Gearing Up For College

Mahlet Bekele, a sophomore at Sky View High School in Smithfield, Utah, is not your typical teenager.

Bekele moved from Addis Abeda, Ethipoia, in search of more opportunity and a better life just two years ago with her parents, two brothers, two sisters and nephew.

"My family came to the United States so we could have a better life, and getting an education will help me reach my goals," Bekele said. "I want to be the first in my family to graduate from college and set a good example for my little sister, Bete."

To help achieve her dream of graduating from college, Bekele enrolled in the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, known as GEAR UP.

GEAR UP is a national program administered by Utah State University that helps junior high and high school students prepare for and succeed at a university education.

GEAR UP students receive free tutoring, help with homework and advice from mentors who are current college students. GEAR UP students take part in monthly educational workshops and fieldtrips that focus on college preparation. Students also learn crucial life skills and how to prepare for college entrance exams.

"I took some of the GEAR UP students to one of my classes at Utah State, and I think it was very helpful for them to be on campus and get a sense of what the college experience is about," GEAR UP mentor Ashlee Thompson said. "We took a tour of the art building and did a financial aid workshop with the USU admissions office. The program helps students understand that college is a real possibility for them. It also helps them set a course for how to make it to college and be successful when they get there."

In addition to receiving help with tests, homework and learning about the academic side of college, GEAR UP students get a taste of the total college experience and learn life skills to help them succeed after high school.

"In GEAR UP, we've had lectures on healthy relationships, the ACT, financial aid, scholarships, career exploration, stress management and even attended basketball games at Utah State," Bekele said. "It helps me with my homework and helps me set goals and realize all of the opportunities that are available to me with a college degree."

Utah State was awarded a national grant and offers the GEAR UP program at North and South Cache 8th and 9th grade centers. GEAR UP is also offered at Mountain Crest, Sky View and Logan high schools.

Students in the GEAR UP program arrange a personalized program with their mentors. Students attend GEAR UP after school one to four days a week from 3-5 p.m. depending on the student's arrangement.

Bekele wants to attend Utah State and major in environmental or computer engineering. After completing her college degree, Bekele intends to return to her native country of Ethiopia and use her education to benefit her friends and neighbors.

"I want to learn all I can and go to college so I can set a good example for my sister, become an engineer and return to Ethiopia and improve the living conditions for the people there," Bekele said. " I have so many reasons to push myself to do well in school. I am lucky to have the chance to go to college. I need to do all I can to make that dream come true."

For more information about joining the GEAR Up program, contact Celestial Star Brandley at (435) 797-1758.