Justin has always wanted to further his education beyond high school. To prove this, he started a paper route in sixth grade and started saving his money for college. Until this day, he still saves money so that he will have less debt when he graduates college.

Having worked in many different jobs, Justin realized he really needed to pursue higher education when he “realized how hard I had to work just to receive minimum wage”. This made him want to go to college so that he can have a better paying job and reach his full potential.

Justin’s TRiO advisor has helped him achieve his educational goals by providing him with direction. “She has answered any questions that I have, provided me with plenty of information to prepare me for college. She has gone out of her way to make sure that I can contact her at any time to ask even the simplest of questions.” Justin’s advisor has helped with everything from preparing for the SATs to filling out the FAFSA.

Justin received several awards during high school, including the Brewer High School Climate award, and Who’s Who in American High School all four years. He volunteers yearly in the Audubon Society Loon count and occasionally for the Move and Improve program at Eastern Maine Medical Center.

Justin is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree and knows his decision to attend college will have only a positive impact on the rest of his life and the life of his loved ones. “Due to college, I will have a great paying job and will be able to enjoy the money by eating well and buying the things that I and my family need.”

© 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)