Before Amanda decided she wanted to further her education, she wanted nothing to do with high school or college. Neither of her parents attended college, so she did not feel she needed to go. Then she realized that today you cannot go very far with just a high school diploma.

A turning point for Amanda was when her Talent Search counselor Steve Davis started talking to her about college. She did not have the best home life, so college was a way for her to get out of her house. That began her motivation.

Her TRiO advisor helped her in many ways. He got her motivated to go to college, helped her look at what colleges she should apply to, and what was a good path for her to take to reach her goals. Amanda received an academic technology award in high school, and also believes herself lucky to be able to be a big sister to her sister, Ashley.

Amanda is currently 17 and in high school. Her future educational plans are to go to the University of Maine at Presque Isle for social work. She would like to work with helping kids.

Her decision to go to college will change her life, but for the better. The one person she will miss while away will be her little sister Ashley. She hopes that attending college will have an impact on her sister, and the goals her sister has for her life. Amanda wants Ashley to achieve her goals and dreams, just like Amanda will.

© 2008 Maine Educational Talent Search (METS)

The Maine Educational Talent Search Project is funded entirely by the US Department of Education. The grant award for 2007-2008 is $510,255.

In complying with letter and spirit of applicable laws and in pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status or gender expression, national origin or citizenship status, age, disability, or veterans status in employment, education, and all other areas of the University. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Questions and complaints about discrimination in any area of the University should be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, the University of Maine, 5754 North Stevens Hall,Room 101, Orono, ME 04469-5754, telephone (207) 581-1226 ( voice and TDD) TYY (207) 581-9484.

This site last revised 3/3/2008 Comments or questions? Send email to Steve Visco (visco@umit.maine.edu)