TRIO Upward Bound Students Meet U.S. Rep. Kilmer during Visit to Grays Harbor College

Posted on: Jul, 25, 2023

Representative Kilmer talking in front of Trio Upward Bound students — During his visit, TRIO Upward Bound students had the chance to ask Rep. Kilmer questions like, "what was your college experience like?” and “how can people our age get involved in politics?"

U.S. Rep. Derek Kilmer visited Grays Harbor College on Monday to connect with students in GHC’s TRIO Upward Bound program.

During his visit, Upward Bound students had the chance to ask Rep. Kilmer questions about his educational background, his role in the House of Representatives, and his advice for their generation. Students asked questions like, “what was your college experience like?” and “how can people our age get involved in politics?” When asked, “what does the average day in Congress look like?” Kilmer read his schedule for the following day, which prompted a follow-up question from the students, “what’s your coffee order?”

The students also discussed issues they thought were important for their representative to hear about before heading back to Washington D.C. Ray Robinett, an aspiring chef and sophomore at Raymond High School, highlighted the need for “everyone to have food on the table.” Another student stressed the importance of creating a society that is more accessible for individuals with disabilities. Others expressed concerns about gas prices.

After asking questions and sharing their ideas, the students had the chance to talk about their experience with the Upward Bound program. Eddie Smith, a recent Hoquiam High School graduate, shared that being involved in Upward Bound has “taken the mystery out of going to college” and that the financial aid resources introduced in the program “make it more fiscally attainable to attend college.”

TRIO Upward Bound is one of three TRIO programs offered by GHC. The Upward Bound program is 100% federally-funded by the U.S. Department of Education and is dedicated to increasing academic awareness in Grays Harbor and Pacific counties. Upward Bound serves 60 students at Hoquiam High School, 30 students at Raymond High School, and 30 students at Ocosta High School. Through Upward Bound, students in these schools have access to financial literacy resources, academic help, career counseling, help planning next steps after high school, and more.

Aziza Ruiz, a sophomore at Raymond High School shares remarks with Representative Kilmer — Aziza Ruiz, a sophomore at Raymond High School, prepared remarks about her experience in TRIO Upward Bound, which she shared with Rep. Kilmer during his visit to GHC.

Kilmer’s visit occurred in the midst of Upward Bound’s six-week summer program, which featured trips to various colleges and universities throughout Washington, including GHC’s campus in Aberdeen and Educational Centers in Pacific County. “We made such amazing connections with our students in a short amount of time this summer,” said Sarina Tung, the director of GHC’s TRIO Upward Bound program. “Many came out of their shells and are starting to think about their life after high school. We even have a student who said they feel more prepared for the upcoming school year!”

Aziza Ruiz, a sophomore at Raymond High School, shared that her experience in Upward Bound gave her a new perspective on her life and her future. “I see hope. I see success. I also see and feel lots of love and encouragement all around,” Ruiz shared. Ruiz added that she looks forward to participating in TRIO programs throughout high school and beyond and she encouraged other students to check out TRIO. “Trying to make big decisions for the future can be challenging, especially alone. Thanks to the TRIO program and the amazing people involved, I now know I don’t have to feel or be alone. Why be alone when myself and others in TRIO can all begin together?”