Eller Rodel Pipeline for Excellence Testimonials

Would you like more information? Contact Katie Smith in the Undergraduate Programs Office about early outreach initiatives.

Read Testimonials from:

• 8th Grade Students
• College Mentors

Amphitheater Middle School 8th Grade Student Testimonials

“Before this program I didn’t know if I wanted to finish high school. Now I know that I can make it.” Jessica Cornejo

“To get to college, I will need a lot of self motivation and discipline. I will need to be organized and on top of things. I need to start now.” Jennifer Valenzuela

“I realized that I need to think BIG about my future.” Sheyla Rivera

“My outlook on the future is much clearer.” Cynthia Pham

“Before this program I was saying if I go to college, but now I am saying when I go to college.”
JD Hanley

“The program has showed me how important it is to go to college, and choose a career that interests me…I am more excited than ever to go to college.” Noel Cristia

“This program provided me with the inspiration to think more about what I want to be when I grow up and what I have to do to get there.” Nichole Schehl

“This has altered my thoughts about the future…Now I can go to high school knowing what I want to be and knowing what to do to prepare for college.” Angela Baker

“It changed my outlook because it pointed me in the direction that I want to go. It taught me what the requirements are and what I should do to prepare.” Esley Hardin

“Many students didn’t think about going to a university or college, but since the mentors came, students have been thinking hard about their futures and what they want to be.” Alan Perez

“I was thinking of not going to college, but now I am going thanks to you.” Fernando Alvarez

“By going to college, I am increasing my chance of being successful in life.” Aaron Grover

“I have learned that you can do anything by setting your mind to it... This was an amazing learning experience and I am now more confident of my education.” Mambo Kwaambwa

“I promised myself that I am going to do anything to try to go to college.” Marciela Angulo

“I knew I wanted to go to college, but this program pushed me even more.” Crawford Coker

“This experience has changed the way I look at school…It makes me want to do my best to succeed.” Katy Newman

“My mentor inspired us to start taking classes seriously and to think about college.” Ana Karla Villegas

“My whole outlook on careers has changed because now I understand that if I don’t stay in school and maintain decent grades no career will follow.” Dallas Nelson

“Although I already planned on going to college, I became more interested and better informed.”
Griffen St.Clair

College Mentor Testimonials

“This program quickly became the most important thing in an already chaotic semester. This has been the most fulfilling program I have been involved with in college. I loved the challenge of getting kids excited about their future. The tangible aspect of actually seeing the impact that you’re making on kids is by far my favorite part of this program.” Patrick Freeman

“It is a great way to give back to the community and get involved. This is an extremely rewarding program that any student would be lucky to participate in.” Chris Mugford

“ It’s a great experience, not just something to put on your résumé; it’s a program that involves time and effort as well as dedication to encouraging young minds to set achievable goals and aspirations.”
Phoebe Perkins

“ The time in the classroom was rewarding and sometimes challenging. With respect to teaching, I appreciate more the effort that goes into keeping a young person’s attention for 50 minutes, and especially the time it takes to develop a lesson. I also enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate and work with my peer students and share in this experience.” Julia Robertson Cowan

“My favorite thing was connecting with my students and seeing their attitude about college change as the program progressed. I think the most valuable thing for the students was having someone in their lives encouraging them in school and telling them that they ALL have the opportunity and the ability to go to college.

This program is one of the best things that I have done in college. I got to build relationships with over 40 students, and I feel like I really made a difference in their lives. Even if this program got one student to think about going to college who wasn’t before, than I think all the hard work is worth it! Its fun, fulfilling and it really helps us give back to the Tucson community.” Elaine Bilby

“ The experience itself should sell the program. The gratification a mentor will receive after being involved with this program will be one that he/she will never forget.” Rimal Popat