The postsecondary process can be overwhelming. Knowing exactly what to do after high school can be a challenge, and sometimes being pointed in the right direction can make all the difference in a student’s path towards their desired future. Helping students find their way is just one of the many things GEAR UP Coaches do to support our students.
Marina Pro is a senior at Amphitheater High School in Tucson, Arizona, and will be attending Adams State University in Alamosa, Colorado, this Fall. She plans to study sociology and play on the school’s softball team. But this wasn’t always the plan. At first, Marina wasn’t sure where she wanted to go to school, so she reached out to her GEAR UP Coach, Ms. Laura Watson.
To Marina, “Coach Watson” represents two important roles in her life, GEAR UP Coach and Softball Coach. Marina has known Ms. Watson for years, as Ms. Watson coached Marina’s club and school softball teams. When Marina approached Ms. Watson about potential schools, Ms. Watson knew what to do.
“Coach Watson actually mentioned Adams State because she knows other girls already attending there. So, we scheduled a visit up there, and I fell in love with the place,” Marina said.
On her trip to Adams State University, Marina learned about the school’s academic programs and was introduced to the Grizzlies softball coach. Marina knew she wanted to go to school in Alamosa, and Ms. Watson was there to help make it a reality. They worked on applications, financial aid, and setting Marina up for the Fall.
As a GEAR UP Coach and softball coach, Ms. Watson has the highest praise for Marina.
“Marina is the sweetest risk taker I have met in a long time. Her passion and confidence allows her to shoot for the stars,” Ms. Watson said.
Without GEAR UP and Coach Watson, Marina says she isn’t sure what she would be doing after high school.
“You guys help to change people’s lives. Really, because my parents didn’t go to college, and we had trouble trying to figure out some things, and it took forever to research things. And so GEAR UP was a big help. A really big help,” Marina said.
GEAR UP Coaches can be found in our 5E High Schools and support students academically and help them plan for life after graduation.