exploring throughout the summer.

To join Applied Materials in supporting APIE programs, click here to donate.

Volunteer Spotlight and Q&A: Karen Yokum, IBM Electrical Engineer

Karen Yokum, Electrical Engineer at IBM, has volunteered with APIE as an 8^th Grade Math Classroom Coach for 3 years. She has been influential in encouraging other IBM employees to become APIE volunteers and works to help students experience real world applications of their classroom studies. “My favorite part about volunteering each week is seeing the students.  They are generally excited to see the volunteers when we enter the classroom each week.  I love hearing about their days, and they love to hear about what we do at work each week.” Click here to read more about Karen and her experience with APIE.

Occupation: Electrical Engineer at IBM

What is your favorite part about volunteering?

My favorite part about volunteering each week is seeing the students.  They are generally excited to see the volunteers when we enter the classroom each week.  I love hearing about their days, and they love to hear about what we do at work each week.

How has education played a role in your own life and career?

Education is very important to both my life and career.  I grew up in a family that emphasized education and learning something new every day.  In high school, I started to figure out what classes sparked my interest.  I learned that I was passionate about science and technology.  I attended the University of Notre Dame where I was able to explore a wide array of classes that led me to pursue an Electrical Engineering degree.  One of the most important things I learned throughout my educational career was how to problem solve.  This is essential to my career at IBM.

Would APIE have benefited you as a student?

APIE would have greatly benefited me as a student.  In middle school and high school I was scared to raise my hand to ask questions or go up to the board.  Having the individualized positive attention would have encouraged me to ask questions in these small groups rather than relying on the “I’ll figure it out later” approach.

What has been your proudest moment as an APIE volunteer?

My proudest moment as an APIE volunteer occurred at the end of the school year when we did the final review for the Math STAAR.  At that point, I visibly noticed the strides the students made in both their confidence and math skills.  The students were more outgoing, willing to ask questions, and confident in their ability to do well on the STAAR.

If you could share one thing with 8^th grade students as they enter high school, what would it be?

Entering high school can be a scary endeavor, but embrace the challenge.  Get involved, join clubs, and take electives that interest you.  It is never too early to begin thinking about your future.  Classes may seem more challenging than they were in middle school, but remember to take the time to understand the material and try your hardest to succeed!

Other thoughts or stories to share?

We have a bunch of volunteers at IBM who volunteer during their lunch hour on Wednesdays at Burnet Middle School and Thursdays at Webb Middle School.  At the end of the school year, once the STAAR tests are completed, we like to plan a field trip for the classes we volunteer with to come to IBM and see what we are working on.  We get to show the students our offices and labs, demonstrate interesting projects we are working on, and perform some cool liquid nitrogen science experiments.  The students love to see where the volunteers work and what they do each day.

APIE in the Classroom: High School Graduate, Prescilla Mejorado

Despite the struggles of growing up as an orphan and living in a children’s home throughout high school, College Readiness student Prescilla Mejorado is now a Class of 2015 graduate from Lanier High School. As she overcame adversity and hardships, she developed a strong passion for math, technology, and service. At least twice a month, Prescilla volunteers at the Austin Humane Society and Austin Pets Alive! and regularly volunteers to feed the homeless. She says, “It just feels really good and changes your perspective of how you see people.”

After graduation, she plans to attend Austin Community College to receive her associates and transfer to the University of Texas to study Mathematics. After college, her career dream is to become a CEO of a major gaming company.

Congratulations, Prescilla. APIE wishes you the best of luck in all your future endeavors.

APIE After School

Summer doesn’t mean APIE stops working! Whether you are striving towards a diploma or degree, just graduated, or long since tossed your mortarboard, everyone’s invited to join APIE staff members and volunteers next Thursday, June 11^th for our first summer gathering at Unplugged at the Grove. We’ll meet at Shady Grove, 1624 Barton Springs Road, at 7:30pm and The Oh Hellos go on after 8pm. For more information email Anne or visit the Unplugged at the Grove webpage.

Book-o-meter

School may be out, but our fiscal year just started June 1, 2015. Help APIE start the year off right. Send your gift by Friday, 12 for a chance to win Cap City Comedy Club tickets for two Wednesday – Thursday. Tickets expire Tuesday, June 30, 2015.